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Holiday cottages through the ages

The large, private garden at Egryn, Wales
The large, private garden at Egryn, Wales | © National Trust/Mike Henton

Our holiday cottages offer a treasure chest full of rich history and heritage, waiting to be discovered.

Uncover the various styles of our holiday cottages, castles and manor houses throughout time. Experience life in a medieval cottage, enjoy the seaside glamour of an Art-Deco villa or stay in a castle-like, hilltop retreat for two near the Naval Temple and once visited by Nelson.

Since opening our first cottage in the late 1940s in the Lake District, every holiday booked has helped to restore these historic places so we can protect their individual characters. Working with local craftspeople and historians, we have carefully created modern interiors that are fresh and in keeping with the period of the building.

Medieval castles, manor houses and apartments

The exterior of Horton Court, Gloucestershire

Horton Court, Gloucestershire 

With a history stretching back to 1185, Horton Court is a truly spectacular setting for a special getaway. The beautiful Roman city of Bath on your doorstep, as well as the rest of the glorious Cotswolds. With its incredible sense of history, this recently-restored ancient manor house is perfect for groups exploring the area from the small, countryside village of Horton. Sleeps 10.

The exterior of Old Mill Cottage, Brockhampton, Herefordshire

Old Mill Cottage, Herefordshire 

Sitting pretty in a romantic woodland garden, accessed only by a wooden footbridge over a stream, Old Mill Cottage is a dreamy chocolate box cottage. With its rose-clad walls and small peeping windows, Old Mill Cottage feels like a fairy-tale hideaway. It dates back to the 15th-century and retains many original features inside. Sleeps 3.

The exterior of Shute Barton, Devon

Shute Barton, Devon 

Live like lords and ladies in this historical medieval gem. Experience the finer things in life when you stay in one of Devon's most important manor houses dating back to 1380. Look out of 15ft-high late medieval windows, glide down its spiral staircase, and gaze up at the original collar-beam roof in the medieval hall. Sleeps 10.

The medieval dining room at Egryn, nr Barmouth, Gwynedd

Egryn, Wales 

Head back in time and enjoy a break that's infused with medieval history. This impressive Medieval Hall House is furnished in keeping with its period. It has uneven flooring and low beams, as well as its own private walled garden. Warriors can gather together for evening feasts and games around the large dining table. Sleeps 9.

The exterior of Minstergate, York, Yorkshire

Minstergate, Yorkshire 

For a city break with a difference, try this quirky medieval apartment. It sits in the historic city of York with views over the mighty York Minster. Brimming with character inside, you’ll find wonky beams, sloping floors and a Georgian staircase that was added at a later stage. Step outside and get lost in York’s winding alleyways. Sleeps 2.

The exterior of Hall Court, Cornwall

Hall Court, Cornwall 

At Hall Court, you’ll experience staying in one of England’s best-preserved Tudor houses, an atmospheric, fortified manor house. The house is on a high bluff on the Cornish bank of the river Tamar. As well as the house, there’s the historic quay’s mill, acres of colourful gardens and orchard, and miles of estate footpaths to discover. Sleeps 2.

The exterior of Cymryd, Conwy

Cymryd, Conwy 

Garden and history lovers will be spoiled at Cymryd - enchanted by the amazing gardens, and blown away with the history of this wonderful building, which stretches back to the 15th century. Soak up the exposed beams, wood panelled walls and flagstone floors as well as antique pieces of furniture. Sleeps 6.

Styles through history

The exterior of The Bakehouse, Dorset

The Bakehouse, Dorset 

Step inside The Bakehouse to a beautifully renovated country cottage. Wonky beams, a log effect gas stove, and a large upstairs bedroom with exposed timber cruck frames add to its rustic charm. Sitting in a former farmyard across from a 16th-century farmhouse, it boasts views over the reed beds and surrounding countryside. Sleeps 2.

The exterior of 20 Ogleforth, Yorkshire

20 Ogleforth, Yorkshire 

Built in the 16th century as part of a row of coach houses or stables, 20 Ogleforth is a perfectly-placed city retreat with the historic streets of York on its doorstep. The lovely, light rooms have both original beams and fresh, modern touches. From the comfortable sitting and dining room, you’ll enjoy views of York Minster and a pretty neighbouring garden. Sleeps 4.

