National Trust Properties Gardens

Coast and Country Hotels offer short breaks and weekends in some of the UK’s favourite areas of historical interest, natural beauty and gardening heaven. These delightful hotels promise a warm welcome to help you relax and unwind whilst the stunning locations will inspire you to explore both the local area and National Trust properties and gardens.

Our reputation is built on a simple recipe, great food, friendly staff with local knowledge and great value prices. What’s more our breaks also include quality entertainment on selected nights.

So whether it’s the wilds of Scotland, the secluded wooded valleys of Wales or the sheer beauty of the Lake District, there is a Coast and Country Hotel nearby for you to enjoy.

Derwentwater Hotel and Derwent Manor Apartments, Keswick

Derwent Island House

This intriguing house, set on an island in Derwentwater, is surrounded by mature wooded gardens and well hidden from the mainland. It reflects a variety of classical styles and has stunning views across the lake to the Lakeland fells.

Wordsworth House and Gardens

Step back to the 1770s and experience life as William and his sister Dorothy might have done. Meet and talk to the household staff as you explore this award-winning property. Many of the rooms are there for you to enjoy as if you were a guest of the Wordsworth family – there are even toys for the children to play with and books to read. The maid will show you the Georgian kitchen and you can enjoy tastings of recipes popular at the time (18th-century Cumberland food is cooked in the kitchen daily). You may meet the clerk in the office used by William's father and test your writing skill with quill pen and ink; you may also hear music from the harpsichord drifting through the house. William loved his home, and refers to the views and the River Derwent in his poem The Prelude. The peaceful walled garden contains flowers, fruit, herbs and vegetables of the period – all of which are used in the house. The Discovery Room has interactive touch screens and fascinating research material. For a preview go to www.wordsworthhouse.org.uk then come and visit us in person.

Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill

This tranquil garden, sheltered by ancient oaks and soft terracotta brick walls, is a haven for wildlife. The herb garden is nationally renowned – with 250 medicinal and culinary herbs – and the orchards are packed with traditional fruit varieties. Wander along the Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored watermill, then enjoy the magnificent backdrop of the rose-pink sandstone house (which, although not open to the public, adds to the wonderful setting). Taste local produce at the tea-room or stay a while longer in a holiday cottage.

Beatrix Potter Gallery

Enjoy a new exhibition of Beatrix Potter's original artworks in this charming 17th-century building (previously the office of her husband, William Heelis). Many of these pictures are not displayed anywhere else. Learn more about Beatrix as a farmer and early supporter of the National Trust. Children's trail based on the display.

Windermere Hotel, Windermere

Townend

A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17th-century solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area. The Brownes lived here for generations, a wealthy, hardworking family, who loved wood carving, books and furniture, and collected them in this homely place. See fascinating kitchen and domestic tools, along with period clothing and the cosy servants' rooms. Our children's trail brings it all to life. A real fire in the 'down house' (the original kitchen) most days helps makes this a 'must do' visit when in the Lake District.

Hilltop

Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter – Hill Top is a time-capsule of this amazing woman's life. Packed full of her favourite things, the house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale', as do the garden, village and surrounding countryside. The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables, just as Beatrix used to plant. Her original watercolours are on display at the nearby Beatrix Potter Gallery.

Sizergh Castle and Gardens

This imposing house, at the gateway to the Lake District, stands proud in a rich and beautiful garden with ponds, lake, an important collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. The estate is crossed by footpaths, giving stunning views over Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland hills. Still lived in by the Strickland family, Sizergh has many tales to tell, showing centuries-old portraits and fine furniture alongside modern-day family photos – it certainly feels lived in! The exceptional wood panelling culminates in the Inlaid Chamber, previously at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and returned here in 1999. Take time to explore the house and garden, sample fine local produce in our contemporary café, then follow one of our trail leaflets around the estate.

Fell Foot Park

As you walk down from the car park the view of Lake Windermere below you is breathtaking. The Victorian lawns and garden sweep away to fine picnic areas and numerous waterside spots. The Victorian boathouses are now home to a cosy tea-room, shop, ice-cream kiosk and rowing boat hire, and there are tables outside where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the lake and mountains beyond. In spring and early summer there are daffodils and rhododendrons in full bloom. Or visit in autumn or winter and enjoy the changing seasons.

