Love is in the air this February, especially at the National Trust! So, if you fancy whisking away your better half to a stunning romantic retreat or fancy a walk in a breathtaking setting, look no further.
From the wing of a country house in Worcestershire, to a renovated shepherd’s hut in Cornwall, the National Trust has hundreds of romantic getaways to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. And if a weekend getaway isn’t on the cards, why not treat your special someone to a romantic day out at one of the many National Trust properties!
Fella’s…choccies and roses at the ready!
Skipper’s Cabin, Cornwall
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
Thankfully there are no shepherding duties when you check into Skipper’s Cabin, a renovated traditional stone shepherd’s hut in an enviable position at the head of a secluded valley running down to Porth Mear cove. Porthcothan’s sandy beach is just a mile away, making this the perfect base for coastal walks.
Basildon Park, Berkshire
Retrace the footsteps of the stars of Downton Abbey this spring at Basildon Park, near Reading. The Georgian mansion was transformed into Grantham House, the Crawleys’ London residence in the recent Downton Abbey Christmas special. The house was at the heart of the story as the family and their servants enjoyed the social whirl of the summer season. Discover the Octagon room, with its red felt walls and gold gilded ceiling, which was used as a drawing room, and imagine being a special guest of the Crawleys in the dining room, which was transformed into a ballroom for the filming. Surrounded by beautiful historic parkland, Basildon is the ultimate romantic location for Downton fans. Follow your heart, 1-23 February 10am – 4pm.
Source: coveredoccasions.co.uk
Tan y Bwlch – Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
With its virtually unaltered interior Tan y Bwlch is an iconic Grade II Listed Penllyn crog loft cottage. As well as traditional features such as an inglenook fireplace, slate, tile and wooden floors and original beams it has been furnished in keeping with the period. Situated on the slopes of Mynydd Rhiw, on the Plas yn Rhiw Estate, the cottage has one of the most sought after locations on LlynPeninsula, with stunning views over Porth Neigwl.
The Water Tower, Trelissick, Cornwall
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
This is one for those who like their hideaways with a touch of the fairytale about them. Resembling the legendary tower of Rapunzle this topsy-turvy tower has a circular room on each floor linked by a spiral staircase with the kitchen at the top, a sitting room below, and a double bedroom on the first floor. Unusually, the bathroom is on the ground floor and is accessed by a separate outside door.
Carrick-a-Rede, Co. Antrim
There’s nothing more important on Valentine’s Day than spending time together in a memorable setting. Take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge with your loved one and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Set on the North Antrim Coast Road, amid unrivalled coastal scenery, the 30m-deep and 20m-wide chasm is traversed by an amazing rope bridge that was traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with fantastic views of Rathlin and the Scottish Islands.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Cromer Lodge, Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
This cosy red-brick cottage is part of the former Gate Lodge to Felbrigg Hall. Grade II listed with towering chimneys and a large bay window it’s like a mini version of the 17th century Hall. With easy access to the park and woodland walks on the doorstep this is the perfect getaway for country lovers. What’s more the sandy beaches of West Runton and Cromer are fewer than 10 minutes drive away
Rowthorne Lodge – Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
Located on the edge of the Hardwick Hall Estate this former gate house provides cosy accommodation for two, with the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, orchards and wider estate after hours. The Hall isn’t to missed either, famously more glass than walls; Bess of Hardwick built it in the 1590s out of a fortune which was second only to that of Queen Elizabeth I.
Erddig, Wrexham
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Thought to be one of Britain’s finest houses, this 18th-century country house is set in a romantic landscape park. The tales of ‘life below stairs’ is captured beautifully at Erddig, with servants portraits hung on the walls to help visitors imagine Downton-style tales. One such tale belonged to Lucy Hitchman and Ernest Jones, who worked for the Yorke family at Erddig just before the First World War. They fell in love and took strolls on their afternoons off in and around the park and, today, visitors can retrace their favourite walk, known simply as ‘romantic walk’. It’s an easy, one-mile walk – don’t miss the kissing gates for that extra sprinkle of romance.
Saxon Cottage, Sussex
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
This delightful thatched cottage stands in a convenient location just off Steyning’s bustling High Street. It has an unusual and intriguing cat-slide thatched roof and inside is full of character with low ceilings and doorways to catch out the unwary.
The Old Coastguard Station, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
This cosy apartment sits in the eaves of what was once an inn right by the sea in this picturesque 17th century fishing village. The steep cobbled streets wind down the hill past traditional fisherman’s houses, cafes, pubs, bookshops and art galleries. The Old Coastguard Station is just steps away from the sandy beach.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
Take a loved one to the scene of a famous romantic moment in TV history. Lyme Park in Cheshireis the backdrop to where Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth, meets Elizabeth in the ever-remembered TV adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Picture the stars and discover this special place together. Enjoy delicious cakes and warming hot chocolate for a Valentine’s treat.
The Only Way is Pemberley, 15 &16 February, 11am – 3pm
Immerse yourself in the world of Pride & Prejudice. Discover the travelling exhibition on loan from Jane Austen’s House Museum, see original costumes from the BBC adaptation and visit the lake where Mr Darcy famously swam. There is also contemporary artwork with a Pemberley flavour on display.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Abbey Store, Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
Situated in the grounds of the World Heritage site Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal WaterGarden this 19th century stone cottage is full of character with vaulted ceilings, a galleried double bedroom and wood-burning stove guests. Guests can enjoy discovering the 12th century abbey ruins and the Georgian Water Garden after hours, without the crowds.
Rose Cottage, Florence Court, County Fermanagh
Source: nationaltrustcottages.co.uk
This pretty cottage has the idyllic setting in the walled garden of the Florence Court Estate. The estates classical eighteenth-century house is set in extensive grounds with glorious walks and a dramatic backdrop of mountains and forests.
Sheringham Park, Norfolk
Source: scenicnorfolk.co.uk
You don’t have to break the bank for a great day out. With hundreds of coast and countryside places across the country, stunning National Trust outdoor spaces are right on your doorstep. A walk with breathtaking views, like Sheringham Park, can be just as romantic and special. Wide open spaces, beautiful gardens designed by Humphry Repton and uninterrupted views of the north Norfolk coastline all make for an inspiring visit.
Historical Honey 2013 ©