Attingham East Lodge

Imagine being the gatekeeper for a grand house while staying in this gate lodge on the edge of Attingham Park. Built in the early 1860s, the impressive entrance gates lead to an 18th-century mansion, full of regency-era treasures, where you'll have free entry during your stay.

Beyond the house lies 200 acres of parkland, which will be yours to explore after visitors have gone home. There are miles of walking trails, through grassland, woodland and along the River Tern. Families will enjoy the Field of Play and, in the summer, you can hire a canoe to launch on the river. The Carriage House Café has a seasonal menu that uses produce grown in the restored walled garden, and the deer park is home to the descendants of the original herd from the 1800s. Part of the National Cycle Network route runs nearby. 

The area is full of other historical attractions, including the old market town of Shrewsbury, just a 10-minute drive away. Its rich heritage can be seen in the surviving architecture, from parts of the thousand-year-old castle to the remains of the medieval town walls. The River Severn snakes through the scenic town centre, and you'll find plenty of places to shop and eat, including an award-winning market hall full of food and craft stalls.

You'll have free entry to other National Trust places, such as Dudmaston Hall, Benthall Hall and Moseley Old Hall – all less than 40 minutes away – and the money you spend on your holiday will go towards their conservation.

Venture even further into the past at the ruins of one of the largest cities in Roman Britain – Wroxeter Roman City – or discover the birthplace of the industrial revolution at the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. For a city trip, Birmingham is about an hour's drive away.

Attingham West Lodge (sleeps three) is on the other side of the entrance gate and can be booked with East Lodge for a group. There are also seven other holiday cottages at Attingham Park.

Layout

Ground floor: Hallway, including cupboard with washing machine. Bathroom with shower over bath. Kitchen. Open-plan sitting and dining room, with door to the steep staircase and an external door to the front of the cottage. 

First floor: Small landing. Double bedroom, which overlooks the estate's entrance gates. Twin bedroom with views of the garden. 

Outside space

A private, enclosed garden with a lawn and outdoor seating.  

What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?

Parking: Space for two cars next to the cottage. 

EV Charging: There is no electric car charging point at the cottage itself, however there are shared-use EV charging points in the main car park at Attingham Park, which guests can use. The provider is RAW Charging. The car park is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the cottage.

Heating: The cottage is heated by electric radiators, which guests are able to regulate.

Stairgates: There is no stairgate at this property, but there is a door at the bottom of the stairs.

Please note: The cottage is located at the main entrance to Attingham Park. It is on a busy road, with vehicles regularly driving past and into the estate through the connected entrance gates. However, the entrance to the cottage is in the private, enclosed garden. There is a cattle grid at the estate entrance.

Attingham East Lodge is next to another holiday cottage and is in the village of Atcham, near to other residential properties. There is also a hotel in the village, so noise may be heard when events are taking place.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm.

Free entry to National Trust places, during opening hours, for the duration of your stay. This includes the house at Attingham Park, but not the bookable tours at Attingham or nearby places. Please show your booking confirmation upon entry.

You will have free access to the parkland at Attingham after-hours, as well as during opening times.