Hill Top
Cumbria, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF
Telephone 015394 36269
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Hill Top is the 17th-century farmhouse Beatrix Potter bought in 1905 and used as the setting for several of her tales. It's small, so tickets are sold in timed half-hour slots, and reviewers say the rooms feel authentically preserved, set within countryside they describe as coming straight out of one of her illustrations.
Worth the trip
The doorway, instantly recognisable to reviewers from historic photographs of Beatrix Potter standing in it.
Before you go
Booking ahead is essential since tickets are limited and sold in timed slots, and the small car park fills fast - arrive at least 10-30 minutes before your entry time.
Reviewers consistently highlight Hill Top's beautiful Lake District setting and the strong connection to Beatrix Potter, with the recreated doorway and small, well-kept rooms drawing particular praise. Booking ahead is repeatedly flagged as essential, since the house is small and admits visitors in limited half-hour timeslots, and the car park is similarly limited so early arrival is recommended. There is no play area and visits tend to be short, around an hour, though the gift shop is noted as a highlight for Beatrix Potter fans. Seasonal children's trails, such as an Easter egg hunt, are mentioned as a nice touch.
17th-century farmhouse bought by Beatrix Potter in 1905, setting for several of her tales
“Very pleasant house and garden. A lot to be seen and adored even as adult”- DESISLAVA DENKOVA-WADE, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking can be difficult so we arrived 30 minutes before our tickets but we managed to find a space and was allowed in early.” - Jacob Baylis
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Every turn gives you something new to take in, from quiet lanes to open landscapes, all steeped in that classic Lake District beauty.” - Paul Whitey
Common questions about Hill Top
Where is Hill Top?
Hill Top is in Cumbria, England, at Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hill Top?
Yes - Hill Top is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Hill Top?
The doorway, instantly recognisable to reviewers from historic photographs of Beatrix Potter standing in it.
Is Hill Top a ruin or still intact?
Hill Top is largely intact - 17th-century farmhouse bought by Beatrix Potter in 1905, setting for several of her tales.
