Blackwell Tea Room in South Lakeland

Well worth driving an hour and a half for our second visit to Blackwell. A unique and fascinating house. Our thanks to volunteer guide David for an unhurried tour and detailed insight into Blackwell's history. The cafe staff were superb as was the food and the Duty Manager was extremely enthusiastic and clearly smitten with the house herself. Her introduction to Blackwell on our arrival was most informative and we were amazed to see her gladly involved in carrying out a full range of tasks ranging from waitressing in the cafe to even cleaning the toilets as we were the last to leave - good management by example and at its very best. Allow good time to appreciate the Blackwell's design and high level of presentation as well as its beautiful setting. We could have spent a full day there.

We enjoyed the informal nature of the house, where you could guide yourself around. Unfortunately the art exhibition was being changed over so we couldn’t see this room, so definitely check what they’ve got available to see before you come. Very interesting to learn of the history of Blackwell house. Craft area for children (or crafty adults like us). Student tickets available at discount. Tickets last a year which could benefit you if you’re local.

Lovely cafe, welcoming staff, the house was interesting and in a beautiful setting. Will visit again.

A fantastic house - great li action and views - all excellently done!

Intriging house, excellent pottery exhibition. The guide was amazing 🥇✨️

Amazing. Shop like an exhibition... . Keep returning . Peaceful. Coffee good too

Beautiful. Stunning architectural design and carvings throughout with individual items such as a coal skuttle ;bed and overbedlight, stained glass windows and 'tree 'supports for reading corners in the white lounge adding to a fascinating whole. Delightful stories from the use of the house as a school during the war years add the cherry on the top! Guides were very knowledgeable.

I stopped-by here, for lunch in the on-site cafe. The choice, quality, presentation and service is commensurate with the best stately homes and Historic Royal Palaces; and certainly a cut above that offered by a National Trust property.

A great place to go and visit if interested in the arts. Lots a beautiful artwork to appreciate. At the time of my visit it was beautiful ceramics by William De Morgan…fabulous. Included in the entry price is an introduction to Blackwell, this is a very relaxed and informative tour which explains the beginnings and ownership of the house. The property was designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and is a Grade I listed building. There is a lovely tea room here serving up cakes and sandwiches teas and coffees and on warmer days there is the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful lakeside views while enjoying your food. There is a lift available if needed. What I liked was the freedom to browse around the rooms, at your leisure, after the introduction in order to take photographs.

We visited the cafe on Saturday just for lunch having visited the house and cafe on many previous occasions. The cafe has become one of our favourite lunch spots over the years. Sadly on this visit, there seems now to be a substantially restricted menu largely consisting of Quiche and salad. All our favourite menu items have gone. We left without ordering on this occasion. Still a delightful place for a coffee and a cake but we won't be back for lunch unless there is a menu change.

Fabulous place. Wonderful views. Friendly and efficient service at Reception

Blackwell Arts & Crafts house is a living testament to early 20th-century design. Its preserved interiors and stunning architecture offer a unique glimpse into the Arts & Crafts movement. The house is strategically positioned to provide breathtaking views of Windermere and the Coniston Fells, creating an idyllic backdrop for your visit. And to complete the experience, the on-site café serves delicious, locally-sourced dishes that perfectly complement the beauty of your surroundings. Blackwell is a feast for the eyes and the palate – a must-visit for any art and nature enthusiast.

This house is stunning. The arts and crafts are so beautiful. There's a lovely cafe with good coffee and tea! Well worth a visit and your tickets last for twelve months . Excellent value for money all round.

A fascinating place, beautifully set up with very knowledgeable guides. We were able to take advantage of a talk and guided tour which told us so much about the history of the house.

Unusual but interesting, with a very well informed and pleasant guide...lovely views of the Lake.

Beautiful building in stunning location

Outstanding. A delight to see and a wonderful example of an Arts & Crafts house. Superb.

A lovely Arts and Crafts house, still largely untouched after more than a century.

Wonderful in every aspect! Important example of the arts and crafts movement, excellent Special exhibition. Highly recommended.

A marvel! Absolutely splendid Arts & Crafts residence. Complete explanatory panels to better understand the characteristics of each piece. Very nice discovery.

As a historic place to visit this one is the most interesting and well presented of all I saw in Europe and the UK.

Superb craftsmanship throughout this Arts & Crafts style house. The white drawing room with its views of Lake Windermere, is stunning. Beautiful woodwork, glass and de Morgan tiles.

Always try and visit this café whenever I'm in the Lakes. Gorgeous weather so took the opportunity to sit at the top of the garden, soaking up the sun and admiring the views. We ordered coffee and flapjack, tea and cheese scone respectively. The flapjack was a cut above, full of delightful bits and pieces. The coffee was luke-warm, a pet hate of mine but a minor issue. So lucky we got the last table of six in the garden.

What a beautiful place to visit !

If you're a fan of Arts & Crafts, it is well worth a visit. The Art Deco motifs throughout the house are beautiful and the views from every room and the terrace are stunning.

