Blackwell: The Arts & Crafts House Overlooking Windermere
Explore Blackwell, a stunning Arts & Crafts house near Windermere, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, historic charm, and breathtaking Lake District views.
Blackwell is a Grade I listed Arts and Crafts house near Bowness-on-Windermere, designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott between 1897 and 1900 as a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt. It exemplifies early 20th-century craftsmanship with original interiors, decorative features, and gardens by Thomas Mawson, offering visitors a rich insight into the Arts and Crafts movement amid stunning Lake District scenery.
A brief summary to Blackwell
- Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JT, GB
- +441539446139
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Join a guided tour to fully appreciate the intricate Arts and Crafts details and the house’s rich history.
- Visit the gardens to experience Thomas Mawson’s original terraced design and enjoy serene lake views.
- Check the exhibition schedule as Blackwell hosts changing contemporary art displays alongside historical exhibitions.
- Plan your visit between 10am and 5pm, as these are the regular opening hours year-round.
- Allow at least 2 hours to explore the house, gardens, and exhibitions at a relaxed pace.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Windermere town center to Blackwell takes approximately 10–15 minutes via local roads. Parking is available on-site but can be limited during peak times. Expect a parking fee of around £3–£5. The route involves rural lanes with some narrow sections.
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Bus
Local bus services from Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere to stops near Blackwell run approximately every 30–60 minutes. The walk from the nearest stop to the house is about 15 minutes on country lanes. A single bus fare costs around £3–£4.
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Taxi
Taxi rides from Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere to Blackwell typically take 10 minutes and cost approximately £10–£15. This option offers direct access but may have limited availability on weekends or holidays.
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Walking
For active visitors, a scenic 45-minute walk from Bowness-on-Windermere to Blackwell is possible via country paths and minor roads. The terrain is mostly gentle but includes some uneven surfaces, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Blackwell location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Blackwell
Architectural Vision Rooted in Craftsmanship
Blackwell stands as one of England’s finest examples of the Arts and Crafts movement, designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and completed in 1900. Rejecting Victorian rigidity, Baillie Scott embraced open, adaptable spaces flooded with natural light, using locally sourced materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The house’s exterior, with its whitewashed roughcast walls and steep slate roof, blends harmoniously into the Lake District landscape, reflecting traditional farmhouse architecture. Inside, visitors encounter original oak paneling, stained glass, plasterwork, and metalwork, all carefully integrated to create a cohesive artistic environment that balances functionality and beauty.A Living Canvas of Arts and Crafts Ideals
The interiors showcase original decorative features such as rare Hessian wall-hangings, William de Morgan tiles, and bespoke furniture by Baillie Scott and other leading designers of the era. The central great hall, inspired by medieval design, features a striking inglenook fireplace and a minstrel’s gallery, while the white drawing room offers an airy, Art Nouveau atmosphere with intricate plaster ceilings and panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells. The house’s layout fosters a seamless flow between communal and private spaces, embodying the movement’s philosophy of integrating art into everyday life.Historical Layers and Wartime Adaptation
Originally a holiday retreat for the Holt family, prominent Manchester brewers, Blackwell’s story deepened during World War II when it served as a school for evacuated girls from Liverpool. This period left a unique imprint on the house’s history, with the wartime headmistress famously creating an ice rink in the courtyard. After varied uses post-war, including offices for English Nature, the house was restored by the Lakeland Arts Trust between 2000 and 2001, preserving its architectural integrity and opening it to the public as a cultural site.Gardens Designed to Complement the Home
The gardens, laid out by renowned designer Thomas Mawson in 1902, originally featured terraced flower beds and herb borders that created sun traps on the south-facing side of the house. Though much of the original landscaping has been lost, ongoing efforts aim to revive Mawson’s vision, enhancing the connection between the house and the Lake District’s natural beauty. The terraces and lawns provide peaceful outdoor spaces that extend the Arts and Crafts ethos beyond the walls.Contemporary Cultural Engagement
Today, Blackwell hosts a dynamic program of exhibitions, including works by contemporary artists, alongside permanent displays on the Arts and Crafts movement. Visitors can explore rooms dedicated to the movement’s history and Blackwell’s wartime role, enriched by guided tours that illuminate the house’s design and stories. The recently restored master bedroom offers a glimpse into Baillie Scott’s original style, while the house’s location provides breathtaking views that inspire reflection and appreciation.An Enduring Legacy in the Lake District
Blackwell remains a testament to the Arts and Crafts movement’s ideals of craftsmanship, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Its preservation allows visitors to experience a unique architectural and cultural heritage site that continues to celebrate creativity and design innovation in one of England’s most scenic settings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere
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Blea Tarn, Lake District National Park
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Westmorland County Showground
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Lake District National Park
16.8 km
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Holker Hall & Gardens
17.7 km
Explore the stunning Holker Hall & Gardens, a perfect blend of nature and history, offering visitors a captivating experience in Grange-over-Sands.
