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Things to do in Troutbeck

Bright blue skies over rolling green hills with a few darker green trees dotted across the landscape and scattered farm buildings nestling in the clefts of the hills.
Troutbeck Valley in the Lake District | © National Trust/Paul Harris

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).

A walking path leading to Troutbeck village, Cumbria, with a stone wall on one side and fields and hills beyond.
A walking path leading to Troutbeck village | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Enjoy a walk around Troutbeck

Troutbeck is a unique village full of vernacular architecture in an unspoilt valley setting.

Beatrix Potter wrote about how much she enjoyed walking in 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

 

An elevated view of Lake Windermere towards Wray Castle on the walk from Ambleside to Townend and Troutbeck, Cumbria.
Lake Windermere view on the Ambleside to Townend walk | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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.

For a full day out, follow our Ambleside to Troutbeck walking trail. 

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.

The tea room is open daily 10am – 4pm, except on Tuesdays.

Visitors walking along a footpath surrounded by greenery and trees at Townend, with the white-walled house visible behind them, and a view over the countryside beyond

Discover more at Townend

Find out when Townend is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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.

A costumed woman in the library at Townend in Troutbeck, Cumbria

Things to do at Townend 

Townend a traditional Lake District farmhouse full of fascinating domestic objects and stories of the family who lived there. Step back in time to the 17th century and learn more about the Browne family and their lives.

The fire is lit in the kitchen at Townend, Lake District

Visiting Townend 

Discover everything you need to know about visiting Townend farmhouse, including when to visit and how to book a tour. Closed for winter, reopens on 18 March 2025.

Inside an old farmhouse kitchen two people are chatting a volunteer in period costume about the food on display on the table.

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