National Trust in the Cotswolds
Historic houses, gardens, Roman ruins and thousands of acres of unspoilt woodlands and countryside make up the National Trust in the Cotswolds. Whether you are making the most of the sunshine or hiding away from the rain, there is a National Trust site in the Cotswolds for every occasion - here are some of our favourites.
National Trust houses in the Cotswolds
Dyrham Park
Image: Alison Day
Dyrham Park is one of the best-known National Trust properties in the Cotswolds. The historic 17-century home is often used as a filming location for period dramas, thanks to its baroque architecture and lavish interiors. Its 270 acres of parkland offer hours of walks and a Delft-themed tearoom echoes the Dutch Delftware treasures found inside the stately home.
- Dyrham, near Bath, Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY
- Adults £17.00 / Child £8.50 (Free to National Trust Members)
Snowshill Manor and Garden
Image: Karen Roe
Built of Cotswold stone in around 1550, Snowshill Manor and Garden was left to the National Trust by its 20th century owner, the eccentric Edwardian architect, artist and avid collector, Charles Paget Wade. He also gifted more than 20,000 objects collected throughout his lifetime, from toys and bikes to notable works of art. It is one of the more unique National Trust sites in the Cotswolds!
- Snowshill, near Broadway, Gloucestershire, WR12 7JU
- Adults £13.00 / Child £6.50 (Not included in National Trust Membership)
Newark Park
Image: Graeme Churchard
A deer hunting lodge in the time of the Tudors, Newark Park commands a position overlooking the Ozleworth Valley and the Mendips beyond, with barely a sign of civilisation as far as the eye can see from its 700 acre grounds. The grand home’s eclectic interiors are a highlight and well-behaved pups are welcome in outside spaces at this dog-friendly National Trust site.
- Newark Park, Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7PZ
- Adults £12.00 / Child £6.00 (Free to National Trust Members)
For more pet-friendly places to visit, have a read of our dog-friendly Cotswolds guide.
Chastleton
Image: Tony Hisgett
Having been owned by the same family for almost 400 years, Chastleton House stands as a time capsule of family life in centuries gone by. Barely touched since its final family guardians departed in 1991, the Jacobean country house is one of the most popular National Trust properties in the Cotswolds.
- Chastleton, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire, GL56 0SU
- Adults £12.00 / Child £6.00 (Free to National Trust Members)
National Trust gardens in the Cotswolds
Hidcote
Image: Judy Dean
Located near the popular Cotswolds town of Chipping Campden, Arts and Crafts-inspired Hidcote gardens was created by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston. Each garden has its own theme, planted with rare plants collected on his travels. A Plant Centre shop encourages greenfingered visitors to recreate the world-famous gardens.
- Hidcote, Hidcote Bartrim, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LR
- Adults £16.00 / Child £8.00 (Free to National Trust Members)
Woodchester Park
Image: Philip Halling
Woodchester Park is one of the most family-friendly National Trust sites in the Cotswolds. The serene wooded valley featuring five lakes and a charming 19th-century boat house is perfect for long stomps with kids in tow and dogs are allowed on most of the trails too.
- Woodchester Park, Nympsfield, near Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3TS
- Free entry for all
Westbury Court Garden
Image: Canis Major
Westbury Court Garden is the UK’s only surviving Dutch-style water garden and is a sight to behold with its canals, ponds and immaculate topiary. After falling into ruin in the 1960s, the National Trust Garden in the Cotswolds has now been restored to the grandeur of its 1720s heyday.
- Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, GL14 1PD
- Adults £8.50 / Child £4.25 (Free to National Trust Members)
Lodge Park & Sherborne Park Estate
Image: Celuici
The last remaining 17th-century grandstand in Britain was built by politician John ‘Crump’ Dutton as a place to engage in his passions for deer coursing and entertaining. Today it is one of the most tranquil National Trust gardens in the Cotswolds, with its surrounding Sherborne Park Estate home to an abundance of wildlife, a sculpture trail and peaceful walking routes.
- Sherborne Park Estate, Aldsworth, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3DT
- Adults £11.00 / Child £5.50 (Not included in National Trust Membership)
National Trust viewpoints in the Cotswolds
Haresfield Beacon
Images: Paul Stephenson
One of the best free National Trust places in the Cotswolds, Haresfield Beacon and the surrounding Standish Woods command views across the Severn estuary and towards the Brecon Beacons. The Cotswold Way National Trail runs across the entire estate and you’ll see people taking to two feet, two wheels and even horseback to explore.
- Cotswold Way, Stonehouse, GL10 3ES
- Free entry to all
Crickley Hill
Image: Kumweni
Jointly owned with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Crickley Hill has earned a Site of Special Scientific Interest designation for its reams of wild flowers that return each summer. Thousands of years ago, the site was a prehistoric battleground, but today it attracts bird watchers and walkers keen to take in views across the Severn Vale.
- Birdlip, Gloucestershire, GL4 8JY
- Free entry to all
Looking for more wonderful walks? Here are some of the best Cotswolds walking routes to try.
National Trust historic sites in the Cotswolds
Chedworth Roman Villa
Image: Philip Halling
When it comes to National Trust places in the Cotswolds, Chedworth Roman Villa is a must-visit. Nestled in the Cotswolds valleys, it is one of the largest Roman villas in Britain, known for its elaborate mosaics, two bath-houses and nymphaeum - a shrine to the water nymphs.
- Yanworth, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ
- Adults £12.00 / Child £6.00
If you’re after even more great places to visit within a short drive of Lower Mill Estate, take a look at our favourite days out near Lower Mill Estate.
Dover’s Hill
Image: Mat Fascione
Dover's Hill is one of the National Trust sites in the Cotswolds that is home to Roman remains; it is thought that the woods at the foot of the hill, known as ‘the Lynches’, were once Roman vineyard terraces. The natural amphitheatre just north of Chipping Campden was the site of the original English Olympic games over 400 years ago and now hosts a comical ‘Olimpick Games’ event each year in its honour.
- Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
- Free entry to all
Discover the Cotswolds
Which National Trust sites are on your list of things to do on your Cotswolds stay this year? The Cotswolds holiday lodges at Lower Mill Estate are within easy reach of the very best National Trust attractions, so you are promised something to suit the whole family right there on your doorstep.
