Visiting Blackwell House, Windermere
Blackwell House, Windermere is a historic house in the Lake District. While it may not be one of the oldest in Cumbria, it is certainly worth a visit.
The family residence was built between 1898 and 1900 as a prominent display of the Arts and Craft movement, originally designed by architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. The impressive building overlooks Lake Windermere and is only a short distance from your Lake District spa Hotel. The stunning location is no doubt why Sir Edward Holt (founder of the Manchester Brewery) chose Blackwell House, Windermere as his holiday home.
When to visit Blackwell House, Windermere
As the school holidays are upon us, the next few weeks may not be the best time to visit Blackwell house. Especially if you’re away on a romantic break in the Lake District. After all, it may spoil the ambience if there are school children running around!
In fact, if you book into a Lake District spa Hotel in winter, unlike other historic houses in Cumbria, Blackwell House is always open. It may be out of season but you can still make the most of the grounds. The Holt family chose Bowness-on-Windermere to be at one with nature. So, while the Lakes look amazing in the sun, those crisp winter mornings are just as magical.
It’s not just the outdoors of course, as Blackwell House, Windermere is a huge historic house in the Lake District. The bedrooms are filled with displays featuring works from the Arts and Craft movement of the era. Expect to find both temporary exhibitions and items that are permanent fixtures.
Other interesting pieces on display include a pair of ice-skates, not so much for the shoes themselves but what they represent. As once upon a time the courtyard was turned into a giant ice-rink! As well as it’s time belonging to the Holt family, Blackwell House was once a school, between 1941 and 1976.
Have a cuppa in the Blackwell House tearoom
Once you’ve enjoyed your time exploring Blackwell House, stay a little longer before you return to your Lake District spa Hotel. If you are visiting out of season, then a nice cup of tea will help warm you up.
What’s on at Blackwell House, Windermere
Every Tuesday and Friday visitors can join a guided tour, where you will learn all about the history of the grand mansion. Tuesday’s will give you a brief introduction. While Friday’s is all about the Holt family and what life was like at the holiday home.
Where to stay near Blackwell House
Book a Lake District spa hotel. Where you can enjoy spa facilities at the nearby Aphrodites Lodge as well as your own hot tub. Our Windermere Boutique Spa Suites are in an ideal location to visit historical houses in the Lake District and much more.