George Hotel, Chollerford

Wallington

Dating from 1688, the house was home to many generations of the Blackett and Trevelyan families, who all left their mark. The restrained Palladian exterior gives way to the magnificent rococo plasterwork of the interior, which houses fine ceramics, paintings, needlework and a collection of dolls' houses. The Central Hall was decorated to look like an Italian courtyard, heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, with a series of scenes of Northumbrian history by William Bell Scott. The original formality of Sir Walter Blackett's 18th-century landscape, influenced by 'Capability' Brown, who went to school in the estate village, underlies the present surroundings. There are walks through a variety of lawns, shrubberies and woodland, enlivened with water features, lakes, buildings, sculpture and a wildlife hide. The beautiful walled garden has varied collections of plants and a well-stocked conservatory. Longer estate walks encompass wooded valleys and high moorland, including land around the recently reacquired Folly at Rothley Castle.

Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort

Running through an often wild landscape with vast panoramic views, the Wall was, for a long period, the Roman Empire's most northerly outpost. Built around AD122, it has sixteen permanent bases, of which Housesteads Fort is one of the best preserved, conjuring up an evocative picture of Roman military life.

Cherryburn

Thomas Bewick (1753–1828), Northumberland's greatest artist, wood engraver and naturalist, was born in the cottage here. The nearby 19th-century farmhouse, the later home of the Bewick family, houses an exhibition on Bewick's life and work and a small shop selling books, gifts and prints from his original wood engravings. Occasional printing demonstrations take place in the adjoining barn. There are splendid views over the Tyne Valley. The south bank of the River Tyne, where Bewick spent much of his childhood, is a short walk away.

George Stephenson's Birthplace

This small stone tenement was built c.1760 to accommodate mining families. The furnishings reflect the year of Stephenson's birth here (1781), his whole family living in the one room.

New Southlands Hotel, Scarborough

Nunnington Hall

The sheltered walled garden, with spring-flowering organic meadows, orchards and flamboyant peacocks, complements this beautiful Yorkshire house, nestling on the quiet banks of the River Rye. Take the afternoon to enjoy and absorb the atmosphere of this former family home. Explore period rooms while hearing the Hall's many tales, and then discover one of the world's finest collections of miniature rooms in the attic. The Hall also holds a series of important art and photography exhibitions during the year. Why not make a day of it? Its close proximity to Rievaulx Terrace makes it an ideal afternoon visit after a walk at Rievaulx Terrace in the morning.

Rievaulx Terrace and Temples

Discover one of Ryedale's true gems – the 18th-century landscape of Rievaulx Terrace. Stroll through woods then out on to the grass terrace, with its stunning views down over the Cistercian ruin of Rievaulx Abbey. In spring the bank between the temples is awash with wild flowers, in summer the lawns are the perfect spot for a picnic, while in autumn the beech woods are a mass of rich hues. Step back into the 18th century as you gaze up at the wonderful painted ceiling of the Ionic Temple. Being so close to Nunnington Hall, the Terrace makes an ideal morning visit before discovering Nunnington in the afternoon.

Mount Grace Priory

This is England's most important Carthusian ruin. The individual cells reflect the hermit-like isolation of the monks; a reconstruction enables visitors to see the austere and simple furnishings. There is a small herb garden.

Treasurer's House

Originally home to the treasurers of York Minster and built over a Roman road, the house is not all that it seems. Nestled behind the Minster, its size, splendour and contents are a constant surprise to visitors – as are the famous ghost stories. The house was carefully restored between 1897 and 1930 by one remarkable man, wealthy local industrialist Frank Green, with thirteen rooms presented in a variety of historic styles. Outside is an attractive formal sunken garden and herb and produce garden.

The St. George Hotel, Harrogate

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Set in the beautiful Skell Valley, this World Heritage Site offers a great day out for all the family. Lose yourself in the passages, staircases and towers of the largest monastic ruins in the country and marvel at a unique relic of ancient craftsmanship. Then explore the 12th-century abbey ruins, Elizabethan mansion (three rooms open to the public), medieval deer park and one of England's most spectacular Georgian water gardens – complete with neo-classical statues, follies and breathtaking surprise views. And, if this were not enough, there is also the only surviving 12th-century Cistercian corn mill in Britain, with interactive displays and an exhibition of artefacts from the abbey.

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens

A grand 1716 Georgian mansion with an impressive baroque interior, set in a park and gardens. There are more than 100 18th-century portraits and seven interpretation galleries, designed in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. There is a fully equipped Victorian laundry, with wet and dry rooms, and a delightful walled garden which supplies The Walled Garden Restaurant. There are many family facilities, including a wilderness play area.

Goddards Garden

The former home of Noel Goddard Terry of the famous York chocolate-making firm, the house was built in 1927 in the Arts & Crafts style and was designed by the firm of Brierley and Rutherford (it is now the Yorkshire office of the NT and not open to the public). The garden, designed by George Dillistone of Tunbridge Wells, complements the style of the house – with formal yew-hedged garden rooms, a Bowling Green, tennis court and herbaceous borders, plus wilderness gardens. There are plants of interest for every season and this tranquil garden is an oasis for wildlife and home to one of the few British colonies of midwife toads.

