Shadows of Townend: Folklore, fear, and farmhouse magic
This Halloween, take an exclusive night time tour of Townend by candlelight, exploring the superstitious beliefs and macabre potions of the 17th century Browne family.
- Booking essential
This tour invites you to not only explore Townend’s darker history but to feel it, by experiencing its eerie atmosphere at night, sometimes with a chill down the spine.
This tour, led by a costumed guide, offers a rare chance to see Townend’s exceptional archive of commonplace books. These reveal some of the Browne family’s more gruesome remedies and beliefs. Discover cures said to bring people back from the dead, rituals involving writing in blood and even references to a philosopher’s stone.
You’ll be taken back to a time when superstitions pervaded everyday life, with witches circles scratched into the woodwork and horseshoes nailed to doors and stowed under floorboards, to ward off witches and evil spirits.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All | £18.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Suitable for 11+. Must be accompanied by an adult
- Meeting point
Meet at house.
- What to bring and wear
Wrap up warm, the house is chilly at night.
- Accessibility
Uneven gravel path from carpark to house (will be lit). Slate steps down into property courtyard. Dark inside the house, with uneven floors, sloping in places. There are steps and a spiral staircase. Torches or candles are provided.
Upcoming events
Townend Guided Tour
Immerse yourself in the history of the Browne family and their home.
Taste of Townend
Experience living history and learn about food recreated from the 17th century family recipe book.
Heritage Open Days: 1940s at Townend
Visit Townend for free as part of Heritage Open Days.
Building detectives walking tour
Become a building detective on this guided architecture tour of some of the finest traditional Lake District buildings in Troutbeck village.