An image of Peter Rabbit and his Mum hugging with some extra decorative elements
About

A short history of a timeless adventure

The adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends, inspired by Beatrix Potter’s love of nature, continue to delight generations of children around the world.

1866

Beatrix Potter is born

Helen Beatrix is born on 28th July in Kensington, London.

Photo courtesy of V&A Museum.

An image of Beatrix Potter aged 23 years old. Photo courtesy of V&A Museum.

1893

Peter Rabbit is first imagined by Beatrix in a letter

Beatrix sends a picture letter to her former governess' son Noel, which tells the story of a mischievous rabbit called Peter.

Image courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co.

An image of a picture letter that Beatrix sent to her former governess' son Noel in 1893, which tells the story of a mischievous rabbit called Peter. Image courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co.

1902

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is first commercially published

Following multiple rejections by publishers and Beatrix's own privately printed editions, The Tale of Peter Rabbit is first officially published by Frederick Warne & Co.

An image of the first book - The Tale of Peter Rabbit - to be commercially published for Beatrix Potter.

1903

The first Peter Rabbit doll is created

Beatrix makes a Peter Rabbit doll and registers it at the Patent Office, launching the first in a long line of official products!

An image of the first Peter Rabbit doll created by Beatrix Potters in 1903, which was registered at the Patent Office.

1905

Beatrix moves to the Lake District

Beatrix purchases Hill Top Farm, in Sawrey, near Windermere following the sudden death of her fiancé and editor Norman Warne. She wrote many of her Tales whilst living here.

An image of Hill Top Farm, in Sawrey near Windermere, which Beatrix Potter purchased in 1905, following the sudden death of her fiancé and editor Norman Warne. She wrote many of her Tales whilst living here.

1943

Beatrix dies aged 77

Beatrix leaves all of her land to the National Trust and is survived by her husband William Heelis.

Photograph of Beatrix Potter courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co.

An image of Beatrix Potter, who died aged 77, leaving all of her land to the National Trust Photograph of Beatrix Potter courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co.

1991

World of Beatrix Potter Attraction opens in the Lake District

A fun, family attraction bringing favourite characters to life in an enchanting recreation of Beatrix Potter's best-loved stories.

An image from The World of Beatrix Potter attraction which opened in 1991 in the Lake District.

1992

The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends launches on TV

An animated TV series featuring Peter Rabbit and his friends.

An image of the animated TV series - The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends - featuring Peter Rabbit and his friends whcih launched in 1992.

2006

Miss Potter is released

The legacy of Beatrix Potter, starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, is retold for the big screen.

An image showing the cover of the Miss Potter, starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, which was retold for the big screen in 2006.

2012

Peter Rabbit TV series launches

Peter and his friends hop into a new preschool show for CBeebies.

An image to show Peter and his friends and their preschool show for CBeebies which was launched in 2012.

2016

The 150th birthday of Beatrix Potter

A range of limited edition publishing and products were released to commemorate the 150th birthday of Beatrix.

An image of the commemorative 50 pence piece to released to commemorate the 150th birthday of Beatrix.

2018

PETER RABBIT the movie is released

Peter stars in his very own blockbuster movie.

An image of the movie poster for the original Peter Rabbit movie which was released in 2018.

2021

PETER RABBIT 2 the sequel is released

Peter Rabbit is back in cinemas in a brand new adventure.

An image of the movie poster for the Peter Rabbit 2 movie which was released in 2021.

2022

120 Years of Mischief!

A birthday celebration for Peter Rabbit. 2022 marks 120 years since The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first officially published.

An image to celebrate 120 years of mischief for Peter Rabbit. 2022 marks 120 years since The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first officially published.
Background image of the classic Peter Rabbit Tales books that sits behind the shop element
The Books

The Classic Tales

Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated 24 original 'little white books' including The Tale of Peter Rabbit. You can find out more about the stories of Peter and his friends in our Shop & Visit section.

Find out more