The exterior of Ivy's Cottage, Somerset

Ivy's Cottage, Somerset 

Topped with a thatched roof, bordered by perfectly pruned gardens and encompassed by rolling countryside; Ivy’s is the epitome of an English country cottage. It sits in the quaint village of Selworthy with far-reaching views over Exmoor. Step inside the one-bedroom cottage to a snug but homely space, where a rest by the log burner is irresistible after a day of hiking the moors. Sleeps 2.

The exterior of The Bothy, North Wales

The Bothy, Wales 

This half-timbered house was built in 1908 at a time when the ‘garden cottage’ trend became popular. The surroundings are overwhelmingly beautiful with Powis Castle in the background and perfectly pruned gardens visible from the windows. Its interiors are nothing short of impressive either, in keeping with its refined Edwardian character. Sleeps 6.

The exterior of Florence Court Rose Cottage, County Fermanagh

Florence Court Rose Cottage, Northern Ireland 

Rose Cottage is a red-brick Victorian cottage at the heart of the Florence Court estate, with lots to see and do from the doorstep. It was once the head gardener’s cottage, and after hours, once other visitors have gone home for the day, you’ll have the gardens and pleasure grounds to yourself. Inside the cottage, you’ll find rich Victorian colours and period furniture. Sleeps 4.

The exterior of Emley Farmhouse, Surrey

Emley Farmhouse, Surrey 

Escape the city in this charming rural retreat, based on the fringes of the South Downs. The Grade II listed farmhouse and the surrounding buildings have remained largely unaltered since the 19th-century and retain a unique country charm. Remnants of its past can be found in each room from the low beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplaces to the latticed windows and even an internal well. Sleeps 10.

The exterior of Silverthwaite, Ambleside, Cumbria

Silverthwaite, Lake District 

This grand five-bedroom house was built by suffragist Amy Sharp, in the early 1900s. You’ll see why she chose this spot overlooking the Langdale Valley, it’s truly inspiring. Much of its Arts and Crafts influence remains inside from the period fireplaces and the wooden floorboards to antique furnishings and floral detailing throughout. Sleeps 8.

An aerial view of Portland House including the ground floor and first floor terraces, Dorset

Portland House, Dorset 

Be cocktail-ready when you step back in time and immerse yourself in the 1930s glamour of Portland House, an Art-Deco villa that's hidden on the Dorset coastline. You'll be welcomed by a palm-fringed driveway, luxurious interiors, many of which are original features, and sweeping sea views. Sleeps 12.

Uncover stories of the past

The exterior of Lytes Cary, Somerset

Lytes Cary, Somerset 

Stay in a house so well preserved, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time. This extravagant seven-bedroom stay occupies the west wing of the 14th-century house, Lytes Cary Manor, where dark wood-panelled walls, fine period furnishings and grand bedrooms run throughout. Perfect for those special family get-togethers, the house has multiple sitting rooms, a formal dining area and views over the manicured gardens. Sleeps 14.

The exterior of Kymin Round House, Monmouthshire

Kymin Round House, Wales 

The Kymin Round House is a small, castellated Georgian building, with windows looking out in all directions across the Wye Valley. It’s at the top of a hill, the Kymin, surrounded by woods and parkland, and a stone’s throw from the Naval Temple, a monument to the British Navy. Nelson visited the Kymin in 1802 and dined in the banqueting hall of the Round House. Sleeps 2.

A view of Proctor apartment, within Fountains Hall, North Yorkshire

Proctor, Yorkshire 

Feel like royalty in this charming apartment, which housed distinguished guests from Charles I to Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen's mother. Its interiors were inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and the 16th-century building, Fountain's Hall, where this apartment sits, is constructed using stones from the nearby abbey. Sleeps 3.

The exterior of St Oswald's Cottage, Northumberland

St Oswald's Cottage, Northumberland 

The 20th-century, three-bedroom cottage was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Edward Hudson, who at the time owned the island’s castle. It echoes a number of recognised Lutyens features such as the red pan tiled roof and original style doors and windows. Inside, elegant interiors run throughout, from the dark wood furniture and a period fireplace to a roll-top bath. Sleeps 5.

The exterior of Polesden Garden Cottage, a regency-style villa in the grounds of the Polesden Lacey estate, Surrey

Discover more holiday cottages

With over 500 cottages to choose from, discover more properties and their histories in amazing locations to share with friends and family.