WINTER OPENING HOURS: Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm Sunday 11am – 4pm

PLEASE NOTE THE GALLERY TEA ROOM WILL CLOSE AT 3:30PM

Gallery Opening Times

Weds to Sat 10am to 4pm

Sun 11am to 4pm

Thornthwaite Gallery and Gallery Tea Room

Thornthwaite Gallery and tea room really is a hidden gem, nestled in the quiet village of Thornthwaite, just a short drive from Keswick. The tea room is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa and have a bite to eat. You cannot help but be in awe of the beautiful art work on display whilst being situated amid the most fabulous landscape.

The Gallery has recently been taken over by Judith and Paul Green who have spent the last few months renovating and breathing new life into the building. Hailing from Lancashire the couple, who have always had a desire to eventually move to the Lakes have had their dream come true sooner than expected, Judith said: “We always said we would move up here when we retired, but out of the blue, the opportunity presented itself, so we took the plunge and here we are, we couldn’t be happier!”

The couple have breathed a bit of personality back into the old stone barn that hosts the Gallery and tea room. The tea room which is set within the gallery is now adorned with colourful furniture, which add a little quirkiness to what may have otherwise been quite a traditional setting.

With an entirely vegetarian menu and lots of new vegan and gluten free options, there is something for everyone to enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing cuppa to go with it. The recent re-opening has introduced some new comforts foods to the tea room menu, such as deliciously spicy mixed bean chilli and a flavoursome pasta bowl as well as open sandwiches and home-made soups – and don’t forget the toasted sandwiches and delicious home baked cakes and scones; there are lots for you to choose from in the chilled display cabinet.

For sunnier days there is outdoor seating where you can enjoy your favourite tea or coffee and a homemade treat whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings that Thornthwaite landscape has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for those elusive red squirrels.  And don’t worry if you’ve got your four legged friends with you, Judith and Paul welcome well behaved dogs too and may even find them a doggie treat whilst you browse the menu.

2022 is the Gallery’s 50th year – 50 years since Eric Gilboy in 1972 decided to bring the skills of local artists together in such an apt and beautiful setting for the pleasure of local people and visitors alike. You can read the history of the gallery and why it came about when you drop by for a browse. The majority of what is on display comes from local artists and creatives. Each corner of the Gallery has something unique and wonderful to offer, watercolours and oils, photography and pastels adorn the walls and pottery whilst elaborate sculptures made of bronze, wood and iron fill the shelves.

Gifts for all budgets, hand-made cards and jewellery; there is something for everyone. You’ll find yourself in awe of the quality and spectrum of mediums adorning the walls and shelves.

Judith and Paul are both new to the art industry and hope to bring something a little bit different to the gallery, Judith said: “We are really embracing new things, we’re excited for the future of the gallery and are hoping to bring a few changes throughout 2022 to celebrate this special year.”

Thornthwaite village offers some amazing walks straight from its doorstep, totally adaptable depending on how much time you have – why not call into the tea room before your walk for a caffeine hit and a bite to eat to get you marching or unwind after a trek with a satisfying bowl of delicious hot food or a well earned sweet treat!

The gallery and tea room really is worth a visit. Pop in and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed

Thornthwaite galleries and Tea Room is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and is now open on Sundays 11am to 4pm. There is on site parking and disabled access to the building.