Today I'd like for you to go with us to a most special gallery in Hawkshead, England. Beatrix Potter's first visit was noted in her journal:
"Went to Hawkshead. Had a series of adventures, asked the way three times, lost continually, alarmed by collies at every farm, stuck in stiles, chased once by cows. "
Journal entry for August 19, 1882
My journal entry for our visit there last fall is a little different, but I can see how all of those adventures happened to Beatrix!
Riding in the English countryside it's always nice to have a car in front of us.
It's kind of like a guiding light for us folks that are not used to driving on the left.
The golden leaves made a lovely tunnel to drive through.
Sheep grazing and soaking up the beautiful fall sunshine.
Hawkshead is a lovely little village that has dealt in wool trading since the early seventeenth century. Having shops and banks and inns it was here that William Heelis had his law office. Beatrix used his services to purchase some of her properties. Of course, you know he later married Beatrix Potter.
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| Beatrix Potter Gallery in former law office of William Heelis |
You may recognize many places around Hawkshead as it inspired Beatrix to use in her little books about the adventures of Peter Rabbit and friends. Hawkshead has changed very little since Miss Potter visited this area.
Going inside of the gallery we are greeted by a lovely fire. This gallery is run by the National Trust. I can't say enough about the wonderful job they do taking care of so many properties.
Mandy Marshall's lovely Herdwick products are sold in the gallery. She is hosting along with Susan Branch a picnic in May at her home, Castle Cottage. I know some of you lucky souls are going to this event. Castle Cottage was the home of Beatrix Potter and William Heelis.
I'll be sharing photos later about Hilltop and Castle Cottage. We can't possibly come to the Lake District without visiting there!
The gallery is full of original works of art by the amazing Beatrix Potter.
After looking at Beatrix Potter's lovely work we walked around Hawkshead and had a lovely lunch.
I hope you can find something you will enjoy for lunch.
Grayden had the chicken, brie and cranberry panini.
And I had the Coronation chicken salad. Delicious!
Great thought above our table!
Walking around town we continued to see beautiful flowers. Aren't these baskets lovely against the white?
We enjoyed walking the same streets as Miss Potter and her future husband, William Heelis. Come with us next time as we continue our Golden Anniversary trip in Britain. ♥
I really enjoyed this! I love her books and drawings and enjoyed them with our boys and now our grands. Next time across the pond I'd love to visit Hawkshead!
ReplyDeleteDotsie, Hawkshead is a quaint little village that I'm sure you would enjoy. Beatrix Potter's footprints are all over the place there. ♥
DeleteYour Golden Wedding Anniversary trip continues amazingly ... and I'm enjoying every step. We have some beautiful scenery and wonderful places in the UK and it is always so interesting to see it from someone else's perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful area of the UK and your photographs are a delight.
Yummy Coronation chicken salad too, it looks delicious.
Until the next time ...
My good wishes
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan for coming along with us. I sure hope I do your lovely country justice! As you can probably tell, we adore England! Have a wonderful week. ♥
DeleteHawkshead is one of the places we will visit while staying in Near Sawrey! I can't believe it's coming up so quickly now!
ReplyDeleteIt will be here before you know it, Cathy. I'm glad you are visiting Hawkshead. It's not to be missed! ♥
DeleteWhat a delightful post. I had been anticipating this visit to Hawkshead. Our Beatrix would be pleased, I think, that the properties are being so well cared for.
ReplyDeleteOh, she would! She really wanted this area to be preserved and bless her for making it happen. What a visionary she was! ♥
DeleteOh you lucky lady! I'd simply love to visit that area, I adore Beatrix Potter and her artwork and stories. I also loved the movie about her, too. Just divine. Thank you for sharing this with all of your readers! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteOh Teresa, Beatrix Potter was amazing, wasn't she? You would feel right at home in the Lake District soaking up her magic. I will be posting more about her and her home in Near Sawrey. She is the reason I fell in love with England. ♥
DeleteI love the Beatrix Potter artwork. You know I never watched the movie about her. I will definitely make a point of it now. Beautiful baskets of flowers to admire on your walk and you both had a great looking lunch. Looking forward to seeing the cottage you mentioned in your post.
ReplyDeletebetsy
Beatrix Potter was a multi-talented woman that was way ahead of her time. I'm glad you will be joining us as we continue our visit in the UK, Betsy. We have a lot of territory to cover and I'm posting when I can. Have a great week. ♥
DeleteIt was nice beautiful visit.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to share our visit with you, Krishna. ♥
DeleteHow fun- I am so enjoying seeing where you traveled. I know I would enjoy being in England especially the countryside and seeing the many gardens. I see others have commented about a movie regarding Beatrix Potter- I’ll have to see that!
ReplyDeleteLiz, England is worth the visit if only to see the gardens. They make me sigh....♥
DeleteLooks like you had an amazing time. I love doing things like this. haha...I even just love jumping in the car with my camera and going, going......gone!
