A pretty little village linked to a famous author is constantly named one of the most beautiful in the Lake District.
Near Sawrey, between Esthwaite Water and Windermere in the Lake District, is much loved by locals and tourists alike.
The village is small with a handful of houses and has few amenities, lacking even a village shop or pub with the local church in the next village of Far Sawrey.
It is a stone’s throw from other villages with the closest shops in Bowness on Windermere and Windermere.
But it is a tranquil village, with many walks and views across rolling hills and fields to enjoy as well as small streams. Moments away is Esthwaite Water which is also much quieter than nearby Windermere.
It is frequently called one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Lake District. Reviewers on Tripadvisor called it “quaint and traditional, like stepping back in time”.
It was also home to Beatrix Potter, the creator of beloved children’s characters such as Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddleduck and more.
Potter moved to Near Sawrey in 1905 and restored Hill Top Farm, which is now open to the public. She created many of her characters in the village and once called it “as near perfect a little place as I ever lived in”.
She was passionate about conservation and purchased 4,000 acres of land in the area. She gave it all to the National Trust in her will and is credited with preserving much of the land that now constitutes the Lake District National Park.
Others called the village “magical” and “mesmerising” with the only recommendations being to watch the weather and book at Hill Top Farm to avoid disappointment.
In the nearby area are several towns and villages to explore including Ambleside, Windermere and Hawkshead as well as natural sights such as Claife Heights and Tarn Hows.
Those wishing to visit Near Sawrey can travel by car via the A590 and the A591 or by train to nearby Windermere. There are multiple guest houses and bred and breakfasts in the village but there is more accommodation in the surrounding area.