More about the trip
NOTE: Booking closes on 31 March 2025
On this page you can read more about the special activities of this trip. We, of course, will visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's farmhouse, walk through the idyllic village of Near Sawrey and we will walk through the hills around Near Sawrey in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, where, weather permitting, we will have a picnic. And, on another day, we walk from Near Sawrey to the medieval market town of Hawkshead, a walk that Beatrix Potter probably did regularly.
At Yew Tree Farm, you will get to know Herwick sheep, the sheep that Beatrix Potter was committed to, through the Herdwick Experience. And on the last day, Friday 26 September, we leave the beautiful Lake District to visit Alison O'Neill who runs a sheep farm on a very beautiful spot in the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales. We end our week with lunch at Farfield Mill, an old wool weaving mill where, in addition to a display-museum, artists have their studios, there are exhibitions and there is a shop where you can buy work by these local artists. Optionally, in the afternoon you can go for a walk with Alison, shepherdess, through the area she calls home.
And of course, during the trip, you will also have some time to yourself, to spend in and around Yew Tree Farm, relax, sit in the hot tub or go hiking in the area by yourself if you like.
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's farmhouse
We, of course, visit Hill Top, the farmhouse that Beatrix Potter bought in 1905, when she was 39, from the earnings of her first little book, Peter Rabbit. Until her death in 1943, Hill Top was her most beloved place. There she worked on her little books; many illustrations feature the house, garden and the village of Near Sawrey. She planted a beautiful cottage garden and vegetable garden at Hill Top and furnished the house with antique furniture she bought in the region. Upstairs, she had an extra room built,on the walls hang paintings by her brother. Because Hill Top was also really a farm (and still is), she had an annex built, attached to the house for the farm tenants who ran the farm.
After her death in 1943, in addition to her beloved Hill Top, she left over 4,000 acres of Lake District land, 15 farms and several cottages to the National Trust, a heritage and conservation organisation, so that they would remain protected even after her death. It was her explict wish that Hill Top should remain exactly as she had left it, as her last work of art. And the fireplace in the big stove is still lit every day, just as Beatrix Potter did.
After her death in 1943, in addition to her beloved Hill Top, she left over 4,000 acres of Lake District land, 15 farms and several cottages to the National Trust, a heritage and conservation organisation, so that they would remain protected even after her death. It was her explict wish that Hill Top should remain exactly as she had left it, as her last work of art. And the fireplace in the big stove is still lit every day, just as Beatrix Potter did.
Near Sawrey
The village where Hill Top is located is an idyllic Lake District village, with whitewashed and grey stone houses with grey roofs, made of local slate. Here you can recognise many things that Beatrix Potter drew, such as the pub The Tower Bank Arms, which is next to Hill Top. Once Beatrix drew the pub as an illustration in the booklet ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck (The Story of Josephine Puddle-Duck), the pub still looks exactly the same.
Little seems to have changed in this idyllic northern English village since Beatrix Potter lived there.
Little seems to have changed in this idyllic northern English village since Beatrix Potter lived there.
Walks in the Footsteps of Beatrix Potter
We will walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, to places around Near Sawrey that she loved. We will walk from the village into the hills to a small lake where Beatrix Potter loved to come and sketch. From that spot, we can follow the footpaths into the hills. On another day, we walk from Near Sawrey (or from Yew Tree Farm) to the pretty medieval market town of Hawkshead. This is a nice, easy one-hour walk. We walk along the Esthwaite Water, a lake over which you have beautiful views. Hawkshead is well worth visiting, Beatrix Potter will have made this walk regularly, the office of her husband William Heelis, who was a solicitor, was located in Hawkshead. Hawkshead has beautiful old streets, whitewashed cottages and there are quaint little shops.
We will also walk from Yew Tree Farm to the beautiful Tarn Hows, a short 15-minute walk, where there are fantastic views. And there is an easy walking trail around Lake Tarn Hows. Yew Tree Tarn, another small lake, is also close to Yew Tree farm. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes small and big in the Lake District!