East Riddlesden Hall

Every time that you stand in the gardens of East Riddlesden you will experience something new – the pink cherry trees, clematis, borders, daffodils and soothing lavender beds all create a sense of tranquillity far removed from the bustle of modern life. The house is a hidden gem above the Aire Valley, where visitors can enjoy a picnic and children play. This air of peace is far removed from the Hall's tumultuous past, which includes tales of dastardly deeds that the dark sandstone of the Hall can only hint at. Going into the Hall feels like walking through someone's home, it has a cosy lived-in feel, and creates a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can feel at ease examining the exquisite embroideries and blackwork, oak furniture and pewter.

Golden Lion Hotel, Hunstanton

St George's Guildhall

The building is now converted into a theatre and art house cinema and also houses several art galleries. Many interesting features survive.

Peckover House and Garden

Explore the fascinating home of the Peckovers, the Quaker banking family who lived here for 150 years. This is a hands-on house with a 'Cabinet of Curiosities', dressing-up clothes for children of all ages, and three floors revealing the lives of both the family and their servants. Built c.1722, this is one of England's finest town houses with superb rococo plaster and wood decorations. Outside, discover the hidden wonders of the 0.8 hectares (two acres) of beautiful Victorian garden, with its orangery, summerhouse, roses and manicured croquet lawn, as well as a 17th-century thatched barn and Georgian stables. There are stunning displays of daffodils, narcissi and tulips in spring and roses in summer.

Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh's secret doors and priest's hole make this a house of mystery and history. Step back in time through the magnificent Tudor gatehouse into the dangerous world of Tudor politics. Home to the Bedingfeld family since 1482, this stunning red-brick house charts their history from medieval austerity to neo-Gothic Victorian comfort. As well as early Mortlake tapestries in the Queen's Room, Oxburgh houses beautiful embroidered hangings by Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bess of Hardwick. Panoramic views from the roof look out over the Victorian French parterre, walled orchard, kitchen garden and a Catholic chapel. There are quizzes, trails and dressing-up clothes to try on, and charming woodland walks.

Houghton Mill

Full of excellent hand-on activities for all the family and with most of its machinery still intact, this five-storey weatherboarded building is the last working watermill on the Great Ouse. Flour is for sale, ground in the traditional way by water-powered mill stones on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. The mill stands on an island on the edge of the attractive village of Houghton and is an ideal starting point for a walk through the water meadows. The National Trust tea-room offers delicious food and drink to refresh you after your stroll.

Lansdown Grove Hotel, Bath

Bath Assembly Rooms

Designed by John Wood the Younger in 1769, the Assembly Rooms were at the heart of fashionable Georgian society, and were the perfect venue for entertainment and socialising. Bombed in 1942, they were subsequently restored and now visitors can fully appreciate the magnificent rooms. The Assembly Rooms are now let to Bath & North East Somerset Council, which has its Fashion Museum on the lower ground floor.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

One of only four Palladian bridges in the world can be crossed at Prior Park, which was created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from 'Capability' Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. The garden is set in a sweeping valley where visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Bath. Recent restoration of the 'Wilderness' has reinstated the Serpentine Lake, Cascade and Cabinet. A five-minute walk leads to the Bath Skyline, a six-mile circular route encompassing beautiful woodlands and meadows, an Iron Age hill fort, Roman settlements, 18th-century follies and spectacular views.

Westwood Manor

The manor house, altered in the 17th century, has splendid late Gothic and Jacobean windows and ornate plasterwork. It contains a fine collection of exceptional period furniture, 17th- and 18th-century tapestries and needlework, as well as a number of important stringed musical instruments. Attractive views can be enjoyed from the modern topiary garden.

Great Chalfield Manor and Garden

A fine example of a medieval manor, complete with an upper moat, gatehouse and small parish church. Beautiful oriel windows and rooftop soldiers (c.1480) adorn the house, restored between 1905 and 1911 by Major R. Fuller – whose family still live here and manage the property on behalf of the Trust. The delightful gardens were designed by Alfred Parsons and feature terraces, gazebo and lily pond. Grass paths offer visitors romantic views across the spring-fed fishpond. The house and gardens have featured in many TV and film productions, including Persuasion and The Other Boleyn Girl.

Grand Atlantic Hotel, Weston-super-Mare

King John's Hunting Lodge

The early Tudor timber-framed house provides a fascinating insight into local history.

Clevedon Court

Set in a beautifully landscaped terraced garden, the house was built by Sir John de Clevedon in c.1320, incorporating parts of a massive 13th-century tower and great hall. Much of the original building is still evident, although the Elizabethans made many alterations and additions. Home to the Elton family since 1709, visitors will see striking examples of Eltonware pottery and a fascinating collection of Nailsea glass.

Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield, a glorious Victorian extravaganza, is a magical place, bristling with towers and turrets, created by four generations of the Gibbs family. Saved for the nation in 2002, with a dramatic fundraising campaign, Tyntesfield provides a unique opportunity to experience the work needed to conserve and restore a country estate. After six years of fundraising and planning while opening to 350,000 visitors, the essential work to re-roof, re-wire and re-plumb the house and chapel is now starting. During this conservation in action project, visitors will be treated to a fascinating insight into the technology of Tyntesfield and discover, with our Room Interpreters, how each generation of the Gibbs family influenced its architecture and collections. To find out more about the conservation project, visit the interactive exhibition in the beautiful stables. Make sure you take the opportunity to relax in the formal terraced gardens, then stroll through rolling parkland to the wonderful walled kitchen garden, where produce is available to visitors. Be amazed at the arboretum and track down the eight champion trees, before enjoying one of the new estate walks with stunning views of the Land Yeo valley.

Westbury College Gatehouse

This is the gatehouse of the College of Priests (founded in the 13th century), of which John Wycliffe, the 14th-century theological reformer, was prebend. There is an interesting church (not NT) nearby.

Imperial Hotel, Exmouth

A La Ronde

This unique sixteen-sided house, described by Lucinda Lambton as having 'a magical strangeness that one might dream of only as a child', was built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century. It contains many objects and mementoes of their travels. The extraordinary interior decoration includes a feather frieze and a fragile shell-encrusted gallery, said to contain nearly 25,000 shells, which can be viewed in its entirety on closed-circuit television.

Killerton: Clyston Mill

Dating back to the 19th century, Clyston Mill is in an idyllic setting by the River Clyst, surrounded by farmland and orchards. The mill is still in full working order, producing flour.

Killerton: Budlake Old Post Office Room

This small thatched cottage housed the village Post Office. Outside are a wash house, double-seated privy, pigsty and chicken house, 0.25-hectare (½-acre) garden with vegetable plot, cottage garden, herb and rose borders. Shute Barton

Shute Barton is one of the most important surviving non-fortified manor houses of the Middle Ages. Begun in 1380, completed in the late 16th century, then partly demolished in the late 18th century, it has battlemented turrets, late Gothic windows and a Tudor gatehouse.

Savoy Hotel, Bournemouth

Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island offers a varied and beautiful landscape for enjoying the wonders of nature; from the patchworks of woodland, heath and grassy fields in the peaceful and secluded interior, to the cliffs and beaches of the coastline, which offer breathtaking views across the harbour to the Purbeck Hills.

Corfe Castle

One of Britain's most majestic ruins and once a controlling gateway through the Purbeck Hills, the castle boasts breathtaking views and several waymarked walks. Steeped in history, an interactive exhibition uncovers many stories of treachery and treason. Defended during the Civil War by the prudent and virtuous Lady Bankes, the castle fell, due to betrayal from within, and was subsequently partially destroyed by the Parliamentarians. Many fine Norman and early English features remain.

Kingston Lacy

Home of the Bankes family for more than 300 years, this striking 17th-century house was radically altered in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry. The house is noted for its lavish interiors, including William Bankes's dramatic Spanish Room, with its gilded leather walls. The family's collection of art is outstanding, with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel as well as the largest private collection of Egyptian artefacts in the UK. This wonderfully eclectic experience continues outside. Take a stroll across the beautiful formal lawns towards the restored Japanese tea garden. There are several waymarked walks through the surrounding parkland, with its fine herd of North Devon cattle, and the 3,440-hectare (8,500-acre) estate – dominated by the botanically rich Iron Age hill fort of Badbury Rings, home to fourteen varieties of orchid.

White Mill

Rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, this substantial corn mill was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery (now too fragile to be used). It is situated next to the River Stour.

Imperial Hotel, Tenby 

Tudor Merchant's House

Visit this fascinating three-storey house, situated close to the harbour within the historic walled town of Tenby, and discover how the Tudor merchant and his family would have lived. Furnished to recreate the atmosphere of family life in Tudor times, there are costumes for children to try on and replica toys to play with. Features of the house include a fine 'Flemish' round chimney and the original scarfed roof-trusses, as well as remains of 18th-century secco paintings. Access to the small herb garden is available, weather permitting.

Colby Woodland Garden

Set in a tranquil and secluded valley, this glorious informal woodland garden with a fascinating industrial past, offers a variety of walks along open and wooded pathways. Rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and camellias, underplanted with bluebells, provide spring colour. Later highlights are the summer hydrangeas and autumn foliage.