Visit the Lake District and see for yourselves some of the places that inspired two of the best-loved children’s authors.

Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top, is where Tom Kitten disrobes on the garden wall and Jemima Puddle-duck wanders the hills and fields. In the village of Near Sawrey, look out for the Tower Bank Arms (Jemima Puddle-Duck) and Buckle Yeat Guest House (Duchess’ home in The Pie and the Patty-Pan). Children can relive all 23 tales at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons stories took Peel Island on Coniston Water as the model for Wild Cat Island, and you can get there by boat to explore the hidden harbour. Take the troops on an expedition up the Old Man of Coniston (Kanchenjunga in Swallowdale); and see authentic Ransome memorabilia at Kendal’s Museum of Lakeland Life, including a recreation of his study.