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Helston Lodge, a cottage for four on the edge of Loe Pool, Cornwall
Helston Lodge, a cottage for four on the edge of Loe Pool, Cornwall | © National Trust/Mike Henton

Inspiration

Looking for some ideas for your next holiday? Be inspired by the special places we care for and the experiences on the doorstep.

Wildlife-watching holidays

With birds arriving for the colder months, woodland mammals foraging in bare woodland and quiet coastal paths, a winter holiday in an area known for wildlife has lots to offer.

Winter is a really good time to spot wildlife.

You could head to Norfolk to see grey seal pups at Blakeney Point, Wallington in Northumberland to see red squirrels or the Isle of Wight for the thousands of birds visiting Newtown National Nature Reserve.

A red squirrel balances on the thin branch of a tree while holding onto the trunk in the woodlands at Wallington.
Blakeney Lodge and the old mill, Norfolk

Blakeney Lodge 

A simple lodge by the salt marshes and on the edge of Blakeney National Nature Reserve.

Norfolk

3 guests
Dogs welcome: 2
The front exterior of Laundry Cottage and the path that leads to the house at Wallington, Northumberland

Laundry Cottage 

The perfect location for long days exploring the outdoors as well as rest and relaxation amongst nature.

Northumberland & the North East

5 guests
Dogs welcome: 2
The exterior of Newtown Cabin, Isle of Wight

Newtown Cabin 

Set in a quiet backwater on the Newtown National Nature Reserve, this rustic, cosy cabin is surrounded by coastal paths and meadows, so it’s the perfect spot for a nature-filled break.

Isle of Wight

4 guests
Dogs welcome: 1

Stay by a deer park

Many National Trust places to visit have resident deer herds, and winter is a good time to watch them from a safe distance once the rutting season is over.

A view of the exterior of Choristers' House in winter, Yorkshire

Choristers' House 

A large house located on the Fountains Abbey estate designed by a famous name, with a unique style.

Yorkshire

10 guests
Dogs welcome: 1
The garden with spring blossom at No. 1 Belton, Lincolnshire

No. 1 Belton 

A pretty cottage with Belton Estate on the doorstep.

Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire

6 guests
Dogs welcome: 0
An aerial view of Dinefwr Home Farm, Carmarthenshire

Dinefwr Home Farm 

A traditional farmhouse with wooden floors, and a log burner on the beautiful Dinefwr Park.

Wales

12 guests
Dogs welcome: 2
The exterior of West Lodge, Cheshire

Lyme West Lodge 

Tucked away on the glorious Lyme Park estate, Lyme West Lodge is a picture-book pretty Edwardian cottage set in leafy woodland.

Cheshire

4 guests
Dogs welcome: 2

Stargazing holidays

We have campsites and cottages with some of the nation's most star-spangled views.

A starry sky on a clear night at Newgale Wood Farm, Pembrokeshire

Newgale Wood Farm 

This cottage is in an area recognised by Dark Sky Discovery as a great spot for enjoying clear views of the night sky.

Wales

6 guests
Dogs welcome: 2
The exterior of Carver Cottage, Devon

Carver Cottage 

Exmoor National Park is a Dark Sky Reserve, and you can stay beneath its special skies when you stay at Cloud Farm.

Devon

6 guests
Dogs welcome: 2
The exterior of Mam Farm, Derbyshire

Mam Farm 

This cottage is below iconic Mam Tor, and you can walk to the summit for a 360 degree view of the stars.

The Peak District & Derbyshire

4 guests
Dogs welcome: 0
Pods at Wasdale Campsite in winter, Cumbria

Wasdale Campsite 

A mile from Wastwater, close to challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Lake District

Dogs welcome: 2

Activity holidays and wild escapes

Active holidays 

Holidays aren't just about relaxing. They're about adventure, experience and excitement. Choose your activity and find a place to stay close by.

Boat hire from Crom Campsite, Northern Ireland

Woodland breaks and forest holidays 

From fairy-tale hideaways to woodland walking getaways, we have holiday cottages in peaceful spots across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, perfect for connecting with nature.

The exterior of Warcleave Cottage, Devon

Coastal camping 

If you love the coast, get even closer to nature with a stay at a beach campsite. Spend your days exploring hidden coves, playing on the beach and rockpooling. Image: Highertown Farm Campsite, Cornwall

Highertown Farm Campsite, Cornwall

Watch the Holidays film

Follow a family on four different holidays throughout the year: a spring camping trip, a summer beach holiday, a romantic getaway for autumn, and a festive get-together. Featured: Hafod y Llan Campsite, Gwynedd - Seaview, Dorset - Cartref, Gwynedd - Emley Farmhouse, Surrey

This video is hosted by YouTube

Gift cards

Give the gift of a National Trust holiday 

National Trust gift cards can be used for National Trust holidays in cottages, bunkhouses, bothies and campsites when booked by phone. Treat someone special to a relaxing break or outdoors adventure this Christmas, while helping to look after nature, beauty and history.

Give the gift of choice with a National Trust gift card