Uniquely located in the grounds and gardens of some of England’s finest stately homes or overlooking famous battlefields and monastic ruins, English Heritage’s countryside cottages located inland make for the perfect getaway.
So, if you’re looking for a UK staycation with a difference, check out some of the charities places to stay this spring and summer! And, if you want to save up to 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships, simply click here! (Join English Heritage | English Heritage)
Prior’s Lodge, Mount Grace Priory, Yorkshire.
Sleeping five people, the cottage consists of three buildings on different levels linked with internal staircases. Attached to a wall of the medieval guesthouse, the cottage overlooks the spectacular ruins of the Carthusian monastery. Built in the mid-18th Century from stones taken from the ruins, the interiors are full of pale timbers, a cast iron fireplace and mullioned windows offering fabulous views of the ruins and the Vale of York. With exclusive access to the grounds outside of public access hours, guests can explore the ruins and the renovated Arts and Crafts gardens on their own terms. See here for details.
Refectory Cottage, Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire.
Sat within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey amidst the rolling countryside and in the valley of the ancient River Rye. The cottage, which comfortably sleeps four, was built using reclaimed abbey stone and close inspection reveals the medieval masons’ marks on many of the blocks used in its construction. The interior of the cottage is spacious and comfortable for a family holiday so you may be tempted to simply stay at home and catch glimpses of the abbey through the cottage windows. Access to the abbey is through a gate from the cottage’s private garden. It is adjacent to a cottage belonging to a local working estate. See here for details.
South Lodge, Battle Abbey, Sussex.
Enjoy the fresh air and open spaces at one of the most famous battlefields in England’s history. Comfortably sleeping up to four people, it is the perfect base to discover the atmosphere of one of England’s most significant historic sites, where the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror clashed here at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The cottage is situated in the south east corner of the estate with direct access to the battlefield. Conveniently located, the cottage also provides a pleasant walk up to the ruins of the Abbey, the Gatehouse and the Visitor Centre. See here for details.
The Head Gardener’s House, Audley End, Essex.
Built in 1875 as a family home for Audley End’s Head Gardener, the handsome red-brick house signalled the head gardener’s status as one of Audley End’s most senior servants. Empty for several years, English Heritage has given the three-bedroom property a new lease of life as a cosy and energy-efficient holiday cottage with views over the walled kitchen garden and stable courtyard. See here for details.
East Lodge, Hardwick Old Hall, Derbyshire.
This two-bedroom holiday cottage comfortably sleeps four people. Situated within the walled grounds of the romantic ruin of Hardwick Old Hall, it is set within the 1,000 acres of the estate overlooking the Derbyshire countryside. This spacious holiday cottage features high ceilings and lead light windows so you can expect a spacious stay with spectacular views of Hardwick Hall and its gardens, ready for you to immerse yourself in one of the grandest periods of England’s History. See here for details.
The Head Gardener’s House is located at Audley End in Essex (Image: Getty Images)
We’ve teamed up with English Heritage to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships. English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.
Want to find out more? Simply click here! (Join English Heritage | English Heritage)
Use code NEWSQ25 at the checkout.
Offer ends: December 31, 2025
T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.
