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 close to main routes, but a million miles away from the rush of motorways. So sit back, relax and watch the world go by in a peaceful setting.

Falling cascades of Aberdulais
Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall   Neath Port Talbot

Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall, Neath

M4 exit 43 - approximately 4 miles/7 minutes

Pay a visit to Aberdulais and discover how a small village in the Welsh valleys established itself as a pioneering centre of industry. This is the perfect place to break up your journey to west Wales, with the Victorian school-house tea-room on hand to provide tea and cake.

Discover Aberdulais' industrial heritage
A couple walking at Baddesley Clinton
Baddesley Clinton   Warwickshire

Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

Off M42 exit 5 - approximately 6 miles/7 minutes south; Off M40 exit 15 - approximately 10 miles/18 minutes north.

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.

Explore medieval Baddesley Clinton
Boy on a trike in the walled garden at Beningbrough hall
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens   North Yorkshire

Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire

Off A19 – approximately 2.9 miles/8 minutes

From the wealthy teenager who built the mansion to its occupation by the RAF in the Second World War, Beningbrough is full of intriguing tales to tell. Art buffs will love seeing the beautiful 18th-century portraits in the gallery, while active types can borrow a bike to scout out the grounds, or find the perfect spot for a picnic.

Explore the grounds at Beningbrough
Nelly's Moss South, Cragside
Cragside   Northumberland

Cragside, Northumberland

Off A697 - approximately 0.2 miles/4 minutes

There's much to see in the dramatic garden that surrounds Cragside. Discover one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, a vast woodland garden, as well as lakeside walks, an adventure play area and labyrinth.

Have an adventure at Cragside
Man with dog on Divis Mountain
Divis and the Black Mountain   County Antrim

Divis and the Black Mountain, Belfast

Off M1 exit 2 or 3 - approximately 6 miles/15 minutes

With spectacular panoramic views over Belfast, these hills are a haven for those seeking the wild countryside experience. Escape the car and head off on one of the walking trails, keeping an eye out for wildlife as you go. If you’ve got the energy then it’s worth heading up Divis itself - at 478m high it’s the perfect vantage point, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Lake District and southern Scotland.

Walk it off at Divis and the Black Mountain
Five fawns in Dunham Massey Park
Dunham Massey   Cheshire

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Off M6 exit 19 - approximately 4.6 miles/13 minutes

Dunham Massey is a green oasis nestled between the urban sprawl of Manchester and the Cheshire countryside. On a ramble around the park you might see Dunham’s resident deer herd, woodpeckers and maybe even owls. Afterwards you can treat yourself to some tasty homemade food at the Stables restaurant, or pay a visit to the ice cream parlour.

See the deer at Dunham Massey
Visitors on the scenic drive down to the east front at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire.
Dyrham Park   Gloucestershire

Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

The lavish collections inside this beautiful country house reflect the fashion in the 17th-century for all things Dutch. Set in extensive parkland and situated between Bath and Bristol, you'd never believe you were just off the M4 (exit 18 M4 - approximately 3 miles/4 minutes).

Go Dutch at Dyrham Park
Visitors looking towards the Column to Liberty at Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Gibside   Tyne & Wear

Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Off A1 - approximately 4.5 miles/9 minutes

This stunning 18th-century landscape park and nature reserve offers a taste of the country on the edge of the city. Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces to stretch tired legs.

Get out in the open at Gibside
The view of Hanbury Hall from across the parterre garden, Worcestershire
Hanbury Hall and Gardens   Worcestershire

Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire

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.

Enjoy peace and quiet at Hanbury Hall
Hardwick Hall viewed from the herb garden
Hardwick   Derbyshire

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

Off exit 29 of M1 - approximately 1 mile/2 minutes

Between Nottingham and Sheffield, a powerful Elizabethan lady - Bess of Hardwick - still shows off her wealth at this spectacular hall with huge windows and towers. Explore the fragrant herb garden, orchards and parkland which provide food for the tables.

Learn all about Bess of Hardwick
South view of Knightshayes house in sunshine
Knightshayes   Devon

Knightshayes, Devon

Off M5 exit 27 - approximately 8 miles/12 minutes

With acres of glorious gardens and parkland surrounding a spectacular Gothic Revival house, Knightshayes is the complete country gentleman's dream. It’s also the perfect place to take a break on a long journey; stretch your legs with a wander round the woodlands, and banish boredom with games in the wild play area. Then there’s just time for a cup of tea at the Stables café before you’re back on the road again.

Stretch your legs at Knightshayes
Man relaxing on a bench overlooking Lanhydrock gardens
Lanhydrock   Cornwall

Lanhydrock, Cornwall

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's also an adventure playground and animal sculptures to keep the kids entertained.

Break up the journey at Lanhydrock
Summer Adventures at Rowallane
Rowallane Garden   County Down

Rowallane, County Down

Let your imagination run riot among the unusual plants, colours and sculptures in one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Rowallane is the ideal place for leisurely walks, afternoon teas in the café or just simply relaxing on a seat in the walled garden.

Unwind at Rowallane
A couple walk in the grounds at Sizergh Castle, Cumbria
Sizergh   Cumbria

Sizergh, Cumbria

Off exit 36 of M6 - approximately 5 miles/8 minutes

At the gateway to the Lake District, Sizergh Castle sits in glorious gardens and a magnificent estate. The imposing house has many tales to tell, while the herbaceous borders in the garden are stunning and include our largest limestone rock garden.

Wander the grounds at Sizergh
Bluebells in the garden at Stoneywell
Stoneywell   Leicestershire

Stoneywell, Leicestershire

Off M1 exit 22 - approximately 2.5 miles/5 minutes

Built into a rocky outcrop, Stoneywell is the realisation of one man's Arts and Crafts vision. Discover quirky rooms full of treasures, explore the twists and turns of the woodland pathways, or head up to the stone fort with its beautiful views over Leicester. Please note: access to Stoneywell is by pre-booking only, at least 24 hours in advance. Book online or phone: 01530 248048.

Find tranquility at Stoneywell
Family enjoying the scenery at Stourhead
Stourhead   Wiltshire

Stourhead, Wiltshire

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.

Explore Stourhead's spectacular gardens
Visitors enjoying the lakeside walks in the parkland at Tredegar House
Tredegar House  

Tredegar House, Newport

Off exit 28 of M4 - approximately 1 mile/2 minutes

This fascinating house and garden sits just off the M4 as you enter Wales. The house is a treasure trove of colourful stories. Outdoors, 90 acres of parkland including the great lake and three walled gardens mean there is plenty of room to let off steam. Please note: there may be major roadworks on the M4 J28 from June 2017 - please plan your journey ahead of time.

Uncover the history of Tredegar House
Tyntesfield meadows
Tyntesfield   North Somerset

Tyntesfield, North Somerset

Off exit 29 of M5 - approximately 4 miles/10 minutes

Restored to its Victorian glory after major renovations, Tyntesfield’s house, chapel, gardens and woodland make for an inspiring break filled with fresh air and discovery.

Escape to Tyntesfield
Codgers Fort on Wallington Estate
Wallington   Northumberland

Wallington, Northumberland

Off A696 – approximately 1.8 miles / 4 minutes

From open moorland and wooded streams to lakes and mires – there’s plenty to discover at Wallington. Follow winding paths through the estate, explore the quirky curiosities inside the house, or have a cup of tea at the Clocktower Café. Whatever you get up to, you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed.

Run wild at Wallington