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Famed for once being home to the woman who brought us Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin, Troutbeck is a charming example of a Lake District village found on the old trade road from Windermere to Penrith. With easy access to central Lakeland, Troutside is well-placed for ramblers and culture hounds alike.

Named after its fast-flowing stream that’s rich with brown trout and a draw for anglers, this gathering of hamlets presents traditional slate cottages, fell-flanked fields and winding country lanes – it’s a true Lakeland rural retreat.

Did you know that Beatrix Potter lived at Troutbeck Farm where she reared herdwick sheep, Cumbria’s wild fell-top breed? Here, she continued to dream up characters that would become dear to children worldwide.

For a taste of Troutbeck’s rustic past, keep an eye out for the saint named drinking troughs placed just outside the village. These provided relief for horses making long arduous climbs in these hilly parts. Today, the steep valley roads and ridges are ideal for off-road escapades that you can experience through the likes of Kankku.

In the centre of the village you’ll find the ancient Jesus Church, where there’s a wonderful pre-Raphaelite stained glass window designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones with help from – Mr arts-and-crafts himself – William Morris and painter Ford Maddox Brown. Legend has it that the creatives were on a fishing holiday when they started working on the project with Burne-Jones – if it’s good enough for them…

After enjoying a leisurely tipple, some good pub grub and ‘heavenly’ views in the Mortal Man’s beer garden, you could immerse in more local history at Townend. This is a charming example of a traditional Lakes farmhouse that’s open to visitors for exploration and discovery.  

Holehird Gardens is where the Lakeland Horticultural Society showcases 12 acres of gardens, from an exquisite walled landscape to wonderful woodland walks, offering myriad plants and nationally significant collections. While here, be sure to venture right of Gunnera Pool where the Dale Panorama gives spectacular vistas across to the Langdale Pikes and Lakeland fells

Love Cottages can help you find your ideal Troutbeck holiday cottage today!