Celebrating Beatrix Potter's anniversary in the Lake District

2016 marks a special milestone for us as it's 150 years since Beatrix Potter was born. We're celebrating with a fun-filled year of special events, activities and exhibitions. Beatrix was a remarkable character and we've a lot to thank her for in the Lake District - step into our world to find out more about her.

Beatrix Potter in Hill Top porch, Cumbria — Author Beatrix Potter donated 4000 acres to the Trust in 1943

Beatrix Potter Awards - nominations open

To bring Beatrix Potter's amazing birthday year to an exciting and fitting close, we're launching the first ever National Trust Beatrix Potter Awards and nominations are now open.

Read the list

Beatrix Potter at Keswick show — Beatrix Potter became a respected farmer and president of Keswick Show

Thanks, Beatrix

In July 2016, Beatrix Potter would have been 150! So it’s a great opportunity to have the biggest year of birthday celebrations to say ‘Thanks, Beatrix’ in lots of different ways.

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Beatrix Potter's Viewpoints

Stand in the footprints of artist and author Beatrix Potter, and see the views that inspired her creativity

Download the trail map

Children running down Hill Top garden path, Cumbria — Blow off some energy at Hill Top

At Beatrix's House, Hill Top

At her own house, you can take a unique showcase tour of Hill Top, join a birthday picnic or take a special guided walk. The 7 July also marks 70 years since we opened Hill Top to our visitors, so there's double celebrations that month!

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Photo of the original Benjamin Bunny on step — The original Benjamin Bunny - one of Beatrix Potter's favourites!

Step inside the Beatrix Potter Gallery

A new gallery exhibition showcases original illustrations from classic Beatrix Potter books such as The Tale of Jemina Puddleduck.

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Beatrix Potter sketching on Derwent Water in 1903 — Beatrix Potter sketching by Derwent Water in 1903, photographed by her father Rupert

Wordsworth House and Garden Cumbria

Stories to charm and inspire at Wordsworth House

William Wordsworth isn’t the only Lakeland wild child who grew up to be a world-wide literary legend. Visit us this year for some very special exhibitions, events and activities to mark the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth.

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Beatrix Potter as an older woman in the Hill Top garden with one of her sheepdogs — Beatrix Potter with one of her beloved sheepdogs, Kep, enjoying the Hill Top garden

Exploring friendships at Allan Bank

Allan Bank was once home to National Trust founder Canon Rawnsley and this year we're exploring the inspiration Beatrix took from her friendship with Rawnsley. Did you know he helped with one of the little books?

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