A guide to booking National Trust holiday cottages

The National Trust owns over 370 properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are available for short breaks, weekends away or holiday lets. There are a wide range of places covering many different periods of stay and types of accommodation. Each one is listed in the brochure as well as on the National Trust’s website. This article provides a guide to booking National Trust holiday cottages.

Holiday homes

South Foreland Lighthouse The National Trust owns a wide range of cottages in England including several cottages by the sea. The East Cottage at South Foreland Lighthouse is one of the best examples. The former lighthouse keeper's cottage is available to rent in one of England’s most beautiful areas. It is perched on the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover and overlooks the English Channel. It comes with a host of amenities like telephone, television, washing machine, tumble dryer, cot, highchair and freezer. There is an adjacent parking and guests have access to a small enclosed courtyard area. Fountains Abbey Another example of the type of property available for rent can be found in Yorkshire. The cottages near Fountains Abbey were once a fodder store, but have been now converted and sympathetically restored using traditional materials. The cottages afford a view of the Vale of York and Hambleton Hills and guests are less than a mile from Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage site which counts the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey among its many highlights.

Booking

The National Trust website lists each property's availability and visitors are advised to review the site before booking. Properties on the site can be accessed through a geographical or keyword search if the name of the cottage is known. Booking can only be made over the phone and the number is listed on the Trust’s website.

Last minute bookings

Last minute bookings are possible as visitors pull out of their trip. Cottages for rent within the following two weeks are listed under ‘Last Minute’ on the site. Again, before booking, a person needs to check availability before making a phone call to the Trust.

Special offers

The website also lists special offers. 20% can be saved on the cost of accommodation by booking a special offer. Final word The National Trust's aim is to always protect special places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for everyone so that each holiday cottage is well looked after and that it remains historically important.