Plan your getaway
Inspired to book your break or would like to find out more? Take a look at all our unique holiday cottages and find your perfect getaway.
Stay a little longer
Would you like to go for a romantic stroll around a medieval deer park at twilight? How about exploring the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Gardens with no other visitors in sight? Book a stay at one of these unique holiday cottages and enjoy exclusive access to special places.
All of our cottages come with free access to National Trust properties during your stay, so you can explore as many gardens, grounds and buildings as you wish. However, these cottages are located within the historic houses, gardens and parkland that we care for, providing you with exclusive out of hours access.
From the 12th-century ruins of Fountains Abbey and Agatha Christie's former holiday home to fairy-tale towers, gatehouses and follys, many of these cottages have their own unique story to tell.
Not only will you have a holiday you’ll remember forever, your stay will help to protect these places for generations to come. Take a look at our top cottages on National Trust properties and see if they inspire your next break.
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Accessing National Trust places on your holiday
We're reopening the places that we look after, gradually, safely and in line with government advice, which means we’re limiting the number of visitors into our houses and gardens. If you’re staying at a holiday cottage that’s within the pay barrier of a place cared for by the National Trust, you'll continue to have free access to the grounds during your stay with your booking reference. If your holiday cottage is located outside of the estates pay barrier, or you would like to visit other National Trust gardens and parks during your stay, you will need to book a timed slot.
Castles and medieval ruins
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Lovingly brought back to life by Vita Sackville West and Harold Nicolson, the gardens at Sissinghurst are renowned for their beauty and diversity. Overlooking the gardens, a holiday at Priest’s House cottage is a unique experience. As a guest at the cottage you’ll have the gardens all to yourself when the day visitors have gone home. Enjoy twilight strolls through gardens of trailing roses and beds of tulips.
Powis Castle, Wales
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday at The Bothy, an Edwardian cottage in the garden of Powis Castle. As a cottage guest, you’re invited to explore the medieval castle and its celebrated garden free of charge. With an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and tapestries, each with their own intriguing story to tell, you could spend days delving into the history of this fascinating castle.
Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire
Holiday in Yorkshire this year to discover the ancient ruins of Fountains Abbey. Next to the Abbey, the Studley Royal Water Gardens is a network of lakes, canals and riverside paths that lead to the deer park. Stay at one of the nine cottages around the estate and you can explore the grounds at any time. Rise early and watch the sunrise over the ruins or enjoy evening walks through the deer park.
Historic Gardens
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Ickworth, Suffolk
Book a holiday to one of the five cottages on Ickworth Estate and enjoy 24-hour access to the parklands, Italianate gardens and impressive Rotunda. Explore the well-marked hiking, running and cycling trails that wrap around the estate at your leisure. Events take place here throughout the year, from guided walks to craft workshops, so be sure to see what's on during your holiday.
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Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Gardening and history fans will love a break at Cliveden holiday cottages. Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls and royalty at the 17th-century stately home and gardens. From the vibrant Parterre to the tranquil Water Garden, each garden has its own special charm. Guests at the cottages can explore the gardens at any time, or you could join a guided tour of the house.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
What better view to wake up to than the glorious lake and greenery of Stourhead? That’s just what you’ll experience if you stay at 89 Church Lawn, a holiday cottage on Stourhead Estate. The cottage overlooks the lake and you’re welcome to roam the world-famous garden whenever you'd like. What's more, you and your party can enjoy free entry to Stourhead house.
Intriguing houses
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Tucked away at the heart of Polesden Lacey Estate, Garden Cottage offers uninterrupted views over the formal gardens and beyond to the rolling Surrey Hills. At sunrise and sunset, you’ll have exclusive access to the garden and croquet courts – perfect for an early morning game. In the daytime, why not head over to explore Polesden Lacey house?
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
With five cottages around the estate, find your perfect holiday at Calke Abbey. Make the most of your stay by exploring the surrounding parkland before any other visitors arrive. Visit the house to hear tales of an eccentric family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures. Wander through the walled gardens, visit the orangery, or spot wildlife in the National Nature Reserve.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
If you're after a getaway in a romantic location, East Lodge Cottage on Lyme Park Estate is the one for you. The 1,400 acre estate, with its medieval herd of red deer, offers fantastic walks and stunning views. For a tranquil walk, explore the elegant rose garden or head to the reflection lake where Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
Cragside, Northumberland
The first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, Cragside is one of the most unusual houses we care for. Stay at one of the two cottages on the estate and enter the world of Lord Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and landscape gardener. The house is packed with ingenious gadgets and inventions while the gardens are a work of art.
Trelissick, Cornwall
Enjoy a holiday in Cornwall with a difference at Trelissick. There are six cottages on the estate, including The Water Tower, one of our most unique holiday homes. A romantic fairy-tale tower, it overlooks Trelissick Garden with its meandering paths and exotic plants. Whether you're staying at The Water Tower or one of the other cottages, you're guaranteed a special holiday at Trelissick.
Greenway, Devon
Greenway was the beloved holiday home of writer, Agatha Christie. We have three holiday cottages around the estate and an apartment within the house. Sleeping two to eight, these cottages are ideal if you're an Agatha Christie fan, or just looking for a holiday in the English Riviera. For that extra special experience, holiday guests enjoy access to Greenway garden after-hours.