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The World of Beatrix Potter

7 September 2007

Whilst holidaying at the Lake District (Haven Lakeside caravan park), we visited The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at Bowness-on-Windermere. We had actually visited the attraction before mainly out of curiosity, but this time we had our young daughter with us.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction - Mrs Tiggywinkle

The exhibition consists of a walk-through tour of the characters in the books by Beatrix Potter. These are characters the size of a toddler, made to look realistic (well as realistic as a rabbit can look in a blue coat anyway :-) ). Some of the displays are static, and some are animated. The animated ones tend to have quite limited repetitive movement but it does bring the exhibits to life a bit more. All the characters are there including Peter Rabbit (several times); the rabbit sisters Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail; Benjamin Bunny; Mrs Tiggywinkle; The Tailor of Gloucester and many more.

There are also some video clips of Beatrix Potter's life (particularly the time she spent in living at Hill Top in the Lake District) and about the characters. Our daughter found some of the displays a bit frightening, but then she is easily scared by animals, whether real or pretend.

The attraction ends with a photograph opportunity (where you can purchase photos taken by an automatic digital camera), and the obligatory gift shop. As well as the exhibit you have to pay to go around, you can get a sneak preview by seeing a few characters, and the famous Beatrix Potter Centenary Clock without paying to go into the exhibit. There is also a tea room (with quite reasonable food), and toilets including a baby changing facility in the disabled toilet.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction - Peter Rabbit

The attraction is particularly popular at the moment with the release of the Miss Potter film on DVD. Outside there is a statue to celebrate the launching of the film which was unveiled by Renée Zellweger, who played Beatrix Potter in the film.

The attraction is designed for young children who will most likely enjoy it, it's also good for adults that may enjoy the biographical parts about Beatrix Potter, but older children may find it a bit boring.