Things to see & do
Things to see and do
This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.
-
Quirky farmhouse; quirky family
Quirky farmhouse; quirky family
The Brownes were just an ordinary family of farmers, living in Troutbeck near Windermere, but their quirky home at Townend and their belongings bring to life over 400 years of extraordinary stories and characters.
-
Troublesome weeds and prize-winning pansies
Troublesome weeds and prize-winning pansies
The cottage style garden at Townend is a re-creation of the garden of the last Browne family member - George Browne - to live at Townend.
-
Social climbing, saucy stories and sheep
Social climbing, saucy stories and sheep
Townend library is made up of around 1,500 books which cover many diverse topics. Find out more about the physical evidence they contain, such as greasy finger marks and corners turned over.
-
Townend's historic working bank barn
Townend's historic working bank barn
The bank barn at Townend was built by George Browne in 1666, and extended in the 18th century. It is one of very few surviving bank barns in the area, and still in use today.
-
The secluded charm of Troutbeck Village
The secluded charm of Troutbeck Village
Townend is located in Troutbeck, a traditional Lakeland village. The Browne family who lived at Townend for over 400 years were part of this small community. Today there is still a strong sense of community. Explore the village and surrounding on foot, with one of the WI or downloadable walks.
-
Wonderful woodcarvings and cheeky cheating
Wonderful woodcarvings and cheeky cheating
George Browne spent many years decorating the old furniture at Townend. He created a very early 'fitted kitchen' and made a bookcase look 200 years older than it really was.
Quirky farmhouse; quirky family
Troublesome weeds and prize-winning pansies
Social climbing, saucy stories and sheep
Townend's historic working bank barn
The secluded charm of Troutbeck Village
Wonderful woodcarvings and cheeky cheatingEvents at Townend
During the year, see Townend come to life with a selection of events. Find out how George Browne lived at Townend with his family, follow our spooky Halloween trail or discover more about our amazing library
Activities for Children
Follow the discovery trail through the house, go on a scavenger hunt in the garden or join us on our spooky Halloween Trail.
Don't miss...
- Have a go at making a new rag rug, using traditional techniques
- Enjoy our cottage garden and admire George's prize winning plants
- Explore the footpaths of Troutbeck valley
Discover more with a guided tour
Find out how you can 'burn a candle at both ends' and how the crafty chambermaid outwitted the rich merchant. Then join one of our tours, every open day at 11am and 12 noon (places limited).
50 things to do before you're 11 3/4
The great outdoors really is great. So we've tracked down 50 of the coolest things to do outdoors before you're 11 3/4. Find out more on the 50 things website or visit a property and collect your own 50 things passport.
Visit Townend and have a go at number 49: Find a geocache.