A charming cottage once owned by beloved children's author Beatrix Potter continues to draw thousands of visitors every year, with many describing it as a "must" for fans of her famous tales.
Hill Top, in the Lake District village of Near Sawrey, is less than an hour's drive from Lancashire and offers visitors the chance to step inside the home that inspired some of Potter's best-known stories.
Now cared for by the National Trust, the 17th-century farmhouse was bought by Potter in 1905 and became her treasured retreat.
The author filled the house with her favourite belongings and used the cottage and surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children's books, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
The attraction has been recognised as a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice winner for 2026 and holds a rating of 4.3 out of five from more than 2,700 reviews.
Visitors can explore the rooms largely as Potter left them, with many recognising furniture and scenes that later appeared in her illustrations.
The gardens are also a popular feature, offering a glimpse into the landscapes that helped shape her stories.
One reviewer described the cottage as a rewarding insight into Potter's life and legacy.
They said: "It is charming and a rewarding insight into her world.
"It reminds us that we should celebrate her in several roles: as a successful independent woman; a more than capable farmer; a pioneering children's author and illustrator; and a progressive conservationist."
Potter was also instrumental in preserving the Lake District, donating around 4,000 acres of land and 15 farms to the National Trust.
Another visitor praised the cottage's literary connections, writing: "What a lovely little cottage.
"Amazing to walk round and discover all the things that prompted the ideas for her books."
A third reviewer recommended visiting later in the day to avoid crowds, saying: "We decided to book in the afternoon, which turned out to be a good decision as the cottage was less crowded.
"All the staff were very welcoming."
Others highlighted the property's importance to Potter enthusiasts.
One visitor wrote: "A visit to this treasure is a must for any Beatrix Potter fan.
"So many views and items that feature in her book illustrations and so many insights into the amazing woman who saved the Lake District from over-development and inspired generations of children with her phenomenal stories."
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The National Trust advises visitors to book in advance, particularly during busy periods, as numbers inside the cottage are limited.
Most people spend between 45 minutes and 90 minutes exploring the house and gardens.
For Lancashire residents looking for an easy day trip, Hill Top offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of one of Britain's most celebrated authors while enjoying some of the Lake District's most picturesque scenery.
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