Calm places to pause

If you’re out and about in the car and are in need of a break, why not drop in on one of our special places.

Lots of our places are near to the main routes but a million miles away from the rush and congestion of the motorways. Download our map of some of Britain's busiest escape routes to see how close our places actually are.

You'll discover peaceful places where you can enjoy a complete change of pace, see an amazing house in a beautiful setting and even indulge in a slice of cake or a cream tea.

  • Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

    A view of the house across the garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire © National Trust

    Off exit 14 M11 - approximately 10 miles / 11 minutes

    Stretch your legs in the beautiful gardens, not far from the M11, which are home to one of the finest collections of historic statuary in the country.

    The house contains paintings, furniture and silver in the unique collection of the last occupant, plus one of our largest collection of clocks.

  • Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

    A view of the north east corner of Baddesley Clinton showing the Gatehouse Bridge. © NTPL/Andrew Butler

    Off exit 16 M40 - approximately 5 miles / 7 minutes

    This picturesque medieval moated manor house is a great place to stop just outside Birmingham. Have tea in the Barn restaurant and then browse the second-hand bookshop – you never know what you might find.

  • Chartwell, Kent

    A photograph of the front of Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill for over 40 years, taken in the winter. © Jonathan Primmer

    Off exit 5 M25 - approximately 6 miles / 8 minutes

    If the M25 is getting you down, escape to Chartwell instead. Bought by Sir Winston Churchill for its magnificent views over the Weald of Kent to Sussex, this was his home from 1924 until the end of his life. The rooms and gardens remain much as they were when he lived here, with personal mementoes strongly evoking his career and wide-ranging interests.

  • Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

    Off exit 3 M40 - approximately 4 miles / 7 minutes

    This spectacular estate overlooking the River Thames has a series of gardens, each with its own character, featuring topiary, statuary, water gardens, a formal parterre, Octagon temple, informal vistas, woodland and riverside walks.

  • Cragside, Northumberland

    Cragside nestled amongst the trees and elegant gardens © NTPL/Arnhel de Serra

    Off A697 - approximately 0.2 miles / 4 minutes

    Although the house is closed this year for restoration there is much to see in the dramatic garden that surrounds it. Discover one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, a vast woodland garden, as well as lakeside walks, an adventure play area and labyrinth. If travelling north of the border, make this your last stop before Scotland.

  • Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

    A raised view of the East Front of Dyrham Park and surrounding countryside on an autumn day © NTPL/Rupert Truman

    Off exit 18 M4 - approximately 3 miles / 4 minutes

    The lavish collections inside this beautiful country house set in extensive parkland reflect the fashion in the 17th-century for all things Dutch. Victorian domestic quarters will give you a unique insight into life below stairs. Situated between Bath and Bristol, you would never believe you were just off the M4.

  • Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire

    The parterre at Hanbury Hall looking towards the house © Derek Wilbraham

    Off exit 5 M5 - approximately 4 miles / 5 minutes

    A tranquil setting off the busy M5, this fascinating house has features including an orangery, ice-house, pavilions and even a working mushroom house. There is also a recreated 18th-century crown bowling green available to play on.

  • Lanhydrock, Cornwall

    The 17th-century gatehouse and driveway leading to Lanhydrock in Cornwall © National Trust

    Off A38 - approximately 1 mile / 2 minutes

    Going to or from Cornwall, this is a real treat. One of the most fascinating and complete late 19th-century houses in England, Lanhydrock is full of period atmosphere. There is also an adventure playground, with wobbly bridge, scramble nets and animal sculptures, to keep the kids entertained.

  • Stourhead, Wiltshire

    The lake at Stourhead, Wiltshire © NTPL/Nick Meers

    Off A303 - approximately 3 miles / 4 minutes

    An outstanding example of the English landscape style, this splendid garden with classical temples is set around a central lake. An ever-changing series of vistas will greet you as you move around the paths and through the magnificent mature woodland with its extensive collection of exotic trees. Perfect if you’re travelling back from Dorset to London and the South East.