Things to Do
The World of Beatrix
Potter Visitors can explore Peter Rabbit's Garden, Jemima Puddleduck's woodland glade, and Mr. McGregor's Greenhouse at this small museum and amusement park. It offers a freedom pass that provides unlimited visits for up to two adults and two children per year. The Old Laundry, Bowness-on-Windermere.
South Lakes Wild Animal ParkOne of Britain's best zoos is home to Sumatran tigers, rare lemurs, giraffes, and—if you're there at the right time— baby gorillas, in a sprawling natural setting. Finish the day with a ride on the mini steam train. Broughton Road, Dalton in Furness, 44-1229-466086.
Hill Top HousePotter's former home, a charming 17th-century farmhouse, has been well preserved, offering visitors a chance to view her original sketches and see which pieces of her life made their way to her books. Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, 44-15394-36269.
Tarn HowsThe perfect spot for a family picnic (keep an eye out for ducklings), this picturesque lake is surrounded by dense woodland that Potter helped to achieve national-park status. Boon Crag, Coniston, 44-15394-41197.
Holehird GardensWander along the walled former kitchen garden that now features herbs and perennials, learn about rare trees and shrubs, scramble over rocks, or skip through the heath. The 10 acres of plants and parks are best to visit in the spring and fall. 44-15394-46008.
Castlerigg Stone CircleThis 38-stone ring is thought to have been constructed in 3000 B.C.; it has both astronomical and geometrical significance. Thousands of visitors come annually to look, photograph, draw, and guess why (and by whom) the stone circle was built. Keswick.
Windermere Lake CruiseThe 10-mile trip from Lakeside to Bowness and Ambleside takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes and offers scenic views from the steamer-ship decks. 44-15395-31188.
Old Coffin RouteWilliam Wordsworth "wandered lonely as a cloud" along this gentle 4¼-mile trail, which goes from Wordsworth's two homes, Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage, through Grasmere, past the old slate quarry of Rydal Caves, and through Dora's Field, a pasture dotted with wildflowers. The path climbs just high enough to catch a glimpse of the Rydal Waters and barren moors to the south.
