Cumbria’s beauty has provided inspiration for generations of artists, poets and writers, but perhaps none more famous than children’s author Beatrix Potter.

Today Miss Potter would’ve been celebrating her 150th birthday and fans of hers around the world are coming together to mark the milestone.

The anniversary is also being used as a time to reflect on the huge mark she left in the world of literature, especially in Cumbria where she spent a large part of her life.

Caroline Lunny, who works at Carlisle Library, tells the News & Star : “Obviously the local aspect is very important to people in Cumbria, and lots of her illustrations take inspiration from the Lake District. She just is popular with people of all ages.

“The stories just really appeal to children. Children are children, whether that’s 150 years ago or today. Peter Rabbit in the garden eating a carrot will still appeal to people today.

“At the library we restocked her books because of the anniversary and certainly most of them are out.”

People across the county are celebrating the birthday with a series of events.

At Wordsworth House, in Cockermouth, staff there have laid on a special exhibition, telling the stories behind the author. Called Beatrix Potter and a Love of the Northern Lakes, the exhibition opened at poet William Wordsworth’s childhood home on July 16.

It includes several of Beatrix’s original illustrations together with a selection of photographs taken in the area by her father, Rupert.

Alex Morgan, the house’s interpretation and communications manager, says: “We are the home of one Cumbria literary legend and Beatrix Potter is another literary legend. So it seemed very appropriate that we should take a major part in celebrating the work that she did.

“She is loved all around the world by both children and adults. She is just as loved nowadays as she was when her stories were written.”

As well as impacting on the world of literature Beatrix’s presence is also felt to this day with the National Trust.

When Beatrix died, she left 15 farms and more than 4,000 acres of land to the trust - a gift which protected and conserved her beloved Lake District.

“If it wasn’t for her buying up land and farms and protecting them, the Lake District we know today could have been full of housing estates,” Alex adds.

A host of events are still planned across Cumbria to mark Beatrix’s birthday, including:

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is today offering admission at the prices charged when it first opened in 1991. Entry will cost £2.50 for adults and £1.25 for children. The attraction’s very own Beatrix Potter will meet visitors throughout the day.

The attraction will also be showing the Where is Peter Rabbit? musical adventure show until September 4. It plays in the theatre at 11am and 4.30pm every day except Fridays. A 7pm showing has been added during the school holidays. The unique show brings to life some of Beatrix Potter’s most beloved characters including Jemima Puddle-duck, Jeremy Fisher, Mrs Tiggy-winkle and, of course, Peter Rabbit.

Hill Top Farm, Beatrix’s former house, will be holding a birthday picnic today. Everyone will be welcome to bring their own food from 10am until 4.30pm.

In nearby Hawkshead, at the Beatrix Potter Gallery, staff have added a new exhibition to celebrate her 150th anniversary. Showing off old favourites as well as unseen gems, Realism and Romance explores her love of nature and includes original illustrations from classics including The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck .

The exhibition also includes examples of her sketchbooks and excerpts from her coded journal.

The gallery is also hosting special after-hours tours to celebrate the landmark year, giving guests access to original Beatrix Potter artwork and the chance to pick the work of its experts. Led by the gallery’s curator, the events will take place from 4.30pm until 6pm on September 22 and October 27.