Plan your getaway
Inspired to book your break or would like to find out more? Take a look at all our unique holiday cottages and find your perfect getaway.
Holiday to a film location
Many of the places we care for have been the backdrop for a popular television show or film - Wolf Hall, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and many more. Spend your holiday in a National Trust cottage or pitch up at a campsite close to the action, to see the sights you've seen on screen and experience the atmosphere of these special places. A few of our cottages have even featured in the action.
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light TV series (2024)
Based on the bestselling trilogy by author Hilary Mantel, the BBC drama series Wolf Hall traces Thomas Cromwell’s swift rise from a blacksmith’s son in Putney to the most powerful man in King Henry VIII’s Tudor court. Many of the places in our care were used as filming locations for both the original 2015 series and the 2024 adaptation of the final novel in the trilogy, The Mirror and the Light.
Horton Court, Gloucestershire
Grade I-listed manor house Horton Court, now a holiday cottage sleeping ten, returns as Cromwell's study at Austin Friars. Sitting on the edge of the rolling Cotswolds, the 16th-century manor house was built from the remains of a Norman hall.
Montacute South Lodge Somerset
Montacute House returns as Greenwich Palace, Henry VIII’s main London seat and the site of Anne Boleyn’s arrest in Wolf Hall. At the entrance to Montacute House, you'll find Montacute South Lodge. This 16th-century gate lodge is a holiday cottage sleeping six, with free entry to Montacute House during opening hours.
Recent filming
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023), on the Belton estate, Lincolnshire
In this hit Bridgerton prequel, Belton House was the main location for King George's residence and many other locations, like the Italian Garden, Orangery and Marble Hall, also featured. You can stay at No. 1 Belton (sleeps six), a pretty cottage with the whole estate on its doorstep.
The Sandman (2022) at Scotney Castle, Kent
Scotney Castle was used as the 'House of Secrets' in 10 days of filming for this Netflix hit. You can stay at Scotney West Lodge (sleeps four), a classic and comfortable house at the entrance to the Scotney estate, which has acres of parkland, woodland and gardens as well as the moated castle.
The Secret Garden (2020) at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire
Based on the classic 1910 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the 2020 Sky Original adaptation of The Secret Garden breathed new life into the tale. There are several cottages to stay in across the Fountains Abbey Estate, including Abbey Cottage, Choristers' House and the apartments Proctor and Vyner. Fountains Abbey was also featured in The History Boys (2006).
Hampstead (2017) at Cliveden Ferry Cottage, Berkshire
This former ferryman’s cottage with views over the Thames had a starring role as Diane Keaton's country escape. She was a fan of the cottage in real life, declaring "everybody should go (to Ferry Cottage); it couldn't have been more idyllic". It sleeps four and as guests, you can wander the gardens and woodlands of Cliveden even after closing.
Cornwall
Poldark
Fans of Poldark may well have recognised a number of our places in the BBC’s enthralling adaptation of Winston Graham's novels. The series was filmed at several locations across Cornwall, with the buildings and mines at Botallack being taken back 200 years to feature as the Poldark family mines. There are National Trust cottages and a campsite close to various Poldark locations.
The Canyack
The Canyack is one of the closest cottages to Botallack. High on the sloped of the secluded Cot Valley, this old miner's cottage is full of character and sleeps two.
Count House Cottage
Count House Cottage is another of the closest cottages to Botallack. Once a mining workshop, it's now a cosy cottage for two with timber-framed ceilings and sea views.
The West Wing
Further up the coast near St Agnes, the mine at Wheal Coates, which overlooks the expanse of sand at Chapel Porth Beach, became the derelict Wheal Leisure in the very final episodes. Elegant apartment for two, The West Wing isn't far away. It's also the accommodation closest to Holywell, the beach home to Caroline and Dwight's galloping horse-ride and the meetings between Drake and Morwenna.
Winnianton Farmhouse
Winnianton Farmhouse (sleeps six) overlooks Church Cove at Gunwalloe, a beach featured in series one, two and five as well as being the site of a dramatic night-time shipwreck scene in the first series.