We will also walk from Yew Tree Farm to the beautiful Tarn Hows, a short 15-minute walk, where there are fantastic views. And there is an easy walking trail around Lake Tarn Hows. Yew Tree Tarn, another small lake, is also close to Yew Tree farm. There is no shortage of beautiful lakes small and big in the Lake District!
Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm
During our stay at Yew Tree Farm, that extraordinary whitewashed 17th-century farmhouse, you will have the chance to get up close and personal with the typical Lake District Herdwick sheep.
During Yew Tree Farm's Herdwick Experience, you'll get a guided tour of this special farm and learn more about Herdwick sheep and herding in the Lake District. And it is a unique opportunity to meet the farm's very friendly ‘Ambassador’ sheep flock, which offers guests many photo opportunities.
The tour begins with a focus on Herdwick sheep as a breed. Their cultural significance in relation to the Lake District is explained, and you learn about their connection to Beatrix Potter. You will learn how their wool is used, why the lambs are a different colour to their parents and many more Herdwick facts! The second half of the tour consists of a walk through the fields around Yew Tree Farm, covering the farm's significance, heritage, architectural features, animals, wildlife and the beautiful landscape around it.
This is followed by a visit to Yew Tree's super-friendly ‘Yew Tree Farm Ambassador Herdwick Flock’. Unlike most of the 800-plus Herdwick sheep on the farm, these animals enjoy and actively seek the company of humans. This is the perfect opportunity to view and photograph these special sheep up close.
This is followed by a visit to Yew Tree's super-friendly ‘Yew Tree Farm Ambassador Herdwick Flock’. Unlike most of the 800-plus Herdwick sheep on the farm, these animals enjoy and actively seek the company of humans. This is the perfect opportunity to view and photograph these special sheep up close.
Herdwick Sheep
Herdwick is an ancient breed of sheep from the Lake District whose origins go back very far in history. The word Herdwyck, which probably originated from the Old Norse word herdvyck, meaning sheep pasture, occurred as early as the 12th century. Herdwicks are sturdy built and can withstand the harsh conditions on the Lake District fells. Their thick grey-brown coat is structured to provide optimum protection with a double coat structure; a woolly undercoat and a hairy outer coat that protects against cold strong winds just like their wild ancestors had.
Herdwicks graze most of the year on the high rugged hills called fells. There, they feel most at home. Even in the most difficult and rugged terrain, they can survive and find plenty to eat. Herdwicks are important for preserving the Lake District's landscape. Beatrix Potter has been very committed to preserving the breed and their living conditions.
Alison O'Neill, Shepherdess
On the last day, Friday 26 September, we leave Yew Tree Farm and travel just outside the Lake District National Park to the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales National Park. There we will visit Alison O'Neill, shepherdess. Alison has a beautiful old farm where she keeps her flock of sheep, her ‘Fiber Flock’ which means that she keeps her sheep for wool that is processed into various products, including beautiful woollen dog leashes. Alison gives us a warm welcome in her farmhouse or, weather permitting, in the garden, with coffee or tea, scones and cakes. She then leads us, together with her Border Collie Shadow, around the farm where we meet her friendly sheep in the surrounding hills.
After visiting with Alison, our week ends with lunch at Farfield Mill, an old wool weaving mill where, in addition to a display museum, artists have their studios, there are exhibitions and a shop where you can buy work by these local artists.
Optionally, in the afternoon you can go for a walk with Alison through the area where she grew up and lives, the place she calls home. (not included in the price)
After visiting with Alison, our week ends with lunch at Farfield Mill, an old wool weaving mill where, in addition to a display museum, artists have their studios, there are exhibitions and a shop where you can buy work by these local artists.
Optionally, in the afternoon you can go for a walk with Alison through the area where she grew up and lives, the place she calls home. (not included in the price)
All photos © Anna Rubingh
