The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, UK, has reported a 38 per cent increase in visitors since 2006.

The boost in interest has been attributed to continuing promotions of the blockbuster Miss Potter, which first screened in 2007, and events to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of storybook character Jemima Puddle-Duck.

In 2007 the attraction reported a 35 per cent increase in visits. Numbers were expected to fall back to their normal level in 2008, but instead rose by another 3 per cent.

The film's promotions were mainly focused in the UK and Japan, and Japanese group visits have also risen by 22 per cent so far this year.

By promoting the Lake District area through the film's release in Japan, Lakes Story, the company which operates the attraction, said that groups also appear to be extending their normal period of stay from one to two days.

Richard Foster, the attraction's general manager, said: "Our own campaigns and other national exposure for the Lake District has also helped spread the word about what the Lakes have to offer."

The attraction features all 23 tales written by Beatrix Potter and presents them through a series of displays and visual presentations. It also features a café and a gift shop.