Blackwell is always a delight. The current de Morgan exhibition is very well curated with some beautiful exhibits.

This 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.

Spent some quality time here at Blackwell House. Very interesting to hear how the property has been used over the years. Very calming and to top it off, cake in the snack bar.

It is really nice visiting this museum, seeing this architectural gem, with possibly one of the best interior layouts and decorative Victorian architecture I have seen. Recommend visiting as it's a rare Victorian example out there that you should see and visit.

Beautiful arts and crafts house, fantastic architecture, location and views. Mediterranean vegetable quiche and salad from the cafe was lovely. Second visit, will be back.

Stunning piece of art history and the De Morgan: Sublime Symmetry exhibition topped it all off nicely. Lovely Tea Rooms and friendly helpful staff throughout.

Lovely views from this arts and crafts house

Beautiful arts and crafts house Very informative guide

Thoroughly enjoyed this lovingly maintained arts and crafts house with some excellent examples of the movement.

Beautiful house, interesting histories (not too much to read!), lovely staff.

An inspiring example of the arts and crafts movement. The main features of the house are well preserved and beautiful examples of late Victorian architecture. There are nods to Archibald Knox, Ruskin and Mackintosh but in itself has its own unique design philosophy. The architectural design is perfectly complemented by carefully chosen furniture from the same period. On display throughout are example of local crafts and materials. We were fortunate to join a tour of the house which added to the history and context of the house. A perfect place to visit.

Fascinating and beautiful house, always a delight to visit. Lovely tearoom too!

Damn fine art and craft house, as good as a Macintosh. The white room is to die for, a must visit away from the Windermere tourist folder 👍

Wonderful house; the white room is outstanding. Interesting introductory talk. Nice cafe. Good gift shop but too expensive.

We nearly missed this … there was quite a queue but my wife suggested we wait. The restaurant team were very efficient and we were seated quite quickly. The tea was served in a teapot which made a nice change from a teabag in a cup. We both had a hot lunch which was very good … it took a while to arrive but all tables seemed to be served in order and the food was worth waiting for. The cakes etc looked very good too.

Blackwell was brilliant as it always will be.

Beautiful arts and crafts house, interesting exhibitions, wonderful view over Windermere

A wonderful Arts and Crafts style mansion, with fantastic views over Windermere to the Coniston fells. If you are at all interested in domestic architecture, this place is an absolute must to visit. Entry was easy and remarkable good value (especially when compared to similar properties); the tickets allow as many visits as you like over a 12 month period.

Amazing house brilliant guided tour. A great example of an arts and craft house.

Beautiful house. Real treat for Arts and Crafts lovers. Had an interesting and free guided tour too which I enjoyed. We went on a rainy day but would be beautiful in the sunshine as grounds are lovely.

Fascinating look into the arts and crafts movement. Interesting comparisons to be made with Hill House and the development of domestic architecture. The fenestration has kept me awake!

Great place to see a beautiful house, with a good selection of local pottery, jewellery, fine arts, excellent cafè, great friendly service, lovely food, well worth a visit, nr to Windermere.

Visite guidée passionnante et architecture intérieure et extérieure superbe. Plus bel exemple d'arts and Crafts vu.

Absolutely beautiful. I love this house.

What a find! Fantastic lake views, amazing scones and very nice tea. Have to visit if you’re near, good selection of cakes and savoury food too. Will definitely be back!

If you are one who is into art and design coupled with vintage architecture then pay the place a visit. It gives an interesting perspective on the designer Blackwell and the Holt family.

This is an exceptional house. It has one of the best views in the lakes.

Didnt find it. Maps needs updating

Amazing place to visit, The architecture, furniture and craftsmanship is stunning. A must for anyone interested in the Arts & Crafts movement. Nice shop and cafe. Inspirational place.

Exceptional Arts & Crafts facility. Try to book a session with the guided tour for the fullest insight to your visit. Great views over Windermere

Beautiful house with a really lovely café. Great views of Windermere. Learnt a lot about the arts and crafts movement.

This is a very well maintained early 1900s home with incredible craftsman details throughout.

Lovely place but lady showing us round needs to make it more interesting and lively. Interaction would be good.

A beautiful place. Very well worth a visit. All immaculately presented.

Beautiful Arts and Crafts house on the shore of Lake Windermere built by the Holy brewing family, designed by Baillie Scott. Now an arts and crafts museum and art gallery Well worth a visit.

House is a fabulous example of Arts&Crafts and great cafe, I had s delicious Chickpea Dhal with Bombay potatoes

Just brilliant. If you like Arts and Crafts design you've just got to come here. So much to see, so many fabulous rooms and furniture. We will definitely return. Lovely coffee, cakes and biscuits etc. The gift shop is not filled with the usual "tat" but good quality items all related to the building and the style.

Stunning. Friendly staff, gorgeous tea room. The architecture is so beautiful!

I visited on the wettest day having travelled from Carlisle. The house and tour at 11 was superb. Only negatives the lady at reception was not welcoming and drinking a mug of something at reception which is unusual and in booking in advance I didn't get a prompt for an Art Fund reduction! I will return hopefully within a year on a better day weatherwise.

