Thursday, June 16, 2016

Lake District, A Dream Come True

People ask, "what was the highlight of your trip?".
I must say this particular day was definitely one of the highlights.
It brought tears to my eyes realizing this dream come true adventure.
So early morning we caught the train in London and rode for 2 1/2 hours
to the Lake District.
The Lake District is a National Trust due to the efforts of Beatrix Potter and others.
Yes, the Beatrix Potter that wrote many books, including Peter Rabbit.
With her income from the books she invested in land in the Lake District
as a way of keeping her beloved part of England free from development.
Upon her death the land was bequeathed to England as a National Trust.
We were met at the train station by lovely Lisa from Mountain Goat.
For the day she shared her love of the Lake District.
Then back to London we went in the evening.
What an adventure!!!!!
Enjoy the photos from this special day!
Wray Castle, where Beatrix and her family often stayed
when visiting the Lake District.



The home where Beatrix and her husband later lived.
It was across the road from her Hill Top cottage below.
We walked through her garden to approach and tour her home.
The entrance to Hill Top Cottage taken from Peter Rabbit's garden.
My heart did a happy dance to be here and picture each of her characters dancing in the garden.  No photos were allowed on the indoors, sorry.
Scenes from the garden.
Walking along the path some sheep grazed nearby.
Beatrix also promoted sheep farming for the Lake District
and their were sheep grazing all over the hillsides.

The happy girl in the garden.
Part of the tour was exploring the villages in the Lake District.
I think it was Hawkshead.  We stopped here for lunch.
My "live-in gardener" and I bought sandwiches and walked up
into the church yard, which looked down on the village.
Beatrix was instrumental in turning this swampy area into a gorgeous lake.
There were signs of wild life and many birds as we paused in our day for a short walk.
The house here was where the Beatrix Potter film was actually filmed.
It wasn't her house, but it was easier for the film crew to move about here.
The barn next door was for the sheep.
Do you see the porch on the side of the barn?
That was for the young women to sit and spin the wool
Young farmers would come along to watch them,
then often fell in love and married them.
The last young women left on the porch as called a "spinster".
Thus, the term came to being.
Fascinating story?!  True? It was told as a true story.
Later in the afternoon we took a boat ride across Lake Windermere, 
the largest of the lake in the Lake District.
This is Wray Castle from the lake.  There are the sheep again.
 The house above was just a random shot from the boat.
Gorgeous?!!!!

As a final end of the day treat we had cream tea at
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Windermere.
This property was once owned by Beatrix,
where she housed her parents in later years.
It was a bit chilly for tea outdoors, but I could easily
imagine sitting here and reflecting on the beauty of the surroundings
with my tea and scones and of course a dollop or two of strawberry jam
and Cornish cream.

15 comments:

Linda P said...

I've so enjoyed this post Marilyn. I can see why it was a dream come true to be in the Lake District and to visit Beatrix Potter's home in such a picturesque setting. She was an inspirational woman in so many ways. It's years since I've been in the Lake District, but still remember the boat trip on Lake Windermere as being one of the highlights when on a long summer holiday tour around England, Wales and Scotland. You have some wonderful memories of your time away too.

Laurie said...

Marilyn I loved Beatrix Potter. This to me would be worth the whole trip. Gorgeous photo's, what an awesome day!

Antiques And Teacups said...

Wonderful photos! An area I've not spent much time in...always heading to a relative's home in another area. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth

Rosemary said...

Such at delightful adventure! Your photos captured the day - and thanks for sharing them with us!

Steph said...

Beatrix AND tea - what a perfect day!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

wonderful story about the spinster. I just posted on my grandmother who was considered a spinster when she finally married at 26 in the early 1900's, so I found your info about how the name evolved very interesting.

La Tea Dah said...

No words. Just savoring this wonderful post.

Laura Morrigan said...

My dream place to visit, too! Love this so much!

relevanttealeaf said...

My hubby and I had a brief stop at the Lake District on our first trip to England that was sponsored by Globus Tours, but it wasn't nearly long enough. I LOVE your photos.

Tracy said...

Oh, Marilyn...this is the BEST!! Teary-eyed... The Lake District has been on my "someday" list for a loong time, and I'm still hoping for the someday! ;). Sooo VERY happy for younthat this big dream came true for you! JOY to see! ((HUGS))

Time Traveling in Costume said...

I loved reliving our trip there and recognizing all the same places you took photos. And here I was hoping you could have taken photos inside Potter's house so I could see that. :( And yes, I had that same *big sigh* standing in her gardens.
I'm jealous that your hubby will go to all those places for tea. Mine wanted FOOD but he did bear with me a few times.
Val

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Marilyn, wonderful post! I love Beatrix Potter but didn't manage to see her part of the Lake District. Perhaps now that my latest known relatives in the Lake District have died, I can see the "non-family" sites next time.

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful pictures & delightful story Marilyn!!! Now, I want to relive my childhood (at 52) and read all of Beatrix Potter's stories since now I have pictures and your travelogue to refer back too! Delightful! Thank you!!!

Jeanie said...

Marilyn, I can see why this was one of your favorite days. I'm quite sure it would have topped my list, too. I love Beatrix Potter's works (did you see Mae's blog about her? Fascinating!). She was such a remarkable artist and from very young. It is just as I'd imagine it. I, too, would have the biggest, most contented sigh!

Teresa said...

Such beautiful scenery. I feel as though I am visiting myself!
Sips and Smiles,
Teresa