It's hard not to fall in love with Beatrix Potter's charming children's stories: Naughty Peter Rabbit getting caught in Mr McGregor's garden, the busy Mrs Tiggy-Winkle working hard to wash and iron everyone's clothes, and the determined Jemima Puddle-Duck, so desperate to hatch her own eggs.

The stories are set in rolling hills, thick woods and pretty gardens close to a farm - locations inspired by the glorious Lake District, where Potter made her home.

She'd spent many childhood holidays in the Lakes before finally buying Hill Top Farm with the profits from her books, written in the early 1900s.

This year is the 100th anniversary of The Tale Of Pigling Bland, a story she had illustrated while staying at Lindeth Howe, on one of her family trips, before buying the property for her mum.

The old country house has been sold on to numerous families since, and now the hotel makes a great base for exploring the area.

I checked into The Westmorland Suite and was pleasantly surprised. The main areas within the hotel are traditional. The suite opened after refurbishments in 2009 (along with the other deluxe suite, The Potter Room, said to be the bedroom Mrs Potter slept in), and is very stylish.

There's everything you need including a large sumptuous bed. The modern bathroom has an enormous shower, his and hers sinks and a deep bath.

Among local attractions is The World Of Beatrix Potter where beautiful scenes from the picture books come to life as you work your way around.

For those without a car the Mountain Goat is a minibus is an option. The Beatrix Potter Favourite Countryside tour heads to Hill Top Farm, then Hawkshead (where you can buy an array of local gifts), Tarn Hows (stunning scenery) and on to Coniston for the lake cruise.

Alternatively, electric bikes which can be hired from the hotel. - perfect for meandering through country lanes without exerting yourself.

On return to Lindeth Howe you could try their delicious afternoon tea, but save space for your evening meal.

Taking a seat in the lounge before dinner, we were served some aperitifs, and the lively 2AA Rosette restaurant serves up a great menu. I opted for the duck egg, asparagus and leek ash, followed by a caramelised onion tarte tatin, as recommended by my waiter.

The assiette of desserts, created by top chef Marc Guibert, was never going to disappoint.

There was a very lonely piano in the middle of the room, but for nights when the ivories are tinkled, I can imagine a real after-dinner knees-up.

As we say goodbye to the lush green hillside one thing's for sure - Peter Rabbit has become a firm favourite in our household.

n Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Windermere (www.lindeth-howe.co.uk; 01539 445 749) Doubles from £135.

n World of Beatrix Potter (www.hop-skip-jump.com; 0844 504 1233)

n Windermere Lake Cruises (www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk; 01539 443 360)