Blackwell - The Arts & Crafts house
Blackwell - The Arts & Crafts house
Blackwell - The Arts & Crafts house
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Enjoy a serene day out at the most enchanting historic houses in the Lake District. When you visit you are invited to relax and immerse yourself in all the beauty and craftsmanship of Blackwell. We encourage you to sit and soak up the atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks, which have fine examples of tiles by Arts & Crafts designer William de Morgan. The inviting window seats offer stunning views of the surrounding Lake District scenery. You can appreciate the house as it was originally intended, without roped-off areas. Blackwell retains many of its original decorative features, including a rare hessian wall-hanging in the Dining Room, leaf-shaped door handles, curious window catches, spectacular plasterwork, stained glass and carved wooden panelling by Simpsons of Kendal. The rooms contain furniture and objects by many of the leading Arts and Crafts designers and studios.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- lakelover908Kendal, United Kingdom1,164 contributionsA favourite spot for coffees, lunch and afternoon tea.Another visit to this Cafe . We regularly visit and always find good service and friendly staff. They also run a loyalty scheme which is refreshing as so many other venues have stopped these.Thank you for your continuing support and for leaving a review. We are delighted you enjoy visiting Blackwell and our tea room. We look forward to seeing you again soon. All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 11 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 October 2023
- PipSouthampton, United Kingdom22 contributionsLove LOVE this cafeI've been here years ago and had a wonderful meal out on the veranda with my parents. I brought my partner here yesterday and we were thoroughly impressed - we had the pulled chicken sandwich which was absolutely divine and I loved the homemade coleslaw and fresh salad that came with it (so few places do good coleslaw!!). Also would recommend people get the homemade cheese scones - we only noticed these as we were leaving but they bake brie/camembert onto them and they looked absolutely to die for.Thank you for visiting Blackwell. We are delighted you had a lovely experience and enjoyed our food - we think its tasty too! We hope you'll come back and try the cheese scones next time. All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 13 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- LadyshipUKUSCambridge, United Kingdom162 contributionsArts and Crafts GemAs fans of the Arts and Crafts style we found this house a gem. The staff were really friendly and the signs with explanations as you walk around are really interesting. The temporary exhibit by Halima Cassell was an added delight and really complemented the house. Definitely worth a detour!Thank you for visiting Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house. We are delighted you had a lovely visit and hope to see you again in the new year! All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 1 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 December 2023
- Diane S1 contributionImpressiveI have been many times over the years it's one of my favourite places to be. Exceptional arts and crafts house with stunning views from every window. I like our of season best when it's quiet It's so peaceful. I like to sit in the window seats and soak up those amazing views. The terrace is just fantastic . You can see the whole lake and because it's so high up that's all you see lake and trees. They have really good exhibitions there too. Sometimes it's outside sculptures. I have been to glassware exhibits and pottery and many more . All ways worth going to see.Thank you for visiting Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house over the years Diane, we are delighted to be one of your favourite places. We hope that you'll come back for more relaxing visits and lake view experiences. All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 30 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 25 January 2024
- Alison PWythenshawe, United Kingdom419 contributionsWhat a house !! It took my breath away with the wonderful contrast of rooms . It was what I’d hoped to see and much moreFrom what I was hoping for the house was so much more and so I was in no way disappointed!! A stunning example of arts and crafts house with stunning views . The story behind the house was amazing and know it affected so many people is just wonderful. A hidden treasureThank you for visiting Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house Alison. We are thrilled you had such a lovely experience and we hope you'll come back again soon. All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 30 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 January 2024
- Chris FSlaithwaite, United Kingdom493 contributionsImpressive Arts & Crafts houseIt was many years ago that we last visited the house and we were impressed at the changes made. It is a beautiful arts and crafts building with an excellent collection illustrating the movement. Unfortunately the weather did not allow us to appreciate the views which we recall as being stunning on our last visit.Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Chris. We are thrilled you had a lovely experience and enjoyed the architecture and design of the house. We hope you'll come back again in the future, maybe when the sun is shining and you get to see those lovely lake views! All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 18 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 March 2024
- Christine B11 contributionsgo and see the William de Morgan exhibition. it's spectacular.I love Blackwell and have been dozens of times. I also love Wm de Morgan so just an absolute must to see this. I was blown away and feel it's the best exhibition they've put on. to visit on a bright sunny day and experience the light flooding in, especially in the White Drawing room which has to be the most elegant of all and my personal favourite. you may sit on the many window seats throughout and in the ingle nooks too. go see for yourselves.Thank you for visiting Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house and for taking the time to leave a review. We are delighted you had a lovely experience exploring the house and the current William De Morgan exhibition - we think it's great too! We hope you will come back again soon for more strolls through the house. All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 23 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 22 April 2024