Teneriffe Farm Campsite
For a camping spot, Teneriffe Farm Campsite isn't too far from Kynance Cove, where a pregnant Demezla is seen fishing for pilchards and going into labour in series two. It's a green campsite surrounded by nature reserves on the Lizard, a ten-minute walk from the South West Coast Path.
Doc Martin
If you love this medical-comedy drama, stay on the set of the famous Police House at Port Gaverne Beach House. Feel part of the television programme, spending your days exploring the winding streets of the quaint coastal village of Port Isaac.
More locations in Cornwall...
Holywell beach, close to The West Wing apartment, also featured as the location for the aftermath of a battle scene in Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. Forty minutes inland, you'll find 1920s villa Cutmadoc on the Lanhydrock estate.
Devon
Poirot
In 2013, ITV came to Greenway in Devon to film David Suchet as Hercule Poirot in their adaptation of Dead Man's Folly, Agatha Christie's crime novel. The property also had a starring role in Christie's personal life as her beloved holiday home. There are four cottages at Greenway: The Lodge, Ferry Cottage, South Lodge and an apartment within the house itself.
The Lodge At Greenway
A quaint gate lodge at the entrance to Agatha Christie’s much loved holiday home.
Greenway Ferry Cottage
A riverside cottage complete with rose climbing walls and a contemporary interior.
Greenway South Lodge
Gaze out at the sparkling River Dart from the windows of this woodland garden cottage.
Greenway Apartment
Stay in Agatha Christie’s former holiday home where you’ll be treated to views of the Dart Estuary.
Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones
Lying on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, the Castle Ward Estate provided some of season one’s most recognisable locations. The historic farmyard stood in for parts of Winterfell, including the archery range where the Stark children practised their skills. Take a wander round the wider estate and you might also recognise other sites such as Robb Stark’s army camp. The battle between the Starks and Lannisters in episode nine (‘Baelor’) was also filmed here, along with the scene in episode ten (‘Fire and Blood’) where Brienne confronts three Stark men.
The Potter's Cottage
Escape to the world of battling kingdoms when you stay at this cottage on the Castle Ward Estate. The historic farmyard stood in for Winterfell, the home of the Stark family, in series one.
Bishop's Gate Lodge
Perched dramatically on the cliff edge at Downhill Demesne in County Londonderry, Mussenden Temple gave the Game of Thrones camera crew a perfect view of Downhill Beach (not National Trust owned) which became Dragonstone in season two. The beach was the place where Stannis Baratheon rejected the Seven Gods, and allowed Melisandre to burn their effigies. Bishops Gate Lodge is a gothic gate lodge at the entrance to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne, with paths leading to the temple and views across the Inishowen Peninsula.
Portbraddan Cottage
This seaside cottage is near to Ballintoy Harbour which doubled as Lordsport Harbour and the Iron Islands in series two. The cottage is only a 30-minute drive from Portstewart Strand, which you might recognise from series five as the beach where Jaime and Bronn came ashore on the coast of Dorne.
Strand House
Strand House sits just off the beach in the quiet town of Cushenden. Several locations along the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are featured in the show and the cottage is the ideal base to explore this dramatic coastline.
Somerset and Wiltshire
Harry Potter at Lacock
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Lacock Abbey appeared as part of Hogwarts, and Lacock's Chapter House provided the Mirror of Erised room. The Sacristy and the Warming Room both feature, as do the cloister walks and one of the courtyards. Look out for Lacock in The Crimes of Grindelwald, the second instalment in J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts film series. You can enjoy your own magical break at 2 High Street, a holiday cottage in Lacock village.
Downton Abbey (2019) in Lacock Village
With its quaint cottages and historic streets, the Wiltshire village of Lacock was transformed for Downton Abbey’s big screen debut. Set in 1927, the streets became a hive of activity for a spectacular royal parade as the King and Queen visited the Downton estate. Walk along the street, see the location and stay in a charming 15th-century cottage, 2 High Street, to create your own Downton-inspired memories. A natural home for period dramas, Layock Village also welcomed Cranford (2007 and 2009).
