England
Cumbria

Historic Buildings in the Lake District

Here you will find historic properties ranging from town houses associated with literary or other historic figures, watermills, industrial heritage buildings, townhouses, and more. You might also like to view our list of the major historic houses (stately homes) in the Lake District region.

Acorn Bank Location map Temple Sowerby, Cumbria A partially restored watermill dating back to 1597 is featured in this sheltered garden surrounded by ancient oaks. Penrith, Temple Sowerby, Cumbria, England, CA10 1SP Location: 6 miles E of Penrith on the A66 Website: Acorn Bank Email: acornbank@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 017683 61893 Fax: 017683 66824 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House Location map Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria A striking Arts and Crafts house overlooking Lake Windermere, finished by architect MH Baillie Scott in 1900. Blackwell is one of the best surviving unaltered examples of the Arts and Craft style buildings in England. Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, England, LA23 3JT Location: On the B5360, just off the A5074 (Lyth Valley Road). Well signposted from the centre of Bowness on Windermere. Website: Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House Email: info@blackwell.org.uk Phone: 015394 46139 Fax: 015394 88486 Lakeland Arts Trust Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum Location map Grasmere, Cumbria Wordworth's best years were spent in this delightfully well-preserved cottage by the shores of Grasmere. Excellent guided tours are available, and the museum is replete with memorabilia, portraits, and writings by the famous poet. There are special exhibitions throughout the year. Grasmere, Cumbria, England, LA22 9SH Location: nr Ambleside, on A591 Website: Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum Email: enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk Phone: 015394 35544 Fax: 015394 35748 Details of Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hawkshead Grammar School Location map Hawkshead, Cumbria Hawkshead Grammar School is an attractive Elizabethan school built by the Archbishop of York, Edwin Sandys. The most famous pupil of the school was poet William Wordsworth, who attended here with his brother, John. The school houses displays oon Wordsworth and other pupils and shows how the students were taught in days gone by. Hawkshead, Cumbria, England, LA22 0NT Location: Located just below the parish church. A very short walk from the main visitor car park in Hawkshead. Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Details of Hawkshead Grammar School Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hawkshead Old Courthouse Location map Hawkshead, Cumbria A small 15th century building which once formed part of Hawkshead Hall, owned by the powerful monks of Furness Abbey. The building consists of a gateway arch, with a room above the arch where court proceedings were held. The building is supported by a long, sloping buttress. Hawkshead, Cumbria, England, LA22 0NN Location: Located 1/4 mile up the Hawkshead to Ambleside road. Park in Hawkshead, and get the key from the National Trust shop if you want to view the interior. Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Details of Hawkshead Old Courthouse Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hill Top Location map Sawrey, Cumbria Tiny 17th century house where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her children's stories. It has been preserved exactly as it was when the author left it, right down to her china. Hawkshead, Sawrey, Cumbria, England, LA22 0LF Location: 2 m S Hawkshead. NOTE: Hill Top is very small. A timed entry system is in effect. Maximize your chances of getting in by avoiding peak times, especially mornings during school holidays. Website: Hill Top Email: hilltop@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 015394 36269 Fax: 015394 36811 National Trust Details of Hill Top Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hoad Monument Location map Ulverston, Cumbria A Victorian monument on the summit of Hoad Hill, overlooking the town of Ulverston. The monument commemorates Sir John Barrow, a native of Ulverston, who rose from humble beginnings to become second Lord of the Admiralty. Barrow helped promote exploration in Africa and Canada, and was a founder of the Royal Geographic Society. Ulverston, Cumbria, England, LA12 7LD Location: The monument is easily visible from Ulverston. Park near the church and take a footpath to the top of Hoad Hill for superb views. Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Details of Hoad Monument Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Jennings Brewery Location map Cockermouth, Cumbria Take a tour of this historic brewery. Cockermouth, Cumbria, England, CA13 9NE Location: in town centre, off Castlegate Website: Jennings Brewery Phone: 0845 1297185 Fax: 0845 1297186 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Rydal Mount Rydal, Cumbria The home of poet William Wordsworth from 1813 until 1859. The house dates to the 16th century. The interior features many of Wordsworth's personal effects, furniture, and mementoes. The house was purchased by Wordsworth's descendants in 1969, and is occasionally still used by the family. Rydal, near Ambleside, Rydal, Cumbria, England, Website: Rydal Mount Email: info@rydalmount.co.uk Phone: 015394 33002 Fax: 015394 31738 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wordsworth House Location map Cockermouth, Cumbria Georgian townhouse, the birthplace and childhood home of William Wordsworth, gives a fine insight into life in 1770s Cockermouth, with costumed interpreters and interactive demonstrations. Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, England, CA13 9RX Location: in town centre, just off the A66 Website: Wordsworth House Email: wordsworthhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01900 820 884 Fax: 01900 820 883 National Trust Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering