THIS year the World Of Beatrix Potter attraction will hold a range of events and activities and many will take place in the magical Peter Rabbit Tea Gardens.

The centre is an indoor creation of the Lakeland countryside complete with sights, sounds and even smells - re-creating the magical world that Beatrix Potter invented.

Based at the Old Laundry, Bowness-on-Windermere, the attraction offers a day out for all the family - an unforgettable experience for young and old alike - and there is much to see and learn about this fascinating author.

Although Potter has been a household name for many years - she died in 1943 - there is still much that remains untold and visitors can discover all there is to know about her life in the Hidden Beatrix Potter video presentation that runs throughout the day.

But it is the characters of her books themselves that draw the visitor in. Discover Peter Rabbit eating radishes in Mr McGregor's gardens, see Jemima Puddle-duck waddling among the foxgloves and Mrs Tiggy-winkle, the washerwoman, bustling about in her kitchen - all these much-loved countryside animals brought lovingly to life.

And 2004 sees 100 years of Benjamin Bunny.

In 1904, Beatrix Potter published her second novel featuring Peter Rabbit and in the story Peter returns to Mr McGregor's garden to rescue his clothes - this time assisted by his cousin, Benjamin. This year this story has been recreated at the attraction where you can experience it first hand and watch it brought to life in three dimensions. The centre hosts various events throughout the year - the next being a Fairy Flower Day on Sunday, June 20, when children are invited to turn up wearing their best party outfits and be turned into a flower fairy!

They can make wands and wings in the magical tea garden then search for flowers, finishing the day with a scrumptious picnic tea.

Aside from being a wonderful writer, Beatrix Potter was a rather practical person. Very soon after the publication of the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she recognised that children would want souvenirs of their favourite characters and she designed and patented a Peter Rabbit doll in 1903.

Today the World of Beatrix Potter Emporium stocks a wide range of gifts, books and nursery items inspired by Peter Rabbit and his friends.

If hunger strikes there is The Tailor of Gloucester Tea Room which offers the experience of taking tiffin with the Tailor and Simpkin the cat.

Huge dressers filled with china line the walls and, if you look carefully, you may just spy a tiny mouse scurrying past with a cherry coloured twist! Don't forget to try one of the tea room's specialist cream teas.

Because the attraction is set in such wonderful countryside, it's worth taking a stroll around once you've managed to drag yourself away from Peter and his pals!

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tale of Benjamin Bunny, the Emporium is stocking a unique range of goodies - everything from enamel key rings to special editions of the take itself.

FACTFILE:

The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction is open every day apart from Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Admission prices are adults £3.90, children £2.90, group rates £3.25 and £2

Push chairs are not allowed in the attraction due to fire regulations but staff will look after them for you while you walk round

The World Of Beatrix Potter 015394 88444 or visit www.hop-skip-jump.com.

Email Drop a line...enquiries@hop-skip-jump.com.

HOW TO GET THERE:

By rail: Trains at Windermere connect with the 599 bus to the attraction

THE WORLD OF BEATRIX POTTER, The Old Laundry, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3BX