My Top 5 National Trust Houses

Founded over 120 years ago, the National Trust was created by people who wanted to preserve the best of British heritage. Since then, the Trust has welcomed millions of visitors to stunning buildings, homes and nature locations across England, Wales and Northern Island.

I’ve been a member for two years – I was given my membership as a gift from my boyfriend and now I love the National Trust places I’ve been to.

From magnificent manors to humble homes, country estates to town residences, they each tell their own unique story.

Here are some of my favourite national trust properties:

Trelissick 

Hidden in the coastline of Cornwall, Trelissick House and Gardens is part of the National Trust that has only been opened to the public since 2014. Trelissick is surrounded by the Fal estuary and overlooks Carrick Roads, one of the world’s deepest natural harbours. The house was originally built in 1755, each family who has occupied the home has lent their visions of style and appearance to the Manor House.

Trelissick is modestly furnished with plenty of seating for visitors as well as space to soak in the scenery and history as well as spectacular maritime views of the sea and Fal River. It has a simple but open layout, with a tiny cafe included within the kitchen of the house and the staff are so friendly.

Osterley House 

Built-in the 1500s by Sir Thomas Gresham, Osterley Park and House is a ‘neo-classical manor house’ hidden in London. The peacefulness of this National Trust property contrasted with where it is situated in London is just incredible.

Hidden from the road by a brick wall is a Georgian mansion and estate, created in the late 18th century for the Child family by architect Robert Adam. It was called the ‘palace of palaces,’ this 250-year-old gem is where thousands of people partied throughout the centuries.  The house has also been featured or used in many films from the Dark Knight to Miss Potter and even Pride and Prejudice.

Beatrix Potter Gallery

The Beatrix Potter Gallery is a hidden gem in the middle of a quaint village in the Lake District. The gallery displays original watercolours by the world-famous author, Beatrix Potter, as well as artifacts and stories about her life and work. The gallery is a 17th Century building and was once the office of her husband.

The house has remained unaltered and gives a fascinating insight into her personalities, fine art and literature. The gallery features Potter’s most famous ‘little white books,’ you can see how Peter Rabbit and her delightful characters still remain loved by so many of us.

St Michael’s Mount 

St Michael’s Mount is situated right at the bottom of the country, looking out onto the sea of the English Channel. St Michael’s Mount is the jewel in Cornwall. The most famous of Cornwall’s landmarks and has a fascinating history that is steeped in both legend and folklore. Perched up high on the craggy rocks, the castle has the façade of Gothic architecture.

The buildings date back to the 12th century when there was first a priory, then a fortress and finally a special homecoming into the ownership of the St Aubyn family in 1659. The St Aubyn family who owned St Michael’s Mount went into partnership with the National Trust and in 1954, the grounds and castle were opened to the public.

Speke Hall 

Speke Hall, located on the banks of the River Mersey, is a Tudor manor house which has been restored and brought back to 19th-century life. The beautiful and unique setting of the house shows a mixture of Tudor simplicity and Victorian aesthetics. It is a half-timbered Tudor courtyard house that acquired its present shape during the 16th century under the ownership of Sir William Norris and his grandson, also Sir William. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Liverpool area with a few hours to spare because you can also see the planes landing and taking off from Liverpool Airport.

These are the perfect places to explore if you are looking for more peaceful and laid-back days out. They are also enriched in history, which is definitely worth exploring, you can learn so much by just walking around.

Let me know if you’ve visited any of these properties, or if you have any favourites that I haven’t included here!