A Weekend Retreat at a Charming National Trust Cottage in Warwickshire

“Are we there yet?” I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve answered this question during our two-hour car ride. “I’m bored,” my son groans. “And I’m hungry,” my daughter chimes in.

We’re embarking on a spring getaway in the serene countryside of Warwickshire, catering to two generations: my mother visiting from Sweden and my children, ages eight and six. My kids are excited about worms and mud, while my mother looks forward to flowers, nature walks, and the soothing sounds of birdsong. This countryside escape seems like the ideal solution to keep everyone happy.

“Oh look,” my mum exclaims, “There it is!”

Our accommodation is a quaint cottage located within the grounds of Upton House and Gardens, a property managed by the National Trust and situated just seven miles north of Banbury in Oxfordshire. The National Trust boasts over 500 delightful holiday cottages, which also offer entry to their historic properties during your stay.

Warwickshire is often overlooked as a weekend destination, especially when compared to the nearby Cotswolds, which tend to be bustling with tourists over the weekends. Its tranquil charm makes it an ideal spot for a two-night retreat if you’re looking to explore somewhere fresh.

First up is lunch. True to National Trust form, there’s a tea room on the premises. The Pavilion café offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, and an impressive selection of cakes, scones, and teas. My kids devour baked potatoes with beans while my mum and I savor the pea soup and a surprisingly tasty slice of ginger and parsnip cake.

With satisfied appetites, we set off to explore the stunning grounds. Upton House is a long, low structure made from the local yellow sandstone, primarily serving as an art gallery featuring masterpieces from artists like Bosch, El Greco, and Canaletto. Lord and Lady Bearsted acquired the property in 1927, during the Great Depression when jobs were scarce. Lord Bearsted famously promised work to anyone who showed up at his doorstep at 9 a.m. on Mondays.

While the house is impressive, the real treasure lies in its gardens, artfully designed in the 1930s by Kitty Lloyd-Jones, one of the first professional female horticulturists in the UK. The garden features expansive lawns, majestic cedar trees, terraced areas, a series of vibrant herbaceous borders, and a lake affectionately referred to as the mirror pool, adorned with water lilies.

Additionally, there’s a woodland walk filled with logs perfect for climbing and balancing, along with tunnels weaving under the holly trees—definitely a highlight for the kids. “Let’s play tag!” they shout enthusiastically.

The garden steeply descends into a valley, making it essential to have good walking shoes; my trainers felt quite slippery at times.

After a day filled with walking, we retreat to our lodging for the next two nights: Bog Cottage. This grade II listed structure once served as a banqueting house in the 18th century and is nestled into the hills of the Bog Garden, which was formerly dense marshland.

As we approach, the cottage appears quite modest, with most of its windows facing away. However, once inside, the natural light streaming in and the soaring ceilings create an ambiance akin to that of a grand residence. Despite its name, Bog Cottage is bright and inviting, featuring rustic wooden floors, creamy walls, and charming chandeliers. The upper floor hosts two bedrooms: a twin room for the children with wrought-iron beds, and a master bedroom next door.

Downstairs, we find a lounge and kitchen area complete with a fireplace. The standout feature is the four large windows overlooking the picturesque Bog Garden, reminiscent of a Turner painting with rolling hills, luscious greenery, a gentle stream, and blooming magnolia trees.

On the opposite side of the cottage is a small private garden. The following morning, the weather is delightful, allowing us to have breakfast outside, with the sounds of nearby sheep and lambs filling the air. My son throws sticks while my daughter practices cartwheels, and my mum enjoys her coffee in peaceful contentment.

Bog Cottage’s location is perfect for exploring nearby attractions, so we set off for Stratford-upon-Avon, just a 25-minute drive to the northwest.

This medieval market town, known for its cobbled streets and Tudor-style houses, is famously the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Its attractions include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Shakespeare’s New Place. History enthusiasts like my mother are in paradise, while the kids are thrilled by the gift shop, which compels me to purchase pens and age-appropriate Shakespeare adaptations. “Romeo and Juliet kissed the first time they met,” my daughter blushes as she shares.

