Townend
Atmospheric farmhouse full of quirky objects and fascinating stories
Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit
We're reopening the places you love, gradually, safely and in step with government advice. Our houses, gardens and parklands remain closed for now, in line with the rules about ticketed venues. But we're opening some of our coast and countryside car parks in England, so you can get out into green spaces. You'll need to book for some of them. Some coast and countryside car parks in Northern Ireland will start to reopen from 27 May. For now, all car parks in Wales have to remain closed on government advice. Read this article to find out what's open, how you can visit, and what to expect from your visit.
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.