- Susannah G30 contributionsWonderful house with fabulous viewsWhat a glorious property . Beautifully preserved and presented . Great exhibition about William de Morgan. Nice staff. Not at all busy even though it was a Sunday. Go visit if for nothing else but the beautiful viewsThank you for visiting Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house. We are delighted you had a lovely visit and enjoyed the current William De Morgan exhibition. We hope you will visit us again soon! All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 13 May 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2024
- boyd1952Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom918 contributionsAmazingWe visited on a Sunday arriving just after 10am. The introduction at reception was great. A beautiful house with amazing furniture. 11 am a very informative talk about each room downstairs with a guide who's passion is the house. All staff pleasant & friendly. Cafe was clean, pleasant with nice food. Well worth a visit to a beautiful Arts & Crafts House.Thank you for visiting Blackwell and for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted you had a lovely experience exploring the house and enjoyed a bite to eat in the tea room. We hope you will visit us again soon. All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 24 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
- MonicaJackson, Tennessee323 contributionsWonderful home to tour and learn about the arts and crafts movementThis house was a wonderful place to tour and learn about the arts and crafts movement. The house was so simple, yet there was clearly such an attention to detail and craftsmanship given to the pieces chosen and the architectural design elements used. I loved that the stories of how the house was used over time were also included. The staff was pleasant and friendly.Thank you for leaving a review and for visiting Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house. We're delighted you had a wonderful time exploring the house and the stories connected to it. We hope to see you again soon! All the best, Lakeland ArtsWritten 1 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2024
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4.5
891 reviews
Excellent
644
Very good
185
Average
45
Poor
12
Terrible
5
Mojosbigstick
England140 contributions
Mar 2020
It's not some grand stately mansion hung with dead relatives round the walls; this is a human-sized home, but still impressive, luxurious and ornate. The sort of place that leaves you speechless with simple beauty and amazing attention to detail.
If you like Arts and Crafts all well and good, but this house is worth seeing even if you don't. The views are to die for, and beautifully framed from the spacious, not ostentatious, rooms. It's warm, handsome and perfectly formed. In fact I had a small argument with some other visitors about who was going to get to live here - we all wanted to stay forever.
If you like Arts and Crafts all well and good, but this house is worth seeing even if you don't. The views are to die for, and beautifully framed from the spacious, not ostentatious, rooms. It's warm, handsome and perfectly formed. In fact I had a small argument with some other visitors about who was going to get to live here - we all wanted to stay forever.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,698 contributions
Oct 2020
This was, without doubt, one of my highlights on visiting the Lake District. For anyone interested in art, design or architecture, you can't visit Lake Windermere without visiting Blackwell, the beautiful large Arts & Crafts House designed by Baillie Scott, with its stunning views across the lake - and said to be Ballie Scott's best house.
Designed as a holiday home in Bowness-on-Windermere for the Manchester brewer Sir Edward Holt, the house, constructed from 1898 to 1900 is furnished with designs by Baillie Scott and his contemporaries.
A nice touch is the inclusion of modern artworks to compliment the historic designs and give the house a contemporary feel, plus the CLIMart project where 8 to 12 year old children had worked with an artist to respond to the current climate issues, thus keeping the house relevant for the 21st century.
Designed as a holiday home in Bowness-on-Windermere for the Manchester brewer Sir Edward Holt, the house, constructed from 1898 to 1900 is furnished with designs by Baillie Scott and his contemporaries.
A nice touch is the inclusion of modern artworks to compliment the historic designs and give the house a contemporary feel, plus the CLIMart project where 8 to 12 year old children had worked with an artist to respond to the current climate issues, thus keeping the house relevant for the 21st century.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenda W
Liverpool, UK52 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Beautiful house. Arts and crafts furniture sparse though. Fireplaces beautiful but these are part of the house itself. Empty rooms except for info on the walls and locked rooms. Considering this was built for seven people only two bedrooms with little furniture on show. Staff friendly though and grounds/view lovely. At £9 each VERY overpriced. In and out in 20--30 minutes. Japanese exhibition a disappointment too. Had been looking forward to seeing this house. Due to cost and lack of furnished rooms would not recommend.
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your visit to Blackwell and the exhibition did not meet your expectations. When Blackwell joined Lakeland Arts in 1999, the house did not contain any original Arts & Crafts furnishings. Today the objects in the house’s period rooms are drawn from our own collection, as well as a selection of exceptional loans from other galleries.