ReplyDeletePam, our trip was all that we dreamed it would be and more. I take so many photos and my camera is never too far. Have a nice week. ♥
DeleteOMG ... My heart just leapt with joy at the thought of visiting this area... I absolutely adore Beatrix Potter... Her characters have always been a favourite even before the movie came out and sensationalized her name to a new generation ... I love the simplicity of her imaginative work..What a talent ... and What a journey for both you and your husband ... You do enjoy the most wonderful trips together..BRAVO... I love reading your posts my Friend... They are always from the heart with Joy and Love.... Please do have a HAPPY EASTER
ReplyDeleteZaa , Beatrix Potter is one of my all time heroes. She was an amazing talented woman that left 14 farms and more than 4000 acres of land to the National Trust. Without her vision the Lake District would not be the same. I will be writing more about her and her knowledge of fungi. It's always lovely to meet another fan who respects her and her talent. Thank you so much for your sweet comments! Have a wonderful Easter! ♥
DeleteI say this about many of the places that you visit . . . but Hawkshead is completely charming! It must be surreal to be walking the places where Beatrix Potter lived and worked! Her work is timeless.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, those baskets of gorgeous flowers pop against the white walls!
Cheryl, I feel the same way when I write about our travels in England. How could one country have so much charm? Adding Beatrix Potter to it all just makes it perfect for my soul. ♥
DeleteI so enjoyed this little piece of England. I love Beatrix Potter and her world. Happy Easter, my friend.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, we all share a special place in our hearts for the wonderful Beatrix Potter. Happy Passover to you, my friend! xo ♥
DeleteOh, Martha Ellen! This made my heart skip a beat! Thank you so much for taking us along to Hawkshead. Your photos are glorious! I just love knowing that you have walked where Beatrix walked, my friend. It is a dream of mine! Perhaps, one day... ♡
ReplyDeleteDawn, it's been so much fun reliving our celebration with you and everyone that comes to my little corner. You would absolutely love this area as much as we did! We had to come back and continue to soak up all the magic that is Beatrix Potter! I do believe that dreams come true, dear one. ♥
DeleteOh my goodness, there is so much to love about this post! First, the photo of you standing in almost the same position as the drawing with the cart. I love it! And of course the connection to Beatrix Potter. We've never been to Cumbria, but it is on our short list for, hopefully, 2019. The beautiful wool outfit reminded me of the website www.shepherdess.co.uk, which I had just visited before visiting your blog this morning! It's probably a good thing that I can't wear wool. LOL Such beautiful scenery you shared with us. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJudy, I'm almost positive you would enjoy Cumbria as much a we do! It's absolutely beautiful. Our weather does not allow the wearing of too much wool clothing. I do save my handmade wool sweaters for our really cold days and of course when we visit Britain! I'm so happy for you to be planning another trip. That's one of the best parts of traveling. Blessings to you and your family this Easter. ♥
DeletePerhaps one day you’ll wind up in England at the same time as Susan...then you can attend the picnic, too. It’s a very charming village this and wonderful that not much has changed.
ReplyDeleteVee, I am so glad that there are places that don't change through the years. It's rather shocking how much our town has changed in the years we've lived here.
DeleteIt would be wonderful to meet Susan Branch. Maybe one day.
Blessings to you and your family this Easter. ♥
I'm rather relieved, dear friend, that you did not get lost, or chased by cows as Beatrix did! At least, if you did you did not tell us!
ReplyDeleteThe gallery is truly amazing, but then, I find anything Beatrix Potter is, and steals my attention immediately.
The food looks absolutely scrumptious, and I had had to smile, reading the chalk board, to see the suggestion of a glass of Prosecco offered directly underneath the breakfast offerings! Start as you mean to continue?
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, we amazingly did not get lost driving to Hawkshead, but I must admit we did in other places in Britain. More on that later. Beatrix Potter definitely didn't have the aid of the Sat Nav. I must admit the kind lady on there leaves a bit to be desired in some places!
DeleteThe Prosecco would have been enjoyed if we weren't driving! One of us behind the wheel and the other serving as another set of eyes! xoxo ♥
LOVED this post...reminds me of my Lake District trip last year. I need to find that thumb drive and download my photos for a travelogue.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I'd love to see your photos! The Lake District is my favorite! ♥
DeleteWhat a delightful place to visit, Martha Ellen. I've always liked Beatrix Potter and the whimsical and sweet art. Your meals looks delicious. And I love those red and yellow flowers against the white building. Such a pretty picture. You have many adventures and memories on your trips to England, and so nice that you are journaling them.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, you always leave such sweet comments about our travels. Thank you so much for coming along with us. ♥
DeleteWonderful entry! One day I hope to visit this area and anything regarding Beatrix Potter! Most likely only in my dreams but one can hope!! Definitely a woman before her time and one to admire! Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to many more posts on your trip!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Belinda. It's nice to have you visit with us. I'll be posting quite a bit more about the Lake District in the future as well as into Scotland and Devon and Cornwall. If you want you can check out past posts pertaining to our trip to Britain. Have a nice evening! ♥
DeleteMartha, thank you for the tour! Given my love of Beatrix Potter, especially Peter Rabbit, I can't believe I haven't visited "That Corner of the Lake District." Spent all my Lake District time in the vicinity of Ullswater, "our" lake, where my mother's family lived for centuries.
ReplyDeleteJean, I remember you said that about your family! Next time you visit Ullswater take a trip over to Hawkshead. Happy weekend, my friend. ♥
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