National Trust - Townend — Attraction in Great Britain

We absolutely loved our visit to Townend and I am so pleased we chose there over Hill Top. We are a family of 3, our child is aged 4, nearly 5. It is small but we spent a good 3 hours there as there was plenty to entertain our daughter. Firstly, the volunteers were superb. Every single one of them engaged with the visitors and particularly with our daughter, adapting their language for her to really teach her. The kids guide book was also superb. Many of the kids activities we have sampled at NT places are too much for her and she gets bored and then there are just two thirty something olds doing a kids trail. This was perfect, short and engaging and just a simple ‘can you spot’. The house itself is stunning and a fascinating insight into social history, George Browne being a particularly cunning social climber. There was so much to look at and we learned a few new facts about the past which we didn’t know before, for instance the etymology of the phrase ‘sleep tight’ and where the game ‘cats cradle’ is developed from! Luckily as we visited on the right day, a lovely lady, dressed in period costume, was doing a talk on some of the foods and remedies which were written down by the family over time. Again, she engaged our daughter as well as other visitors and was full of humour and energy. The garden was lovely, it is very small but as the sun was shining we played quoits and skittles for a little on the gravel courtyard. In the courtyard there is a lovely information centre with SO much for kids to do, from building a brick Townend, spinning yarn to even water colour painting. We sat on a bench outside and did a few water colour paintings before returning home. There are toilets on site and a picnic bench on the way from the car park. The local post office cafe, a short walk down the hill, seemed very popular. It is an old period home and so, to preserve its history, isn’t easily accessible if you struggle with stairs but if not it is absolutely worth the visit and I actually feel, for my family, this has been one of, if not THE best NT home we have visited. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff for making it...

The Brownes of Townend in the Troutbeck Valley were just an ordinary farming family: but their home and belongings bring to life more than 400 years of extraordinary stories. Once inside, you are welcomed into the farmhouse kitchen with a real fire and a quirky collection of domestic tools. A volunteer gave an interesting talk on their herbal remedies and the food that they lived on. Throughout the house, intricately carved furniture provides a window into the personality of George Browne. The library contains the family’s well-used collection of books, including 45 that are the only remaining copies in the world. The inside of the house is dark and atmospheric and really brings home how these people lived. Outside, the garden looks as though it would be lovely in the Summer. There are lovely views across the valley. There is no shop or cafe at this property but don't let this put you off, instead visit the cafe in the local shop. Parking is about...

A gem of a National Trust property, this 17th century farmhouse has a wonderful atmosphere and gives a real sense of what life was like for its former occupants. Being a smaller property, there's a cozier, more intimate feel than the larger houses, and the log fires were very welcome on a wet Lake District morning. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, giving guided tours of each area of the house and pointing out unusual features, such as the bespoke fitted kitchen. Outside, there's a small garden and laundry room, and a view across the road to the historic bank barn, still in use by a working farm. There are toilet facilities and a small on-site parking lot. Dogs are only allowed in the garden, not the house. Adult tickets were £9.00 at the time of my visit, decent value for a unique experience. Check the National Trust website for up to date pricing. We didn't need to pre-book, but it's recommended to guarantee...