Beautiful location. Enjoyed looking round the house and a cup of tea in the garden

Amazing gem. Café has excellent food at great prices too 10/10.

We had a wonderful visit to Blackwell this morning. Steven gave a fantastic morning talk - he is so knowledgeable - and the house is beautiful. The cafe is delightful and everyone working there is really welcoming. Wholeheartedly recommend!

Great place to visit. Arts and Craft House in stunning location and beautiful inside.

What a beautiful place. Prime example of an Arts and Crafts house. Loved it! Gave me ideas on what I want to do for my house.

Hidden gem, first visit to a fantastic arts and crafts house, nice cafe and great views of the lake.

An absolute must for any fan of the Arts and Crafts movement. You can sit in every ingle nook and window seat, and immerse yourself in this masterpiece of Baillie Scott. You will love the great hall, and want to live there yourself! Blackwell is a fine example of a country retreat of the late Victorian / early Edwardian period. I recommend you allow 2 hours.

Wonderful property Full of beautiful rooms and art exhibits Lovely views Good value

We stayed at Blackwell Cottage. The views are amazing. Very nice for small walks or long treks, but be aware there are no footpaths.

Brilliant. A must see house! The setting the architecture the grounds all magical

If you are into the Arts and Crafts movement it is a must. It is tucked away, but worth the effort finding it. There is also a lovely cafe.

Absolutely fantastic stop for anyone interested in Arts and Crafts style. The interior is a testimony to the skill of multiple craftspeople, from the magnificent woodwork to the multitude of stained glass windows. Hand crafted door hinges, locks, and hardware. Unique rain gutter collection boxes. Unique fireplaces throughout, most with well thought out benches nearby for conversation.

This is such a beautiful house a real gem for Arts and crafts lovers. This was our second visit the previous one being several years ago. Had forgotten just how amazing it was. Well worth a visit when in the lakes, take in the atmosphere, check out the views and sample some of the delicious food at the restaurant. A great place for all the family.

Really interesting place, it’s very well looked after and maintained,well worth the entrance fee.

Great house, interesting to see the interiors and learn the history of the house. The lemon cake in the cafe is not recommended though!

Disappointing, the house itself is beautiful but it's a Mish mash of ifs buts and maybe inside

I'm sure for Arts and Crafts architecture movement enthusiasts it would be wonderful. We had no information or guided tour and we were not offered either. Was definitely not what I expected at all. The house itself was gorgeous and huge.

Do not miss the Drawing Room, nor the wallpaper in the Dining Room! This place is incredibly special 🌟🌟🌟

Geod bewaard huis wat een goede indruk geeft van die kunststroming. De rondleiding van de gids was zeer goed

Food was spot on and view cracking

Lovely place to visit. Beautiful house, very peaceful grounds. Wonderful views from the large windows! Very calming atmosphere. Pleasant cafe attached, with outdoor seating if weather decent!

Vibrant curation of contemporary arts and crafts housed within a beautiful example of a Lakeland country retreat.The wow factor of the Arts &Craft movement designed rooms and artefacts has to be experienced to be done justice.Very special.Take advantage of any advertised guided tours if possible.

Beautiful Arts and Crafts house on edge of busy Bowness, but could be many miles away as so peaceful. Well worth visiting and combine this with Windermere Jetty boat museum, also run by Lakeland Arts Trust.

Lovely & peaceful with great views of Windermere. Excellent food served on the outdoor terrace.

We just loved our visit to this amazing house. Every room offers something wonderful

Oh dear! No warm welcome from the entry desk ( I can't over emphasise how important first impressions are) and not told of the guided tour and talk so we missed this. Cafe - no food served - staff shortages and one very stressed lady serving tea and cakes! We were really looking forward to dining on the terrace overlooking Windermere. However beautiful example of arts and crafts house. Perhaps they were just having a off day?

It was a lovely day and the place is well kept and set out

Beautiful house! Paradise for Arts and Crafts lovers.

Great place if you like arts and crafts. Good cafe. Small nice shop.

This was our first visit. We had a guided tour and was given lots of interesting info about the house,contents and decor . We visited the tea room and enjoyed tea bread with creamy Lancashire cheese which was delicious 😋. Our only disappointment was that the day we visited we were informed it was closing early. We did get a year long ticket. There was also a lovely gift shop

Beautiful building, great art, story well told

Gorgeous, so worth spending leisurely time visiting all the rooms of the house, sitting quietly contemplating the atmosphere, views!

A wonderful place to visit and get a sense of the arts & crafts movement and the thought that went into the rooms, windows, wall"paper". I want all the furniture 😊

Superb Just glorious I went at 3 and had it to myself

Really loved this house. The weather was poor, so we missed the views across the lake but it was still really worth a visit. A real gem and the tour was fascinating. I especially enjoyed the stained glass.

Great house, loads of original features, many carefully restored. Definitely worth a visit. A unique example of an arts and crafts designed home.