Things to do · Cultural
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
Bowness-on-Windermere
Historic House
Blackwell stands as one of Britain's most important Arts and Crafts houses, perched on a hillside above Lake Windermere, looking across the water to the Langdale Pikes. Designed by renowned architect M.H. Baillie Scott and completed in 1900 as a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt, the house showcases the very best of the Arts and Crafts movement with its emphasis on fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and integration with the surrounding landscape.
The interior of Blackwell is a masterpiece of period design, featuring original oak paneling, intricate plasterwork, stained glass windows, and hand-carved details throughout. The Main Hall serves as the heart of the house, with its impressive inglenook fireplace and gallery overlooking the space. Each room has been carefully restored to reflect Baillie Scott's original vision, while contemporary exhibitions showcase modern craft and design, creating an inspiring dialogue between past and present.
Visitors can explore the house at their own pace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning lake views from nearly every window. The surrounding gardens have been lovingly restored to complement the Arts and Crafts philosophy, featuring terraced areas, natural plantings, and quiet spots for contemplation. The house also hosts regular events, workshops, and exhibitions, making it a vibrant cultural destination that celebrates both historical craftsmanship and contemporary creativity.
Nearby
Lindeth Fell Country House
Country House Hotel, Bowness££££
An Edwardian Arts and Crafts house above Windermere, now a 14-bedroom five-star B&B with its 1909 Restaurant, afternoon teas and Thomas Mawson gardens. It is part of the Storrs Collection and also hosts weddings and exclusive-use stays.
Linthwaite House
Boutique Hotel, Windermere, dogs welcome££££
A Leeu Collection hotel on a hilltop above Windermere, with 36 individually designed rooms, a private tarn with rowing boats and Simon Rogan's Henrock restaurant serving produce from his own farm.
The Brown Horse
Gastropub, Winster, dogs welcome££££
A Georgian coaching inn in the Winster Valley with rooms, woodland pods and a well-chosen wine list, named Cumbria's Best Pub and Bar in 2023. Dogs are welcome in the bar.
Walks nearby
Easy · 5.6 km · 175 m up
Brant Fell from Bowness
About 1 hour 30 minutes
A short loop from Bowness over Post Knott to the rocky top of Brant Fell, with one of the best views over Windermere, returning on the Dales Way.
Easy · 2.5 km · 108 m up
Orrest Head from Windermere station
About 30 minutes
A short climb straight from Windermere station through woodland to Orrest Head, a 360 degree viewpoint over Windermere and the central fells.
Moderate · 8.3 km · 257 m up
Carron Crag trail, Grizedale Forest
About 2 hours
Grizedale's purple waymarked trail from the visitor centre to Carron Crag, the forest's highest point, with views to the Coniston fells.