Filming at Tyntesfield
The Gothic extravagance of Tyntesfield made it the ideal setting for a haunted house Doctor Who story in 2013's Hide, where the apparitions turned out to be more scientific than supernatural. Tyntesfield was also a key filming location for The Abominable Bride, the 2016 New Year's Day special of BBC's Sherlock. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were among the cast who filmed at the estate. You'll find three holiday cottages, Chaplain's House, Chaplain's Lodge and Summerhouse Cottage, on the Tyntesfield estate.
Wales
Doctor Who
We've been playing a part in the Doctor's time-travelling adventures for most of the programme's 60 years, and there are plenty of options for staying near to places where the action has happened.
Doctor Who at Powis Castle
One of the more unusual shoots in Doctor Who took place at Powis Castle. Director Paul Joyce wanted to create a palace at a gateway between universes, so he took black and white photos of Powis Castle’s main rooms and steeply terraced gardens. The Fourth Doctor Tom Baker and his fellow actors performed their scenes in studio in front of a green screen and the still photographic backgrounds were added later, creating a distinctive otherworldly look. You can stay in The Bothy, a half-timbered cottage in the castle gardens.
Doctor Who at Rhosili Bay
You won’t see the skyscrapers of 'New New York' when you visit Rhosili Bay – they were created digitally and added to the New Earth episode in 2006. But you can see the breezy clifftop where the Tenth Doctor and Rose enjoyed the smell of apple grass. Fans of spin-off series Torchwood might also recognise the beach as the scene of a fast-paced helicopter chase in Children of Earth. Stay right on top of the cliffs in former station officer's house, Rhossili 1 Coastguard Cottage (sleeps six). Rhossili Old Rectory is close by and sleeps seven; it's just steps from the beach. It featured in hit series Torchwood.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Freshwater West
Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire was a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2. The beach was the location of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour‘s safe house, Shell Cottage. Although the house was a temporary set, you can visit the beach to see where the action happened, including the emotional scene where Dobby the house-elf was buried. Just 10-minutes' walk away, Gupton Farm Surf Lodge holiday cottage is a cosy base to explore the beach. To camp nearby, pitch up at Gupton Farm Campsite. The film used another National Trust place, Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, as Malfoy Towers.
More filming...
Mary Queen of Scots (2019) at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire was a location for the 2019 film Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. Hardwick stood in for Hampton Court in the film. Key scenes featuring Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I, and Guy Pearce as William Cecil, were shot inside the hall and on the roof. There are three cottages in the grounds of Hardwick: Rowthorne Lodge, 4 Stable Yard Cottage and 6 High Hazels.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) at Cragside
Cragside was used as a film location for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The house doubles up as Lockwood Manor – the mansion of the character Benjamin Lockwood. Stay at one of the two cottages at Cragside - Cragside Garden Cottage and Cragside Park Cottage - and explore the unique house and gardens, once home to Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong. As well as being a film location for Jurassic World, Cragside offers plenty to entertain curious minds, including quirky inventions and landscaped gardens.
A Cock and Bull Story (2006) at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, Norfolk
There are lots of places to stay on the Felbrigg estate, location for A Cock and Bull Story starring Steve Coogan, including apartments, a gate lodge and a country cottage. Steve Cougan had previously filmed 'I'm Alan Partridge' at Blickling Hall in 2002, another estate with many cottages for guests to choose from.
Jane Eyre at White Edge Lodge, Derbyshire
White Edge Lodge holiday cottage in Derbyshire made a star appearance in the 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre with Michael Fassbender and Jamie Bell. The lodge featured as the home of the Rivers family who take in a troubled Jane after she flees from Mr Rochester. Surrounded by heather-covered moorland, White Edge Lodge oozes romance. Why not book a holiday and enjoy your own Brontë moment?
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) in Snowshill, Gloucestershire
There are four National Trust holiday cottages by Snowshill Manor and Garden in the lovely Cotswolds village featured in the first Bridget Jones's Diary film. Snowshill Manor Farmhouse sleeps nine, Snowshill Honor's Cottage sleeps three, and cosy Spring Cottage and Diston's each sleep two.