Sir John Barrow Monument
18.8 km
Discover the Sir John Barrow Monument: A stunning lookout point with breathtaking views of the Lake District and a rich historical legacy.
Kirkhead Tower / Summerhouse
18.9 km
Historic Kirkhead Tower offers stunning panoramic views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District from its tranquil spot near Grange-over-Sands.
Hardknott Roman Fort & Thermae.
19.4 km
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Start Of Cumbria Way
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Leighton Hall Estate
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Scafell Pike
22.4 km
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Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
23.1 km
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Eskdale Mill
23.3 km
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The Westmorland Family
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Honister Slate Mine
25.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
National Trust - Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore
1.5 km
Discover panoramic Victorian views of Windermere from a charming lakeside folly with historic coloured glass and a welcoming café.
Lake District
2.1 km
Experience England’s largest lake with vibrant watersports, cultural treasures, and scenic beauty in Bowness-on-Windermere.
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction Shop
2.5 km
Step into the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter’s timeless tales in the heart of the Lake District with immersive exhibits and a charming garden.
National Trust - Hill Top
3.1 km
Beatrix Potter's beloved farmhouse, frozen in time and filled with the inspiration for her timeless children's tales.
National Trust - Hill Top Beatrix Potter House
3.3 km
Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting Lake District home, where her stories and inspirations come vividly to life in a timeless 17th-century farmhouse and garden.
Windermere
3.5 km
Explore Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, where stunning landscapes, vibrant villages, and rich heritage create an unforgettable Lake District experience.
The Wild Boar | Bar, Restaurant & Hotel
3.6 km
A luxurious Lake District inn blending rustic charm, gourmet dining, and tranquil woodland escapes near Kendal.
Queen Adelaide's Hill
4.2 km
Easily accessible hilltop with breathtaking 360° views of Lake Windermere, perfect for sunset and picnics in the Lake District.
The Lamplighter Dining Rooms
4.3 km
Cozy Victorian inn with British charm, local cuisine, and a prime Windermere location near the Lake District.
Orrest Head Viewpoint
5.0 km
A short woodland ascent to stunning panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the Lake District’s iconic fells.
National Trust - Windermere and Troutbeck
5.1 km
Historic cottage charm meets stunning Lake District landscapes in Windermere’s tranquil natural setting.
Latterbarrow
5.6 km
A scenic hill near Ambleside offering family-friendly walks and panoramic views across the Lake District’s iconic landscapes.
Watermill Inn & Brewery
6.0 km
Rustic charm meets craft brewing excellence in this cozy Lake District inn near Kendal and Windermere.
Holehird Gardens
6.2 km
Discover Holehird Gardens, a volunteer-run Lakeland haven with stunning plant collections and breathtaking views over Lake Windermere.
Go Ape Grizedale
6.4 km
Experience thrilling treetop adventures and soaring zip lines in the heart of Grizedale Forest, Lake District’s premier outdoor activity hub.
Essential places to dine
The Ryebeck Hotel
0.7 km
Charming lakeside hotel with quirky style, fine dining, and stunning views over Lake Windermere in the heart of the Lake District.
Henrock
1.2 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern cuisine with tranquil garden views at Henrock, nestled in the luxurious Linthwaite House Hotel near Lake Windermere.
The Brown Horse Inn
2.1 km
A cozy and charming inn near Windermere offering hearty food, comfortable rooms, and a warm Lake District welcome.
Boardwalk Bar and Grill
2.1 km
Relax by Lake Windermere with delicious grilled dishes and panoramic views at Boardwalk Bar and Grill, Bowness-on-Windermere’s lakeside favorite.
Lake View Garden Bar - Pub | Food | Live Music
2.3 km
Discover Lake View Garden Bar: A scenic pub offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music by beautiful Windermere.
The Lakeview Restaurant at Macdonald Old England Hotel
2.3 km
Modern British fine dining with stunning panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells in a refined lakeside setting.
Porto Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine with locally sourced flavors in a warm, inviting setting just steps from Lake Windermere.
BAHA Bowness - Bar | Restaurant | Live Music
2.4 km
Experience vibrant Asian BBQ, live music, and nightlife across three lively floors in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
The Magic Roundabout
2.4 km
A vibrant café and bar in Bowness-on-Windermere offering diverse British cuisine, inclusive menus, and a lively atmosphere from morning to late night.
