Blackwell Arts & Crafts House © Robin Zahler
Blackwell Arts & Crafts House Main Hall © Lakeland Arts
Blackwell Arts & Crafts House features © Robin Zahler
Coniston Water
Jesus Church Troutbeck
Broad Leys Windermere
Brantwood House
Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston water
Kendal
Tour highlights:
Blackwell - The Arts & Crafts House
Cruise on Coniston Waters
Churches and villages of the Lake District
Lakeland Arts attractions
Two lectures by Professor Anne Anderson
Explore a world of wonder and tradition that inspired so many in the Arts and Crafts movement. From the carved oak-panelling of Blackwell House to William Morris’ stained glass at Jesus Church Troutbeck, this journey pairs exciting design with stunning landscapes, and includes a return steam boat cruise from Coniston to Brantwood.
Available Departures |
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| 28 - April - 2026 | £ 1449.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently from 15:00. Evening welcome drink, talk from Professor Anne Anderson, followed by dinner.
Day 2: Blackwell, Broad Leys, and Troutbeck
Begin the day with a visit to Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House, a masterpiece of design overlooking Lake Windermere. Explore its beautifully preserved interiors and decorative details that celebrate the Arts & Crafts movement. Next, enjoy a guided tour and lunch at Broad Leys, a stunning example of Arts & Crafts architecture and now home to the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club. In the afternoon, visit Jesus Church in Troutbeck, a peaceful village church renowned for its exquisite William Morris stained glass windows. Evening talk from Anne, then dinner.
Day 3: Two Halls and a church
This morning we visit Levans Hall, a privately owned house and garden which is home to the world’s oldest topiary gardens and provided inspiration to Arts & Crafts designers. Next onto Abbot Hall, part of Lakeland Arts, showcasing regional history and fine art followed by free time in Kendal, a historic market town known for its cobbled streets and famous mint cake. Afternoon visit to St James’ Church in Staveley, a charming village church.
Day 4: Coniston to Brantwood, and the Ruskin Museum
Travel to Coniston for a scenic cruise aboard the historic Steam Yacht Gondola across the lake to Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin. Tour the house and gardens, then return by boat to visit the Ruskin Museum and enjoy time in the village. Return to the hotel by 16:30.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.
Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. Please visit the mobility page on our website for further information, or call our team prior to booking.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Low Wood Bay Resort
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa blends contemporary comfort with traditional Lakeland charm. The spacious spa features thermal experiences, relaxation lounges, and panoramic lake views. Guests can enjoy elegant dining, a cosy lounge with open fires, and beautiful gardens overlooking Windermere—ideal for unwinding in style after a day of discovery.
With a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English, Anne was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years from 1993 to 2007. She specializes in the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism. She has published several books, including The Perseus Series, which accompanied the Edward Burne-Jones exhibition held at Tate Britain (2018), and Art Nouveau Architecture (2020). She has also published over 50 articles in respected academic journals.
Anne has curated four national exhibitions, mostly recently Beyond the Brotherhood The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy (2019-20). American fellowships held include the Huntington Library, CA and the American Antiquarian Society, MA. She has lectured for The Arts Society, The Art Fund, the V&A Learning Academy, the National Trust and Christies’. Her career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world, including Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. She undertook her sixth lecture tour for Arts National Australia in 2024. She has also lectured on several cruise ships, Swan Hellenic’s Minerva, the Spirit of Adventure and the Hebridean.
Anne has received a rapturous response from our travellers at the UK lectures and tours, as well as a host of tours overseas, and her knowledge, wit and enthusiasm bring her beloved subjects to life in whatever location she finds them.
Joining the tour:
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
