Townend

Atmospheric farmhouse full of quirky objects and fascinating stories

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Townend

Things to see and do

Volunteer at Townend in Cumbria

New for 2018 - Life at Townend talks 

Townend in 1700 was a lively and prosperous house for Ben Browne, his family and servants. Come find out more about everyday life in the early 1700s, based on original source documents from the family archive.

The cradle at Townend in Troutbeck

Take a tour

Want to 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 are limited, first come first served.

A woman cooking in the kitchen at Townend

A taste of Townend 

The Brownes’ family recipe book is full of great recipes, from meaty mince pies and macaroons to medicines dating back to the 17th century. Pop in for an afternoon of cooking where we’ll recreate some of the recipes.

Little girl rag rugging at Townend
The front of Townend house and garden
Troutbeck valley

Discover this 17th century farmhouse 

Explore a quirky farmhouse with an even quirkier family at Townend. Potter around prize-winning plants in the cottage garden or follow our walking trails that lead to beautiful views of Lake Windermere.

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.

The secluded charm of Troutbeck Village 

"There was always the company of gentle sheep, and wild flowers, and singing waters." This is what Beatrix Potter said about Troutbeck and she was spot on!

Townend in Troutbeck Village

Ambleside to Troutbeck and back via Wansfell 

A discovery walk from Ambleside to Troutbeck along tracks and lanes through woods and fields with views from Wansfell Pike.

A view of Townend, Cumbria from the front gate

Wander through the Troutbeck Valley 

Explore the Troutbeck Valley on this circular walk that reaches the fringes of world-famous Lake Windermere.

Beatrix Potter illustration and modern day photo showing a scene in Hawkshead village

Where next? 

There's a new exhibition at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. The original artwork included in this year’s exhibition features scenes which have changed little since Beatrix Potter arrived on her first Lake District holiday in 1882.

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Townend

What's on

Upcoming events

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Guided Tours

Sat 22 Sep 2018
11:00-12:00
Want to 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.

Talk - Life at Townend

Sun 23 Sep 2018
14:00-14:15
Townend in 1700 was a lively and prosperous house for Ben Browne, his family and servants. come find out more about everyday life in the early 1700s, based on original source documents from the family archive.

A Taste of Townend

Thu 27 Sep 2018
13:30-16:00
The Brownes' family recipe book is full of great recipes, from meaty mince pies and macaroons to medicines dating back to the 17th century. We'll be cooking all afternoon where we'll recreate some of the recipes.

Autumn nature trail

Sat 20 Oct 2018
13:30-16:00
Explore the garden this autumn and find out more about the creatures living here as they prepare to hibernate for winter. What will they eat and where do they live?
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Townend

History

Woman in costume reading a book in the Townend library
A boy and woman looking at woodcarvings in Townend
Farm buildings at Townend

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.

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.

An historic barn 

Townend boasts one of the earliest - and still in working order - bank barns in Cumbria. It's still used today by the farmer for lambing and keeping sheep.

An 'upcycled' wardrobe chest in the Housekeeper's room at Townend Play Video
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Townend

Get involved

Volunteer at Townend in Cumbria

Volunteer at Townend 

Townend is full of quirky objects and fascinating stories, we’re looking for volunteers to help us bring these stories to life. If you are enthusiastic, enjoy meeting people and working as part of a team, then why not give it a try? We are looking for Room Guides.

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Townend

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Townend on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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