Eating and shopping at Montacute House

A festive selection of Christmas products from National Trust shop. — Browse latest delights in the gift shop at Montacute House | © An assortment of festive Christmas products from the National Trust shop.

Whether you're looking for a bite to eat or some retail therapy, Montacute House has something for you. Visit the Courtyard café for a wide range of freshly made snacks, meals and drinks. Then head to the National Trust shop and second-hand book store to pick up a gift or souvenir.

The Courtyard cafe

Whether you’re looking for a light bite, a sweet treat or something more substantial, the Courtyard cafe is sure to satiate your appetite. Everything is freshly made each day, so it's the ideal spot to refuel when visiting Montacute House.

While enjoying your tasty treats, look out for the giant wooden clothes pegs that serve as benches in the courtyard. They’re a reminder that the area was originally a bustling centre for a variety of domestic chores, including baking and laundry.

Visitor carrying a tray of coffee and cake in the cafe at Llanerchaeron, Wales — Treat yourself to a hot drink and a cake | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

Paperbacks on a shelf in the second-hand bookshop at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire — Find a gem in the second-hand book store | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

The National Trust shop

Enjoy some guilt-free browsing at the National Trust shop, knowing that every penny of profit from your purchase will go straight back into helping us look after Montacute House, both inside and out.

Peruse the shelves

Step inside and find a wide selection of household items, fashion accessories, foodie treats and greeting cards. It’s a great place to pick up a present for someone special or a treat for yourself.

There's also a small area containing pocket-money treats for the children to take home as a reminder of their visit.

Seasonal goods

Many of the seasonal items in the shop take inspiration from National Trust places all over the country, with new items frequently added as the seasons change.

The second-hand book store

The stables were once home to at least ten horses, but now it’s where you'll find a wide selection of pre-loved books. Take some time to browse through the shelves; with everything from factual to fiction, you’re bound to find something to grab your interest.

Book donations

As the books are so popular, we’re always in need of donations. If you have any books that you would like to rehome, we’d love to take them off your hands. We also welcome jigsaw puzzles (in good condition and with all the pieces, please!).

If you have any questions about making book donations, please email montacute@nationaltrust.org.uk. Donations can usually be left with the team in visitor reception.