The Flying Pig Pub
2.5 km
Experience hearty Lakeland hospitality and classic English fare in the welcoming atmosphere of The Flying Pig Pub, Bowness-on-Windermere.
The Westmorland Inn
2.7 km
Rustic charm and hearty dining just steps from Lake Windermere in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Hooked Seafood
3.9 km
Fresh, seasonal seafood served with warmth and elegance in the heart of Windermere’s charming Ellerthwaite Square.
The Tilly Bar and Kitchen
4.1 km
Casual British dining and drinks in the heart of Windermere village, featuring fresh homemade dishes and a welcoming dog-friendly atmosphere.
Applegarth Villa & Restaurant
4.1 km
A refined country house hotel and bistro-style restaurant in Windermere, offering elegant rooms, excellent food, and warm family-run hospitality with views of the Lake District fells.
The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite
5.7 km
Historic country inn in Lyth Valley offering acclaimed local cuisine, cozy boutique rooms, and timeless Lake District charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Love the Lakes Bowness
2.3 km
Locally crafted gifts celebrating the spirit and beauty of England's Lake District.
Mountain Warehouse
2.4 km
Your go-to outdoor clothing and equipment store in Bowness, offering quality gear for all your Lake District adventures.
Tesco Express
2.4 km
Your convenient, friendly supermarket stop in Bowness-on-Windermere, open daily with fresh local produce and essentials for every visit.
Lonsdale Galleries
2.4 km
Discover unique Lake District gifts and local crafts in a spacious, welcoming gallery at the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
LAKELAND Leather
2.5 km
Discover handcrafted leather elegance and timeless style at Lakeland Leather in Bowness-on-Windermere, where tradition meets the Lake District spirit.
Herdy Bowness
2.5 km
Whimsical Lake District gifts celebrating the beloved Herdwick sheep with quality, character, and charm.
Pretty Things
2.6 km
Discover stylish ladies' fashion and warm hospitality at Pretty Things, a charming boutique in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
The Original Man Shop
2.6 km
A distinctive men's gift and fashion boutique offering style and charm in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Forget Me Not
4.0 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures at Forget Me Not, Windermere’s charming boutique in the heart of the Lake District.
Booths, Windermere
4.3 km
Explore Booths Windermere: a premier supermarket and café blending local flavors, quality produce, and community spirit in a historic setting.
Elephant Yard Shopping
11.5 km
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Waterstones
11.5 km
Discover a world of books and culture at Waterstones Kendal, your welcoming literary hub in the Westmorland Centre.
Blackhall Shopping Yard Kendal
11.6 km
Historic artisan shopping yard in Kendal's heart, home to independent specialists and local heritage.
Ryman Stationery
11.6 km
Your reliable source for quality stationery essentials in Kendal’s Westmorland Shopping Centre.
Kendal Indoor market
11.6 km
Historic Kendal Indoor Market blends traditional charm with local crafts and fresh produce in a vibrant covered shopping hub.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Boathouse | Bar & Restaurant
1.3 km
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Boaters Bar
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Quayside Bowness
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The Lake View Bowness
2.2 km
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The Arts Bar
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Village Inn Bowness-On-Windermere
2.3 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Bowness-on-Windermere offering local ales, hearty British fare, live sports, and a spacious beer garden.
The Easy Breeze
2.4 km
A vibrant bar and restaurant blending Lakeland charm, live music, and flavorful street food in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
The Fizzy Tarté
2.4 km
A vibrant cocktail bar and café in Bowness-on-Windermere serving stylish drinks and fresh afternoon tea in a lively, chic setting.
Lago
2.4 km
Lago is a lively bar in Bowness-on-Windermere known for its quality cocktails, sharing platters, and welcoming atmosphere near the heart of the Lake District.
Hole in t' Wall
2.4 km
Historic Lakeland pub offering hearty food, cask ales, and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
The Albert
2.4 km
A lively, traditional pub in Bowness-on-Windermere offering local ales, hearty food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere year-round.
The Crafty Baa Windermere
4.2 km
A vibrant, quirky bar and tapas spot in Windermere, famed for its eclectic décor, craft drinks, and lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Live Music in The Lake District The Crafty Baa Windermere Every Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu
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The Smallest Pub in The Lake District The Pie and Pint
4.2 km
Discover the cozy charm of The Smallest Pub in The Lake District, where craft ales meet homemade pies in Windermere’s most intimate setting.
The Windermere Speakeasy
4.3 km
A cozy, versatile cocktail bar and eatery in Windermere offering creative drinks, sharing platters, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
