Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit is back in Bowness-on-Windermere for summer 2026, bringing Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck, Mrs Rabbit and Mr McGregor to the stage at The Victoria Wood Theatre.
The 55-minute family musical runs until 30 August 2026, with up to three performances a day at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, except Fridays. It is produced by Lakes Story Ltd, the company behind The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, and 2026 is being billed as the show's fifth and final year.
What is Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit about?
Peter worries that his friends have forgotten his birthday, while Benjamin Bunny secretly organises a party, Jemima Puddle-duck practises her singing and Mrs Rabbit bakes a cake. Mr McGregor, unsurprisingly, has other plans for the mischievous carrot thief.
The production combines live performance, puppetry, songs and family-friendly storytelling. Music is by Richard Reeday, lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn, the show is written by Roger Glossop and directed and choreographed by Sheila Carter.
Where is the show?
Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit is performed at The Victoria Wood Theatre, which shares the Crag Brow building with The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
The Victoria Wood Theatre
Crag Brow
Bowness-on-Windermere
LA23 3BX
2026 show dates and times
The summer run is scheduled from 18 July to 30 August 2026. Official show times are 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, with up to three performances a day and no Friday performances. Doors open 30 minutes before each show and the running time is approximately 55 minutes.
How much are tickets?
Current Summer Saver show-only prices are £8.75 for children aged 1 to 16 and £11.81 for adults.
Combined Show + Attraction tickets are also available: £8.75 for children aged 1 to 2, £13.13 for children aged 3 to 16 and £21 for adults. Combined-ticket holders visit the attraction immediately after the show using a reserved entry time.
Is it suitable for young children?
The official age guidance is 3+, although younger children can attend with a ticket except babes in arms. Seating is unreserved and booster seats are available.
VIP Afternoon Tea with Peter Rabbit
Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays also feature a VIP Afternoon Tea package at The Burrow, followed by the 3.30pm show and attraction entry. Current prices are £17.50 for children aged 1 to 2, £21.88 for children aged 3 to 16 and £39 for adults. Availability is limited and the dedicated VIP page was showing sold out at our latest check.
Can you combine the show with The World of Beatrix Potter?
Yes. The theatre and attraction share the same building, making this one of the easiest family combinations in Bowness. The attraction itself usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes, with extra time for the Peter Rabbit Garden, café and shops.
Parking
The nearest public car park is Rayrigg Road, LA23 3BZ, around 50 metres away. Quarry Mount and Braithwaite Fold are alternatives. Summer parking in Bowness can be busy, so arrive with time to spare before the theatre doors open.
Accessibility
The theatre has wheelchair spaces and step-free seats by arrangement, lift access to the bar and accessible toilet, and welcomes assistance dogs. The building is on a hill and both main step-free approaches involve steep ramps, so visitors with mobility requirements should contact the theatre before booking.
Is it worth seeing in 2026?
For families already planning Bowness or The World of Beatrix Potter, the show is a natural add-on. It is short, indoors and easy to combine with the attraction. The strongest reason to prioritise it this summer is that 2026 is being promoted as the fifth and final year of this production.
Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit 2026 at a glance
- Dates: 18 July to 30 August 2026
- Venue: The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere
- Times: 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
- Fridays: No performances
- Running time: 55 minutes
- Age guidance: 3+
- Show-only tickets: £8.75 child / £11.81 adult
- Show + Attraction: from £8.75 child / £21 adult
- Nearest parking: Rayrigg Road, LA23 3BZ
See the full Cumbria Guru listing for The World of Beatrix Potter when planning the rest of your visit.
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