Written by Sheila O’Connor for GiftedTravel.com
What child of any age hasn’t heard of Beatrix Potter or that famous Peter Rabbit? Well now they both come alive with the movie, “Miss Potter”, which highlights the story of England’s much-loved author and her 23 children’s tales. For adults there’s the story of romance in the famous author’s life. “Miss Potter” stars Renee Zellweger as the passionate and imaginative Beatrix Potter and Ewan McGregor as the man who captures her heart as her publisher and true love Norman Warne.
Alas the romance was not to last. Meeting with only disapproval from her family, who felt Mr. Warne was not a suitable partner, Ms. Potter decided to keep her engagement to him a secret. Tragically Norman died only four weeks after their engagement and Beatrix could do nothing but throw herself into her writing. At this time two more of her Little Books were published, a fact for which many children, can, at least, be thankful. Ms. Potter did eventually marry a solicitor (whose office now houses some of her work) at the age of 47. This again, met with her family’s disapproval but it seemed they pretty much disapproved of everyone! Her first love would always be Norman however.
And when it comes to love, if you happen to be in England’s Lake District, you won’t be able to help but fall in love with places the movie was set in or places which Beatrix Potter herself loved over the years. The Lake District is situated in an area in the north of England where you’ll see the subtle hues of rolling pastures, quaint villages and hardy stone walls. You’ll even smell the earthy aroma of burning peat as it fills the air and be transported to a bygone era – an era that inspired Ms. Potter to write her children’s classics.
In particular, check out the World of Beatrix Potter where those little story books come to life. This is a children’s wonderland where hands-on participation is encouraged, whether it’s flipping through the story books, goggling at the centennial clock whose character come out to entertain you whenever it chimes, or having your photo taken in Ms. Tiggie Winkle’s Kitchen (the most popular of all the attractions). The statue in the front was unveiled by Renee Zellweger during the filming and it has many of the characters featured in the novels. The boy and girl paramount in the display were inspired by the artists’ own young children when he failed to come up with suitable models for the artwork!
“I cannot rest, I must draw, however poor the result, and when I have a bad time come over me, it is a stronger desire than ever,” wrote Beatrix in her journal. The Lake District was in her heart , and children, drawing and writing were in her blood, even from an early age.
The story of Peter Rabbit came about when she wrote to the son of one of her governess’s but being unsure what to say to him, told him the tail of four little rabbits, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter. She later borrowed that letter back and decided to have her story published. It was a story that was to change her life.
With the proceeds from that, and eventually her other books, she went on to buy up property in the Lake District, donate it to the National Trust and thereby allow millions of families from far and wide to visit this beautiful area. Don’t miss it.
“If I have done anything-even a little-to help small children on the road to enjoy and appreciate honest, simple pleasures, I have done a bit of good” said Beatrix Potter.
You’ve done a lot of good, Miss Potter. Children everywhere, and of every age, will never forget you.
If You Go
Fly into Manchester and from here you can get a coach or train to the Lake District. For free maps, brochures, vacation-planning advice and wide selection of passes and transport tickets, contact VisitBritain toll free on 1-800 462 2748 or visit http://visitbritain.com/usa
Sheila O’Connor is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. She loves all things British. She is an associate editor with Romantic Traveling and runs a markets newsletter for writers that includes both US and overseas markets. Sheila can be reached at email
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I just luv Sheila’s wurk. She make tings come alive fore people who doo not visited there.