Things to do at Townend

Library

Townend library is made up of around 1,500 books which cover many topics from novels and poetry to farming, religion, law, medicine and current affairs. The books have tell-tale physical signs of being well used by the family (and in many cases their neighbours too), and we can see evidence of oil from finger marks and corners turned over.

There are also 45 entirely unique books: ones that have not survived anywhere else in the world. Some of these are slightly bawdy chapbooks. You can find out more on the Friday tour, which delves into the library and books. Book your tour ticket in advance. 

Bedrooms

Climb the solid oak staircase and you’ll find the main bedrooms. The State bedroom was used for guests. Beatrix Potter visited the house but we don't know if she stayed overnight. She was a guest of Clara Browne, the daughter of the last George Browne and the final member of the family to live in the house.

The linen closet in the Blue Bedroom is where Lucy Browne’s silk wedding dress is displayed. At the other end of the bedroom next to a large window is a cosy space that was formerly used as an office.

The furniture and fittings in the main bedroom are decorated with George Browne’s carvings. One of the striking features of the room is how the floor slopes steeply up from the door. Take a look at the legs of the furniture in this room, to see bespoke alterations. The large oil painting shows the last George Browne aged eight.

The servants bedrooms are accessed from the Downhouse. More modestly furnished this is where the maids and housekeeper would have slept. The right-hand maid’s room also provides access into the Downhouse meat loft.

The garden and wildlife

Townend’s small informal cottage-style garden has splashes of colour across the year from snowdrops, primroses, tulips and hydrangeas. It’s a great place to spot garden birds. Take a seat overlooking the bird table to observe the comings and goings of nuthatches, blue tits and robins. Buzzards can be seen wheeling overhead riding air thermals on bright sunny days. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a little owl during the day or listen out for the haunting cry of a tawny owl in the winter twilight. On cooler days, the smell of woodsmoke on the air signals the change of season.

Bank Barn

Townend Farm bank barn is over the road from the main farmhouse. One of the earliest bank barns in the UK, it was built by George Browne in 1666 and it’s still in use today by the farmer. The barn has a traditional spinning gallery. We have replaced the worn handrails and support beams for the deck of the gallery floor. This was part of a project to restore nine historic barns across the Lakes, with help from a Defra Farming in a Protected Landscape grant managed by Lake District National Park Authority. The barn is not open to the public, but you can see it from the garden, or on the approach from the car park.

Things for families to do at Townend

We have a two of illustrated guides for children so they can explore the stories of the Browne family as they look around the farmhouse. There’s one for young children and one for slightly older kids too. During school holidays there are usually traditional games like hoopla in the courtyard. 

Arrive on foot 

Starting at Brockhole, where there is a bus stop and a non-National Trust pay and display car park, the Townend and Troutbeck Valley circular walk takes you through classic Lakeland scenery, farmland and architecture. 

Refreshments at the Old Post Office Tea Room

We don't have a café at Townend, but just down the road is The Old Post Office Tea Room. It's a lovely spot for a hot drink and light bite. They offer free WiFi and are dog-friendly. Please check their website for opening hours.