National Trust cottages that provide a perfect backdrop to Christmas
At Christmas there’s nothing more special than spending time with family and friends enjoying all the things the festive season has to offer.
From Christmas fairs and magical winter walks, to tucking into fabulous Christmas dinner or just a good old family get together, the National Trust’s holiday cottages offers fantastic accommodation whatever you want to do this Christmas.
Winter Gardens: explore the National Trust’s stunning gardens in winter with exclusive access from your cottage.
At 89 CHURCH LAWN, on the entrance to the world famous Stourhead gardens in Wiltshire, this charming stone cottage stands overlooking its own lawned area across to the picturesque village church. Out of the front door, turn right and the gardens of Stourhead are there to be enjoyed daily, with temples, monuments, rare trees and plants set around a magnificent lake. Prices start from £640 per week in December. View
HALL COURT on the Cotehele estate in Cornwall is a traditionally-furnished first floor apartment occupying the oldest part of Cotehele House and possibly dates from the 15th century. Its mullioned windows look down upon Hall Court and visitors can enjoy the rare privilege of living in the heart of this ancient house, soaking up the special atmosphere of Cotehele, as well as access to the wonderful garden at all times. Prices start from £309 per week in December. View
Christmas Fairs – get really in to the spirit of Christmas and visit one of the Trust’s famous festive fairs, where you can sample delicious local and seasonal food, buy local crafts and perhaps even see Father Christmas.
Stay at ABERMYDYR COTTAGE for Llanerchaeron’s Christmas food and craft fair. The cottage is nestled on the banks of the river Aeron in the heart of the beautiful Aeron Valley in Wales and has a wealth of interesting features including the gothic windows and octagonal roof. Abermydyr was also home to the contemporary Artist George Chapman. Its unique style and unrivalled location make it the ideal base for a peaceful and relaxing holiday and to explore this beautiful unspoilt area of Wales at this special time of year. Prices start from £575 per week in December. View
An early December stay in KEEPER’S COTTAGE at Berrington Hall in Herefordshire will mean you are just footsteps away from this hall’s Christmas fair. You can take all your Christmas goodies back to this charming cottage, which was once the home of the estate gamekeeper. It lies in an Area of Special Scientific Interest, in a landscape designed by Capability Brown. Prices start from £345 per week in December. View
Winter walks by water: nothing beats a crisp, winter day’s walk by water, where you can be lucky enough to not pass a soul and have the entire waterside to yourself.
At MURLOUGH COTTAGE in County Down, this single storey cottage built in the 1840s is an attractive detached cottage with wide views over the beautiful waters of Dundrum Inner Bay. Prices start from £282 per week in December. View
Two COMPTON FARM COTTAGES on the Isle of Wight couldn’t be a better place to holiday for winter walks by the sea. A 19th-century semi-detached farm workers cottage, it is one of a pair, situated under the south side of the down and within easy walking distance of the sea and Compton Bay. There are wonderful walks in all directions from the front door. The cottages are simple in layout and ideal for a Christmas seaside holiday. Prices start from £309 per week in December. View
THE SUMMER HOUSE is situated in the old kitchen garden of Wray Castle on the western shore of Windermere in the Lake District. The cottage has been completely renovated and offers stunning views over much of the Lake District including Fairfield, the Langdale Pikes and Central Fells. It is in an ideal location for walking, for access to the lake, as a base for touring and visiting, or simply as a place to relax in the large garden while feasting your eyes on the wonderful views. Prices start from £403 per week in December. View
Christmas Lunches – treat yourself to a fabulous National Trust Christmas lunch using all local and seasonal produce while you holiday. You’ll be able to walk off your lunch on the stroll back to your cottage, before returning for a second helping another day.
STABLE APARTMENT at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk is situated above the former stable block at the side of the Hall. It has fine views over the grass parklands. It is an ideal base for touring the North Norfolk coastline, pretty villages and traditional market towns, but equally well located to offer miles of walks from the doorstep in rolling countryside. What’s more you can wander down to the Carriage Restaurant and enjoy a fabulous three course Christmas lunch served throughout December. Prices start from £298 per week in December. View
A walk across the lovely parkland from PARK HOUSE on the Kedleston estate in Derbyshire to the hall, and you will be set for the delicious Christmas lunches on offer in the old kitchen restaurant throughout November and December. Or how about a mince pie and mulled wine before one of Kedleston Hall’s carol concerts?
This 19th-century brick built house is situated in an idyllic position on the edge of Kedleston Park, with glimpses of the main hall through the trees and views across the park. Originally built as the estate office, this lovely cottage provides a secluded spot from which to explore Kedleston and the surrounding countryside. It provides luxurious accommodation and access ‘out of hours’ into the main park. Prices start from £481 per week in December. View
Family get-togethers – Christmas is all about being with the family, and the National Trust offers cottages of generous proportions for those larger family gatherings.
EMLEY FARM HOUSE in is a Grade II listed substantial farmstead in an idyllic rural setting. The farmhouse and surrounding buildings are largely unaltered since the 19th-century and retain a unique charm and character. Many original features remain such as the internal well and large fireplaces. The reception rooms are spacious and there is a traditional country kitchen, ideal for enjoying a family Christmas dinner. The house sleeps 10 people. Prices start from £851 per week in December. View
FOUNTAIN’S COTTAGE is the largest of three delightful cottages, which are located close to beautiful Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire in the Studley Royal Deer Park. This holiday home accommodates 8 people and has a wonderful open fire to sit around and play family games. Prices start from £575 per week in December.
With short breaks available and all profits going back to conservation work of the area in which the holiday cottage is located, booking a National Trust holiday cottage this Christmas really is time well spent.
To book a cottage or home visit nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
To join the National Trust
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0844 800 1895
Membership Benefits:
* FREE entry and parking at more than 300 historic houses and gardens.
* FREE parking at our countryside and coastline locations.
* Your Members’ Handbook – the complete guide to all of the places you can visit.
* Regional Newsletters packed with details of special events at locations near you.
* Three editions of our magazine, featuring news, views, gardening and letters, exclusively for members.
* Information about Centres and Associations in your area.
Plus…
* Your membership will get you FREE admission to properties cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
* We also have agreements with a number of other countries. If you’re visiting any of these places and have a valid membership card, you could visit their National Trust facilities for FREE or at a concessionary rate.
Membership costs
Individual Member: One card admits the named member: Direct Debit £34.50, Standard Price £46.00
Joint Membership: Two adults living at the same address. Two cards admit the named members: Direct Debit £57.75, Standard Price £77.00
Young Person Member (Under 25): Direct Debit £15.75, Standard Price £21.00
*Please note, discounted Direct Debit prices are only valid for your first year’s membership
Thought of being a Life Member? Individual – One card admits the named member and a guest. £1,125
Joint – For lifetime partners. Two cards, each admitting the named member. £1,350
Images © NTPL.
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