Buy National Trust on Screen - New Edition
National Trust on Screen allows readers to discover all the amazing locations used as the backdrop to iconic TV and film moments – from Mr Darcy diving into the lake at Lyme to Harry Potter exploring the cloisters at Lacock Abbey.
Jane Austen productions
Pride and Prejudice (1995) at Belton in Lincolnshire, Lacock in Wiltshire and Lyme in Cheshire
No. 1 Belton, Lincolnshire
In the 1995 BBC TV version of Pride and Prejudice, it was the good fortune of Jennifer Ehle’s Lizzie to dine in the splendour of Belton House, which played Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s residence. As Mr Collins would attest, no greater honour can be bestowed than an invitation to dine at 'Rosings'. Belton also featured in the scenes leading up to Mr Darcy's first excruciating proposal to Lizzie. You can stay at No. 1 Belton, a pretty cottage for six in Belton village.
2 High Street, Wiltshire
Lacock, the wonderfully-preserved village dating from the 13th century, played the village of Meryton, where the Bennet girls shopped for bonnets and hoped to attract the attentions of the officers. 2 High Street is a 15th-century cottage sleeping six in the centre of the village.
Lyme East Lodge, Cheshire
Lyme is famous for its role as Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s home, where Jennifer Ehle’s Lizzie was shocked by the approach of the soaking wet figure of Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth. Lyme East Lodge is an Edwardian cottage sleeping four, looking out over countryside.
Lyme West Lodge, Cheshire
The scene turned Lyme into one of TV's most iconic backdrops. Lyme West Lodge is another pretty cottage on the Lyme estate, sleeping four and set in leafy woodland.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) at Montacute in Somerset and Saltram in Devon
Montacute House, Somerset
The Oscar-winning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility starred Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as sisters Elinor and Marianne. Montacute stood in as the country home of the Palmers, where Marianne got caught in the rain while trying to escape the heartbreak of Willoughby's rejection. You can spot the famous ‘wibbly wobbly’ yew hedges as she walks through the garden, and later on Colonel Brandon (played by Alan Rickman) pokes his head into the Orangery looking for her. There are two cottages at Montacute, Montacute South Lodge and Odcombe Lodge.
Montacute South Lodge
At the entrance to the mighty Montacute House is Montacute South Lodge. This stunning gate lodge dates back to the 16th-century and is constructed from local ham stone. Take advantage of free entry to Montacute House, and explore this fascinating building, a West Country outpost of the National Portrait gallery. Sleeps six.
Odcombe Lodge
It may have the air of a Tudor building, but the Grade II listed gate house at the entrance to Montacute House is actually a 19th-centure property. Built from local stone, this pretty holiday cottage has its own private garden leading on to the estate. Your stay at the Lodge helps us fund Montacute’s continuing preservation. Sleeps four.
Cottages near Saltram, Devon
Not only did the classical Georgian mansion at Saltram stand in for Norland Park in the 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, you can also read letters between Jane Austen and former Saltram resident, Frances Talbot, the first Countess of Morley, which are on display at the house. The closest cottage to Saltram is Wembury Mill Cottage, an old mill conversion right on the beach.
Pride and Prejudice (2005) at Stourhead in Wiltshire
Staying at Stourhead
The 18th-century landscaped garden at Stourhead was used as a backdrop in the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice along with one of its enchanting temples. The Temple of Apollo, set above the tranquil lake, was used as the location for Mr Darcy’s first awkward proposal to Lizzie. 89 Church Lawn is a cottage for seven, standing proudly at the entrance to Stourhead's garden.
Bringing your motorhome to Stourhead
Stourhead Estate Motorhome Site is perfectly placed in a quiet corner of the Stourhead estate. As a guest, you’ll have free entry to explore during opening hours, and discover the Palladian house, landscape garden, King Alfred’s Tower and acres of countryside walks passing by chalk downs, ancient woods, Iron Age hillforts and farmland.