We have lunch at Lambs on Sheep Street, a historic building in town. Though the seared scallop special is tempting, we opt for garlicky moules marinière and a locally sourced rack of Cotswold lamb paired with dauphinoise potatoes. A leisurely 30-minute boat ride down the river wraps up our delightful day.

On our final morning, the skies are clear, prompting us to visit Blenheim Palace, located about 40 minutes south in Woodstock. There, the kids can explore a fun adventure garden featuring a maze, a miniature train, and, of course, the opulent palace itself. The children delight in the water jets at the playground, coax my mum into buying them souvenirs, and take turns navigating the maze.

On the drive back to London, the kids persistently ask one question, joined by my mum: “When are we going back?” I assure them it won’t be long. Johanna Noble visited as a guest of the National Trust.

Highlighting New National Trust Properties

By Siobhan Grogan

Cladium, Ely, Cambridgeshire

Located in Wicken Fen, the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, this charming semi-detached cottage is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, cyclists, and those seeking tranquility. It offers two bedrooms adorned in calming shades of grey-green and sunny yellow, along with a new kitchen, bathroom, and a private garden. The neighboring cottage accommodating two can also be reserved for larger groups. The reserve encompasses 2,000 acres home to over 9,000 species, including Konik ponies and owls, alongside 25 miles of the National Cycle Network Route 11 nearby. Wicken Village is a five-minute walk away, while Cambridge is under an hour’s drive. Details: Three nights’ self-catering for four from £455.

Tom Parsons’ Hut, Padstow, Cornwall

Cuddle up in this delightful stone cabin dating back to the 1800s, previously inhabited by the smuggler Tom Parsons and his family. It features a cozy bedroom styled in coastal whites and blues, an open-plan living area with a wood burner and stunning sea views, plus a garden. With its prime beachfront location right on the South West Coast Path, it overlooks one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, the sandy Constantine Bay. The shops, renowned restaurants, and bustling harbor of Padstow are just a 20-minute drive away. Act quickly if interested, as it is mostly booked for 2025. Details: Three nights’ self-catering for two from £715.

Restharrow, near Hawkshead, Cumbria

Just 130 meters from Windermere’s western shore, this one-bedroom ground-floor apartment serves as a lovely retreat after exploring nearby National Trust sites such as Wray Castle and Tarn Hows. Though modern inside, it resides within a traditional cottage that previously served as the laundry for the Belle Isle Estate. It’s designed for accessibility, with wide doorways, an adapted shower room, and height-adjustable kitchen fixtures, plus a patio area with scenic countryside views. The ferry to Bowness-on-Windermere is half a mile away offering access to restaurants and pubs. Details: Three nights’ self-catering for two from £454.

Weir Garden Cottage, Hereford, Herefordshire

This spacious five-bedroom home melds a cottage and a former dairy, complete with an enclosed garden and direct access to the National Trust’s 18th-century walled Weir Garden. The pastel-colored living room boasts a vaulted ceiling and a wood burner, alongside one accessible bedroom. The large kitchen features salvaged Welsh slate countertops and a dining table for ten. Two upstairs bedrooms include ensuites, and there are two family bathrooms to prevent morning chaos. Through a private gate, guests can access Weir’s ten acres of gardens and parkland, perfect for strolls, picnics, and exploring Roman ruins. Details: Three nights’ self-catering for ten from £650.

Attingham East Lodge, Attingham Park, Shropshire

While staying at this gatehouse entrance to the grand 18th-century mansion Attingham Park, located near Shrewsbury, you’ll feel like a lord or lady of the manor. The lodge features a contemporary cream kitchen and an open-plan sitting and dining area. A steep staircase leads to both a double and a twin bedroom. There’s an enclosed garden, plus unrestricted access to Attingham’s 200 acres of parkland, offering trails, woodlands, a deer park, and the River Tern (canoes available for hire during the summer). Details: Two nights’ self-catering for two from £385.