Discover more at Townend
Find out when Townend is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to do in Troutbeck
The village of Troutbeck is an unusual collection of tiny hamlets along a valley road. Many visitors come to explore Townend, the popular farmhouse that was home to the Browne family, but there’s plenty more to discover in the village, including stained-glass windows by William Morris.
Admire the William Morris stained-glass windows
At the bottom of Troutbeck valley along the Kirkstone Pass is Jesus Church, where the Browne family worshipped. Today you can visit and admire the stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. (Not National Trust).
Countryside views fit for an American President
Follow in the footsteps of an American President. When Woodrow Wilson visited the Lake District, he stayed in Rydal, climbed Wansfell from Ambleside, and then visited Townend and walked back. He was so impressed with Townend that he wanted to buy it.
Visit the Old Post Office Tea Room
We don’t have a café here at Townend, however The Old Post Office Tea Room (not National Trust) is just down the road and well worth a visit for delicious brews, alongside freshly made paninis, sandwiches and home made soup, delicious cakes and ice-cream. They have free WiFi and are dog friendly.
See Old Post Office Tea Room website for opening times.
Enjoy a walk around Troutbeck
Troutbeck is a unique small village full of vernacular architecture in an unspoilt valley setting.
For longer walks
Try this delightful 4-mile circular walk from Brockhole, where there is a bus stop and a non-NT car park.
Choose to visit car free by following on this walk from Windermere railway station and bus interchange.
If you are staying in Ambleside this is a lovely walk through country lanes, woods and fields.
This is a challenging trail going up on to the fells with outstanding views over lake Windermere.
Beatrix Potter, who bought nearby Troutbeck Park Farm in 1923 and later included it among the 14 farms she bequeathed to the National Trust, wrote fondly about walking in the Troutbeck valley:
'I loved to wander on the Troutbeck Fell…more often I went alone. But never lonely. There was always the company of gentle sheep, and wild flowers, and singing waters.'
– Beatrix Potter, author
You might also be interested in
History of Townend
Just who were the Browne family? Discover more about the Townend farmhouse, the family who lived here and their position in society.
Things to do at Townend
Townend is a traditional Lake District farmhouse full of fascinating domestic objects and stories of the family who lived there. Step back in time and learn more about the Browne family and their lives.
Ambleside to Troutbeck walk
From Ambleside go on a circular discovery walk through country lanes, woods and fields. Along the way enjoy views of Lake Windermere, visit Troutbeck village and Townend farmhouse, and climb up to Wansfell Pike for great views of the fells.
