My Dear Beatrix...
Send Beatrix Potter a letter about your connection to her, her stories, and the Lake District that she loved and was inspired by.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
It may be a dying art, but writing letters is how Beatrix Potter’s ‘little books’ began. In a handwritten letter to Noel Moore, the first son of her last governess, Beatrix wrote, ‘My dear Noel, I don’t know what to write to you, so I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits whose names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter.’
To celebrate 120 years since Beatrix Potter purchased Hill Top with the money she made from her ‘little books’, we are collecting letters to Beatrix Potter from anyone who loves her, her work, or the Lake District that she protected and used as inspiration. Start your letter with ‘My Dear Beatrix…’ and post it to Hill Top throughout 2025.
Where to send it: Beatrix Potter C/o National Trust Hill Top Near Sawrey, Cumbria, LA22 0LF
We regret that we are unable to respond to everyone, but do keep an eye on our website and social media, where we will post some of our favourites. For this reason, please keep any identifying information out of the letter, or we will not be able to use it. We intend to use the letters for a future project, so follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BeatrixPotterNT/ and keep an eye on our event page for updates.
We prefer letters sent through the post, but if you’re unable to do so, feel free to email your letter to hilltop@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Times
The basics
- Suitability
Children are welcome to send letters too!
- Meeting point
This event is not held onsite and can be completed from the comfort of your own home. However, you're welcome to bring your letter with you on a visit. Just hand it to the reception team on arrival.
- Accessibility
This project is completely accessible; anyone can get involved.
- Other
We will not be able to respond to your letter, but some favourites will be displayed in the house leading up to our future project. Always check the website before visiting Hill Top to check our opening days and times. As this event is not happening onsite it is advertised on days when the property is closed.
Upcoming events
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Have you ever wondered how our team cares for Hill Top and the objects Beatrix Potter left to the National Trust?
Mischief in Miniature
The Tale of Two Bad Mice comes to life at Hill Top, with little needle-felted mice in various mischievous scenes around the property for you to try and spot.
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Join the Hill Top Farm team on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey, renowned as the first farm owned by Beatrix Potter.
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Join author Jenny Clark in the orchard for some short yoga sessions inspired by her book ‘Imagine a World’.