If you’re out in the car and are in need of a break, why not stop at one of the many National Trust near the motorway? Lots of National Trust places are close to main routes, but a million miles away from the rush of motorways. Discover the National Trust places to visit when you need a calm place to take a break from driving.
This picturesque medieval-moated manor house is a great place to stop just outside Birmingham. Have tea in the Barn restaurant and then browse the second-hand bookshop – you never know what you might find. Find Baddesley Clinton off M42 exit 5 - approximately 6 miles/7 minutes south; or off M40 exit 15 - approximately 10 miles/18 minutes north.
With over 400 acres of parkland to explore, Basildon Park is the ideal spot for a leg stretch. Built in the 18th century and restored to its full glory in the 1950s, today you can wander through the beautiful rooms admiring Old Masters paintings, explore the pleasure gardens or run wild in the parkland with its year-round seasonal colour. Find Basildon Park off M4 J12 - approximately 7 miles/15 minutes.
From the wealthy teenager who built the mansion to its occupation by the RAF in the Second World War, Beningbrough is full of intriguing tales to tell. If you have enough time, check out the the beautiful 18th-century portraits in the gallery, borrow a bike to scout out the grounds or find the perfect spot for a mid-drive picnic. Find Beningbrough Hall off A19 – approximately 2.9 miles/8 minutes.
Located on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, Crom is one of the most romantic and peaceful places in Northern Ireland. This 2,000 acre demesne is surrounded by tranquil islands and ancient woodlands, and home to a wealth of wildlife including otters, red squirrels and pine martens. To really escape the road for a while you can even hire a boat and paddle out onto the lake to see Crom from a new angle. Find Crom off A4 - approximately 13 miles/25 minutes.
The lavish collections inside this beautiful country house reflect the fashion in the 17th-century for all things Dutch. Set in extensive parkland and situated between Bath and Bristol, you'd never believe you were just off the motorway. Find Dyrham Park off M4 exit 18 - approximately 3 miles/4 minutes.
Between Nottingham and Sheffield is a spectacular hall with huge windows and towers, where powerful Elizabethan figure Bess of Hardwick once showed off her wealth. Explore the fragrant herb garden, orchards and parkland which provide food for the tables. Find Hardwick Hall off M1 exit 29 - approximately 1 mile/2 minutes.
This stunning 18th-century landscape park and nature reserve offers a taste of the country on the edge of the city. Discover fine Derwent Valley views, winding paths and refreshing open spaces to stretch tired legs. Find Gibside off A1 - approximately 4.5 miles/9 minutes.
A tranquil setting off the busy M5, this fascinating house has features including an orangery, ice-house, pavilions and even a working mushroom house. There is also a recreated 18th-century crown bowling green available to play on. Find Hanbury Hall off M5 exit 5 - approximately 4 miles/5 minutes.
With acres of glorious gardens and parkland surrounding a spectacular Gothic Revival house, Knightshayes is the complete country gentleman's dream. It’s also the perfect place to take a break on a long journey; stretch your legs with a wander round the woodlands, and banish boredom with games in the wild play area. Then there’s just time for a cup of tea at the Stables café before you’re back on the road again. Find Knightshayes off M5 exit 27 - approximately 8 miles/12 minutes.
Quarry Bank was once home to a complete industrial community. Today you can see inside the home of the Greg family who once owned the mill, or go on a guided tour of the Apprentice House to learn about the pauper children who worked in the mill. For a longer leg stretch you can stroll to Styal village where many of the other workers once lived, or wander through the picturesque gardens and see the newly restored glasshouse. Don’t forget to grab a cuppa from the garden café to refuel for the rest of the journey. Find Quarry Bank off M56 exit 5 - approximately 5 miles/13 minutes.
At the gateway to the Lake District, Sizergh Castle sits in glorious gardens and a magnificent estate. The imposing house has many tales to tell, while the herbaceous borders in the garden are stunning and include the largest limestone rock garden in the National Trust's care. Find Sizergh off M6 exit 36 - approximately 5 miles/8 minutes.
An outstanding example of the English landscape style, this splendid garden with classical temples is set around a central lake. An ever-changing series of vistas will greet you as you move around the paths. The perfect peaceful pitstop. Find Stourhead off A303 - approximately 3 miles/4 minutes.
This fascinating house and garden sits just off the M4 as you enter Wales. Outdoors, 90 acres of parkland including the great lake and three walled gardens mean there is plenty of room to let off steam. Please note: there may be roadworks on the M4 J28 - please plan your journey ahead of time. Find Tredegar House off M4 exit 28 - approximately 1 mile/2 minutes.
From open moorland and wooded streams to lakes and mires – there’s plenty to discover at Wallington. Follow winding paths through the estate, explore the quirky curiosities inside the house, or have a cup of tea at the Clocktower Café. Whatever you get up to, you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed. Find Wallington off A696 – approximately 1.8 miles / 4 minutes.
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