Townend

Set in Troutbeck Valley, in the Lake District, Townend, offers an insight into the farming life of the Brownes family.

An ageing farmhouse with a huge amount of character, Townend is a National Trust property set on the side of a hill with incredible views. Inside you'll find a roaring fire everyday, typical of farming life of yesteryear. There's a unique collection of kitchen utensils, which seem to catch a lot of attention from visitors.

Around the house you'll find carved wooden furniture and a collection of rare books, with forty-five of them being the last remaining copies in the world. 

As with many National Trust properties the gardens are a credit to the staff and volunteers. Your visit inside may be short but you can whittle away the time taking in the gardens bird spotting with a pair of borrowed binoculars or simply take in the remarkable view.

As always, I like to share the tips and need to know info.......

• The car park has extremely limited parking, so get there before opening if you can't or don't want to walk from further away.
• Townend isn't a full day visit so try and team it with a walk round a nearby town or another Trust site, which there's lots of in the Lake District. 
• There are steps and slopes around the site so check the website for accessibility information.
• There's a spotting trail for the kids. Ask a volunteer for the booklet.
• You'll find an binoculars, bird spotting sheet and garden scavenger hunts in one of the outbuildings , as well as wooden toy farmhouse identical to Townend for little ones to play with!
• This is a picnic spot close to the car park that offers great views, so it's a great place to have your lunch and enjoy the scenary.
• Townend isn't open everyday of the week so make sure you check your National Trust handbook or the website before you plan your trip.

Have you got a National Trust visit planned?

Mummy Snowy Owl

xx