Written 24 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MAR$$
8 contributions
May 2021
So lovely to return to this beautiful house after months of shielding. The staff were very welcoming and the Covid procedures in place made us feel safe and secure on site. Our visit was enhanced by the new 'House of the Setting Sun' exhibition which shows the links between our Arts & Crafts movement and traditional Japanese crafts.
The gift shop was filled with beautiful pieces of hand-crafted work, made both local and national artisans demonstrating the Arts & Crafts ethos. Refreshments in the Blackwell tea room rounded off our visit. We look forward to returning to this venue.
The gift shop was filled with beautiful pieces of hand-crafted work, made both local and national artisans demonstrating the Arts & Crafts ethos. Refreshments in the Blackwell tea room rounded off our visit. We look forward to returning to this venue.
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisB8
Lancashire132 contributions
Feb 2023
if there was a 'frequent flyer' award for Blackwell visits I reckon I could qualify. over many years I have taken different family and friends. my recent visit was as enjoyable as always. the current exhibition Unearthed by Amy Williams, is a visual delight. because the mist closed down the views the visit made me concentrate even more on the house and the splendid details in every part of design and construction. every single visit and cuppa in the cafe is a delight in very civilised surroundings. I should add that now the entrance includes admission for the rest of the year and a generous 30% off our next visit of the day, the very interesting Jetty Museum. I was very impressed with the reception staff taking care to describe Blackwell to a family who had never visited before.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words and for visiting us so many times Chris! We hope to see you again soon. All the best, Lakeland Arts.
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonny C
Walthamstow, UK89 contributions
Jul 2021
If you like the Arts & Crafts movement this is a must-see. It's a little off the beaten track but that's part of its charm. After a short introduction from the staff, you then enter the main house and are left to explore all the rooms yourself. The rooms are stunning, the ornaments are exquisite and all the exhibits are beautiful curated. You can finish your visit by having a tea at the cafe, and if you chose to sit outside you'll be rewarded with amazing views down towards the lake side.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ASWoolstone
Milton Keynes, UK21 contributions
Jun 2021
Blackwell really is a stunning Arts & Crafts property that has been beautifully restored by the trust. It hasn’t been over-worked which allows the original design to shine.
Though each to their own (previous reviewers note) I think the balance of furniture in the rooms is right – it’s made clear that none of the original items existed, so carefully selected pieces have been introduced to give an impression of the period. I thought the Japanese exhibit was well curated too.
I would really recommend a visit here if you enjoy seeing good architecture, brilliantly executed. The staff were friendly, courteous and knowledgeable…
Though each to their own (previous reviewers note) I think the balance of furniture in the rooms is right – it’s made clear that none of the original items existed, so carefully selected pieces have been introduced to give an impression of the period. I thought the Japanese exhibit was well curated too.
I would really recommend a visit here if you enjoy seeing good architecture, brilliantly executed. The staff were friendly, courteous and knowledgeable…
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review, we are very happy to hear you enjoyed your visit with us.
Written 24 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FirenzeMamma
Dorset, UK97 contributions
Jun 2023
This is a superb house - one of the best examples of Arts & Crafts design I have seen. Anyone with a National Art Pass gets in half price, which was a bonus. The house has a lovely feel, wonderful views and a nice little cafe.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review! We are so glad you enjoyed your visit. We hope you'll come and visit us again soon. All the best, Lakeland Arts.
Written 5 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
keepitupLiverpoolUK
Liverpool UK131 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
This is a beautiful house in a stunning setting overlooking Lake Windermere. We enjoyed touring the rooms and exploring the Japanese exhibition. We spent about 90 minutes in the house and garden. The staff were very helpful and friendly and we felt very comfortable visiting. The gardens are a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the view on a good day. We were unable to use the cafe as the menu was severely restricted due to COVID-19 staff shortage. Not sure it is good value for money.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor M
Barrow-upon-Humber228 contributions
Jul 2021
This is our second visit to this beautiful house and we enjoyed it all over again. Our only criticism was that the works of the ceramicist we had come specially to see were displayed in the cafe! Luckily we spotted them as we were leaving. I must mention the first class attention we were given when I enquired before our visit about parking as we have a motorhome and my wife has difficulty walking distances. They arranged parking for us and came out to see if were were ok, Brilliant, thank you.
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lakeland Arts
Windermere, United Kingdom
Hi Terry,
Unfortunately we can only allow service dogs into Blackwell House and the garden, but dogs are welcome on the courtyard area by the main entrance where there is patio furniture for owners to sit with them if they wish.
Hope this helps,
Lakeland Arts
Written 17 March 2017
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