Fancy exploring what's on your doorstep this year? We can help! From charming historic estates to picturesque landscapes and manicured gardens, discover the best rural National Trust properties to plan a staycation around. We've also got tips on how travel insurance can protect your holiday, even though you're staying in the UK.
Here are top 5 National Trust properties to add to your bucket list:
1. Hardy's House, Max Gate, Dorchester, South West England
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.5
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Open: 5 days a week (Tuesday - Thursday & weekends)
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Non-member entry cost: £11 adults, £5.50 children (under 5s free)
If you're a fan of Thomas Hardy (not that Thomas Hardy - the English author), then Hardy's house is a must. He designed the home himself, and it was heavily influenced by the archaeological discoveries that he made on the site, including Roman burials and a large post-glacial stone.
If you're visiting Hardy's house, add Dorchester to the list. It's only a 5-minute drive away or a half an hour walk. Public transport is available too. You can explore 100 other attractions like:
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Sculptures by the Lakes: Marvellous sculptures set among the backdrop of beautiful botanical gardens.
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Dorset Museum and Art Gallery: From Jurassic Coast dinosaur remains to literary archives and artwork, it’s a haven for culture enthusiasts.
Looking for somewhere to stay? You'll be spoilt for choice. There are 105 hotels and 313 Airbnbs locally. Choose from quaint lodges, cottages, inns and manors to chains like Premier Inn.
2. Nuffield Place, Henley-on-Thames, South East England
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.5
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Open: 5 days a week (Wednesday - Sunday)
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Non-member entry cost: £13 adult, £6.50 child (under 5s free)
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Pre-booking for tours is essential and advised for self-paced entry
Step into the home of philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder of Morris Motors, Lord Nuffield. His beautiful home is nestled in an 'arts and crafts' style garden, which has a rockery, decorative lawns and herbaceous borders that'll be alive with pollinators in spring and summer.
And of course, there's the Maker Space Horsebox Café, where you can wet your whistle and have a little something to keep you going.
Combine your trip with a mooch around Henley-on-Thames. It's a 16-minute drive away or 25 minutes on public transport. There are around 63 things to do in Henley, including:
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Hiring a boat: There are lots of options if you fancy a boat trip. So why not enjoy a serene day on the river taking in the views?
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Warburg Nature Reserve: The scenic sanctuary spanning 262 acres is packed with wildlife, plants and walking trails. For animal lovers, keep an eye out for roaming deer and kites flying above.
There are loads of places to stay too, Henley has 296 hotels and 584 Airbnbs close by.
3.Townend, Windermere, North West England
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.7
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Open: 4 days a week (Tuesday - Friday)
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Non-member entry cost: £11.00 adult, £5.50 child (under 5s free)
Travel back to the 17th-century at Townend. This characterful farmhouse and garden was home to the Browne family, who farmed here for 400 years. The last inhabitant, George Browne, was a keen craftsman who carefully carved furniture.
This and other treasures from the Browne family are preserved at Townend. The library is also a must-see, with a collection of 45 unique books that you can’t see anywhere else.
It's only an 8-minute drive away from Windermere or 40 minutes on public transport. If you like a walk, it's an hour from Townend. There are 75 iconic attractions at Windermere:
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Lake Windermere: Marvel at the beauty of the lake by hiking around, taking a cruising tour or hiring a boat.
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The World of Beatrix Potter: Explore the beloved whimsical world created by Beatrix Potter, which was inspired by her time in Windermere.
You've got a great choice of accommodation. There are 254 hotels and 165 Airbnbs. Many of these have spectacular views of the lakes.
4.Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, West Midlands
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.5
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Open: Every day
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Non-member entry cost: £17.00 adults, £8.50 child (under 5s free)
This beautiful estate has grounds that stretch for 200 acres. Inside here, there's a deer park, a restored walled garden, a natural playground and a variety of walks. You can explore the idyllic Regency mansion too, which was owned by the Berwick family for over 160 years. This family made their fortune through involvement in politics, land ownership, money lending and mining.
Attingham Park is only a 20-minute drive away from Shrewsbury or around 45 minutes on public transport. Shrewsbury has over 260 other attractions, including:
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Hawkstone Park Follies: Walking trails through incredible woodland with wildlife, follies and caves set against breathtaking landscapes.
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Shrewsbury Castle: Discover the 1000-year history through architecture, artefacts and ruins of military walls.
There are plenty of places to stay, including 84 hotels and 206 Airbnbs. Many are townhouse style and capture Shrewsbury's character.
5. Lavenham Guildhall, Sudbury, East England
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TripAdvisor rating: 4.5
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Open: Every day
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Non-member entry cost: £10.00 adults, £5.00 child (under 5s free)
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Pre-booking required for groups
This 16th-century hall has had a number of uses in the past, including a meeting place for wealthy Catholic merchants, a prison, a workhouse and a social club (during WWII). It represents the heritage of the surrounding village, which grew its wealth through the cloth trade. The rich history of the property makes it an interesting place to visit and learn about its unique past.
The Guildhall is around a 15-minute drive outside of Sudbury or 40 minutes via public transport. There are 42 other things to do, including:
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Sudbury Water Meadow: A tranquil combination of nature and wildlife, perfect for walking trails.
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The Talbot Trail: This unique trail follows 14 statues depicting moments in the town's history, you can learn while you explore!
Accommodation-wise, there are 85 hotels and 112 Airbnbs to choose from. You can stay in the heart of the town or outside, surrounded by countryside.
Alvaro Inturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, shares tips on planning staycations:
"Assess the pros and cons of transport options:
Research the route to the destination, as well as the journeys to your excursion, before you go. Weigh up what works best for you in terms of getting there.
Driving means more flexibility, so you won’t be reliant on timetables. You won't have to worry about cancellations and delays either. But you’ll have to factor in traffic and parking costs.
"Plan activities in advance:
Staying organised does have its perks. Planning excursions in advance gives you more choice, you avoid missing out and you reduce stress on the day.
Certain activities might get booked up quickly, particularly in the summer holidays. Booking ahead can also mean you save money - less stress, admin and it's cheaper - that's a win-win-win!
Even for activities where you don't need to book, you should still do your research. Their websites may share peak times or advice so you can plan your visit accordingly.
"Don’t forget travel insurance:
Even though medical emergencies are covered by the NHS, insurance for UK holidays is still useful. It can cover you in case you lose your bag or have to cancel your holiday unexpectedly.
For example, if you have to cancel your trip or cut it short due to circumstances like illness or bereavement. What’s covered depends on your individual policy, so read the terms and conditions. If you have an existing annual policy, you may already be covered.”
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