Townend: A Timeless Lake District Farmhouse of the Browne Family

Step back into centuries of Lake District family life at Townend, a charming 17th-century farmhouse rich with history, woodcarvings, and peaceful gardens.

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National Trust - Townend

Nestled in the scenic Troutbeck Valley near Windermere, Townend is a remarkably preserved 17th-century farmhouse that was home to the Browne family for over 400 years. Managed by the National Trust, it offers visitors an intimate glimpse into rural Lake District life, featuring original carved furniture, a unique family library with rare books, and a charming cottage garden. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories of the family’s heritage and local traditions.

A brief summary to National Trust - Townend

Holbeck Ln, Windermere, Troutbeck, LA23 1LB, GB
+441539432628
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
Thursday 10 am-3 pm
Friday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

Book guided tours in advance to gain exclusive insights into the Browne family history and the farmhouse’s unique collections.
Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the house and garden involves walking on uneven terrain and steps.
Bring your own food and drinks since there is no café or refreshment facilities on-site.
Visit the cottage garden in late spring or summer to see the flowers and fruit trees at their best.
Check opening times carefully, especially in winter when the house closes for conservation work.

Getting There

Bus

Take the Stagecoach bus service from Windermere town center to Troutbeck, which runs approximately every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a 15-minute walk on country lanes to Townend. Tickets cost about £3-£5 one way. Service frequency may reduce on weekends and holidays.
Car

Driving from Windermere to Townend takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes via local roads. There is a small car park at Townend with limited spaces, including designated mobility parking and a drop-off point. Note that road widths restrict coach access. Parking is free for National Trust members; others may pay a nominal fee.
Train + Walk

Arrive at Windermere railway station, about 3 miles from Townend. From there, take a taxi or local bus to Troutbeck village, then enjoy a 15-20 minute walk to Townend. The walk is along quiet country roads with some gentle slopes. Taxi fares typically range from £10 to £15.

National Trust - Townend location weather suitability

Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures

Discover more about National Trust - Townend

Heritage of the Browne Family and Farmhouse Origins

Townend stands as a historic farmhouse dating back to 1666, located in the tranquil Troutbeck Valley of England’s Lake District. It was the ancestral home of the Browne family, a farming lineage that lived here for centuries, preserving a rich collection of domestic objects, documents, and furniture. The house’s stone and slate construction with distinctive round chimneys reflects traditional Lake District architecture. The Brownes’ legacy is deeply embedded in the house, from their diaries and letters to the extensive family library containing 45 unique chapbooks and rare volumes, some the only copies in existence worldwide.

Intricate Woodcarvings and Personal Touches

One of Townend’s most captivating features is the intricate woodcarving work by George Browne (1834–1914), a skilled craftsman and gardener. His carvings adorn much of the furniture throughout the house, blending local folk traditions with exotic influences. George’s playful sense of humor is evident in details like smiling faces carved into fireplaces and whimsical clock cases. These artistic touches give the farmhouse a distinctive character and offer insight into the personal tastes and creativity of its last resident family member.

The Cottage Garden and Agricultural Surroundings

Outside, the small but perfectly formed cottage garden is planted with many of the flowers, herbs, and fruit trees that George Browne cultivated, including phlox, sweet peas, roses, apples, and damsons. The garden’s design reflects early 20th-century gardening practices and the family’s connection to the land. Across the road stands one of Cumbria’s earliest bank barns, still in agricultural use though not part of the National Trust property, providing a glimpse into the region’s farming heritage.

Visitor Experience and Conservation Efforts

Townend is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, with guided tours at 3pm that delve into the family’s social history, culinary traditions, and local lore. The house is largely preserved as it was, with no on-site café or gift shop, emphasizing an authentic experience. Conservation efforts include careful collection care and digitization projects to preserve the Browne family archives. The National Trust celebrates Townend’s unique cultural significance and its role in illustrating rural life in the Lake District.

Local Context and Surrounding Attractions

The farmhouse is situated within Troutbeck, a picturesque village known for its vernacular architecture and unspoiled valley setting. Nearby, visitors can explore Jesus Church with stained-glass windows by William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, and enjoy walks through the surrounding fells. The Old Post Office Tea Room, just down the road, offers refreshments in a cozy setting. Townend’s peaceful gardens and countryside views make it a serene spot for reflection and appreciation of England’s rural heritage.

Access and Practical Information

Access to Townend involves a walk from a small car park with designated mobility spaces and a drop-off point. The house has many small steps and a steep slope to the garden, limiting wheelchair access. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear and bring their own food and drinks due to the absence of on-site catering. The National Trust recommends booking guided tours in advance to fully appreciate the house’s history and collections.

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Townend: A Timeless Lake District Farmhouse of the Browne Family

A brief summary to National Trust - Townend

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Car

Train + Walk

National Trust - Townend location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of National Trust - Townend

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about National Trust - Townend

Heritage of the Browne Family and Farmhouse Origins

Intricate Woodcarvings and Personal Touches

The Cottage Garden and Agricultural Surroundings

Visitor Experience and Conservation Efforts

Local Context and Surrounding Attractions

Access and Practical Information

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lake District National Park Authority

National Trust - Sizergh

National Trust - Aira Force and Ullswater

Aira Force Waterfall

Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.

Levens Hall

Scafell Pike

The Westmorland Family

Bowder Stone

The Cockpit Stone Circle

Honister Slate Mine

Lodore Falls

Surprise View

Ashness Bridge

Westmorland County Showground

Unmissable attractions to see

Holehird Gardens

Zip World Windermere

Brockhole on Windermere

National Trust - Windermere and Troutbeck

National Trust - Stagshaw Gardens

Orrest Head Viewpoint

Borrans Park

National Trust - Wray

Queen Adelaide's Hill

Ambleside Roman Fort

The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

Ambleside Town Centre

RockShop

White Platts Recreation Ground

Golden Rule

Essential places to dine

Windermere Restaurant (The W)

Blue Smoke on the Bay

The Gaddum

The Samling Hotel

Lake Road Kitchen

The Old Stamp House Restaurant

The Priest Hole Restaurant

Lucy's on a plate

Applegarth Villa & Restaurant

The Tilly Bar and Kitchen

Dodds Restaurant

Hooked Seafood

The Westmorland Inn

The Flying Pig Pub

The Magic Roundabout

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Booths, Windermere

Forget Me Not

The Original Man Shop

Pretty Things

Herdy Bowness

LAKELAND Leather

Lonsdale Galleries

Tesco Express

Mountain Warehouse

Love the Lakes Bowness

Sainsbury's