Skip to content

Staycation ideas for your next holiday

A woman and a man with a baby carrier looking out over the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset, on a bright summer's day
Views of the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap in Dorset | © National Trust Images/John Miller

You don't have to travel the world to find a wow destination, a bucket-list experience or a memorable holiday. Stay with the National Trust in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, to discover a world of natural beauty, history and adventure right on your doorstep.

Bucket-list holiday ideas

Labour in Vain Cottage (on the left) before refurbishment and Chesil Cottage (on the right) at sunset, Dorset

Stay on the Jurassic Coast 

Head to Dorset for jaw-dropping views and fossil hunting. Labour in Vain Cottage is right by Chesil Beach.

Dorset

4 guests
Dogs welcome: 2

Spot puffins, red squirrels or seal pups 

We have cottages in great wildlife-watching locations, for walking trails or boat trips.

Puffins at Farne Islands, Northumberland
The ruins at Fountains Abbey at sunset, Yorkshire

Watch the sun go down at Fountains Abbey 

You can explore the ruins after other visitors leave when you stay at Fountains Cottage.

Yorkshire

8 guests
Dogs welcome: 1
An aerial view of Watkin Bunkhouse, with mountains in the background, Gwynedd

Walking in Eryri (Snowdonia) 

Watkin Bunkhouse has space for all your walking friends, so you can get together to hike, cook and relax by the woodburner in the evening.

Wales

22 guests
Dogs welcome: 4

For family holidays

Whether you're looking for quality time to focus on each other, or to meet up for fun with wider family and friends in a large house or group of cottages, we've got lots of options for you.

Family staycations 

Cycle through the woods, surf the waves or make the most of time together in a great house with space to do all the things your family enjoys. Eat outdoors and stay up late to spot the stars.

4 Park Gates, Norfolk

Large holiday cottages and group getaways 

Without the overseas travel, it can be easier to get the whole family on holiday together or to meet up with friends for a celebration or break. We've got all kinds of stays for larger groups, from grand halls and rambling farmhouses to clusters of small cottages or neighbouring barns.

The exterior of Rothley Lakehouse, Northumberland

Dog-friendly stays

For dog-friendly staycations 

Your perfect break might mean bringing the dogs along to enjoy the beach or woods, and a new fire to sit in front of in the evening. We've got nearly 260 dog-friendly cottages for you choose from.

Walking in Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland

Solo staycations

From a studio cottage with mountain views to a York city apartment, these stays have room for two but are just as good for one.

The bedroom at Aran, Wales

Aran 

A tiny studio cottage in the foothills of Eryri (Snowdonia), with mountain views, waterfalls and woodland on the doorstep.

Wales

2 guests
Dogs welcome: 1
The exterior of The Apple Store, Cornwall

The Apple Store 

A tiny but well-equipped cottage nestling in a large country estate, above the Helford River.

Cornwall

2 guests
Dogs welcome: 1
The exterior of Stonechat, Nightjar and Woodlark, Suffolk

Stonechat 

A bird watcher’s haven, this first floor apartment overlooks Dunwich Heath nature reserve.

Suffolk

2 guests
Dogs welcome: 0
The double bedroom at Minstergate, Yorkshire

Minstergate 

Set in the city of York, this characterful and quirky medieval cottage has views of York Minster.

Yorkshire

2 guests
Dogs welcome: 0

UK breaks for two

Looking to escape with a special person, to your own little hideaway, cabin or tiny castle?

Romantic cottages 

Explore a handpicked collection of cottages for couples.

An aerial view of Doyden Castle on the cliffs overlooking the sea, Cornwall

For outdoor adventurers

Camping staycations 

Wake up surrounded by nature, with fresh air, space and quiet.

Highertown Farm Campsite, Cornwall

Shepherd's huts, safari tents and landpods... 

If you love the idea of sleeping in the great outdoors with a few home comforts, a glamping holiday could be for you.

A safari tent at Low Wray Campsite, Cumbria

More self-catering holiday ideas

Coastal holiday cottages 

For a fun family holiday, a hideaway for two, or a simple base for a walking break, our coastal holiday cottages are the perfect home away from home.

The sea view from the dining table at Wireless Cottage, Cornwall

Walking holidays 

Browse a handpicked selection of unique holiday cottages, bothies and bunkhouses across the UK to make your trekking break one to remember.

An aerial view of Watkin Bunkhouse, with mountains in the background, Gwynedd
The exterior of Nightjar, Stonechat and Woodlark, Suffolk

Find a staycation

Choose from waterside cabins, clifftop cottages and rustic farmhouses big enough for the entire family.