Balloon Rides in Beatrix Potter's Lake District Who could fail to have been enthralled in childhood by the characters in Beatrix Potter's little white books?
Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin are, of course, still alive and well in the Lake District and it is always a possibility that they could be seen from the wicker basket as you take a balloon ride with us over some of the Lake District countryside so beloved of Beatrix Potter!
|  |
|
Whilst she made her home at Hill Top, Sawrey (for which she paid £2805.00 in 1905!) her influence spread far wider and on her death in December 1943 her Lakeland farming estate extended to some 4000+ acres. Having befriended Canon Rawnsley, one of the founders of The National Trust, it is hardly surprising that Hill Top was bequeathed to The Trust who now have the difficult task of managing its 65,000+ annual visitors, together with her fourteen farms and flocks of Herdwick sheep. (Follow the link to download the 'Baarmy Sheep' ringtone!)
|
|
 | She stipulated in her will that the farms she left to the Trust should be let at a moderate rent, and that the landlord's flocks of sheep on the fell farms should be pure Herdwick in breed. Of late this has caused the Trust to make some controversial decisions on the management of their inheritance. Beatrix was the first woman to be elected president-designate of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders' Association, which continues to flourish.
|
|
What more exclusive way is there to visit Miss Potter's Lake District than by hot air balloon? With the right wind conditions you could be one of a select few to fly over Hill Top near Esthwaite Water in a hot air balloon and capture an aerial image of this delightful house, although of course, with the weather dependency of ballooning no promises can be given that your flight path will allow this. All our flights do, however, take place over countryside typical of that owned by Miss Potter around Hawkshead in South Lakeland and allow you to appreciate from the air her legacy to the Nation.
|
|
| Other Beatrix Potter properties have been captured in the 2006 film Miss Potter, with Beatrix being well portrayed by Renee Zellweger. These include Yew Tree Farm near Coniston which she bought in 1930. As a result of her practical and sympathetic influence on the landscape of the Lake District through her farming, including support for the Lakeland Herdwick sheep, she must be regarded as one of the pioneer conservators of all that is considered true Lakeland. |  |
|
| We have links to a number of specific Beatrix Potter related facilities in 'Places to Visit and Things to Do' for anyone wishing to find out more about this remarkable lady. |
|
| |
