Travel review: Beatrix Potter's Hill Top farm, Lake District

It was just over 100 years ago the world-famous author Beatrix Potter sought a hide-out from the smoke of London.

She acquired a small working farm in the village of Near Sawrey in the heart of the Lake District, Cumbria.

A pebble's throw from the peaceful Lake Windermere and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Beatrix discovered a new world.

Her new surrounding helped her tune into a life of simplicity, while also inspiring her for many of her new characters in her much-loved children's books.

Today, 150 years since the author's birth this area of the Lake District is as untouched, angelic and brilliant as the legacy from her series of books.

Lake Windermere is one of the jewels in this worthy crown. It is so quiet, peaceful. A cruiser ship transports visitors to locations on its edge.

While around it, a single road takes motorists, cyclists and walkers to the many attractions – from aquariums, disused spinning mills and, of course, Beatrix Potter's Hill Top farm.

It is a three hour drive from the Midlands. As rain battered against the car windscreen and night closed in, it felt like a new world as I turned off the M6 at Kendal and headed to Newby Bridge, situated at the bottom tip of Lake Windermere.

The roads are quiet, surrounded by hills and forest, and there is freshness in the air as I get out of my car at the splendid Lakeside Hotel & Spa, only a mile from Newby Bridge.

Walking into the warm glow of this four star hotel's reception I'm met by a receptionist who whisks my bags up to my room as I look for a relaxing nightcap in one of the luxuriously decked out bars, each with roaring open fires.

After a long week at work sleep comes easy. And as I wake to a beautiful, bright morning I look outside my window and see the lake, gleaning against the sun rays.

A walk downstairs and there is a busy lounge area where families, couples eat up a delicious range of breakfasts ahead of a day exploring the area.

My first stop of the two-day break is Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's paradise. My trip is to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Beatrix's birth – and, as I suspected, many people are also keen to discover her journey to Cumbria.

The small working farm, run by National Trust, is filled with mementoes, antiques, furniture left by Beatrix following her death. It is now an inspiring museum, providing a glimpse of an early 20th century working farm.

Helpful guides inside the farm and in the garden detail Beatrix's life and her connection to the area. After two hours exploring I get back in the car and take the short trip to Tarn Hows – a stunning circular walk with majestic mountain views over the region. The exercise provides the perfect excuse for a bite to eat, and I head to the village of Hawkshead, a village untouched by time.

There is limited vehicle access and the buildings have not changed in 100 years. Traditional pubs line the High Street and provide a great refreshment break for the next leg of my weekend.

Arriving back at the Lakeside Hotel, I visit the Lakes Aquarium. It features all sorts of incredible creatures and has a fascinating otter show on when I arrive.

Next I board the Windermere Lake Cruise, taking me to several miles up the lake to Bowness, which is the stop off point for Windermere – an old resort which has grown since the opening of the nearby railway in 1847.

It is the day of the Grand National and the place is buzzing with excitement. The pubs are packed, while families browse the many shops and children feed bread to the ducks lakeside.

There are opportunities for people to go boating or canoeing on the river – but for me, it was time to head back to the hotel for dinner.

And where do I start. The Lakeview Restaurant is first class. I order smoked salmon for starters – probably the best I have ever had.

Then for main course, I enjoy the Herdwick lamb shoulder, served with garden peas, chilli and mint. It is all sublime.

I retire to the bar area to see the day off with a glass of wine in front of the fire. It was heaven.

The comfortable bed ensures yet another relaxing sleep and I wake with just the one regret – it was my final morning in this beautiful location. Another filling breakfast is served up before a walk around the hotel's gardens and a visit to the hotel's health & leisure spa.

As well as floating in the pool and relaxing in the Jacuzzi and steam room, I'm given a 30 minute back massage – the most fitting end to my stay. Entering my car to take the drive home I take one last look around at the hotel, lake and surrounding countryside – it is picture perfect.

Everything is at peace, including me. What a place to wind down and find simplicity and nature. No wonder Beatrix rocked up here all those years ago.