National Trust properties to visit
There are dozens of National Trust properties within easy reach of our canals and rivers, making them great places to visit on a canal boat holiday.
Here’s a guide to our top 10 National Trust properties to visit, and our nearest bases:
1. The Rock Houses at Kinver Edge on the Staffs & Worcester Canal
Kinver’s famous Holy Austin Rock Houses near Stourbridge were inhabited until the 1950’s and give an atmospheric glimpse into a bygone age. The woodland sandstone ridge out of which the houses are built, offers dramatic views across surrounding counties. You can reach Kinver on a week’s holiday from Gailey or Autherley.
2. Knot Garden at Little Moreton Hall on the Macclesfield Canal
This iconic Tudor Manor House in Congleton offers an insight into life in the 1600’s. Little Morton Hall‘s manicured Knot Garden grows herbs and vegetables used by the Tudors for their cooking and medicines. You can reach Congleton on a short break from Stoke on Trent on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
3. William Morris interiors at Wightwick Manor on the Staffs & Worcester Canal
Described as ‘the haven of a romantic industrialist’, this beautiful timber-framed house in Wolverhampton has stunning interiors. They are decorated with the designs of William Morris and his Arts & Crafts contemporaries. You can reach Wolverhampton on a short break from Autherley or Gailey.
4. Timber-frames at Greyfriars House close to the River Severn
This late medieval merchant’s house and walled garden in Worcester city centre was rescued from demolition after the Second World War. It has now been carefully restored and refurbished and you can visit it on a short break from Worcester on the River Severn.
5. 700 years of history at Chirk Castle on the Llangollen Canal
This magnificent medieval fortress at Chirk was completed in 1310, and is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I still lived in today. Features from its 700 years include the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th century Long Gallery, grand 18th century state apartments, servants’ hall and laundry. It also boasts award-winning gardens and incredible views over the Cheshire and Salop plains. You can reach Chirk from our bases at Chirk, Trevor and Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal.
6. Profumo Affair links at Cliveden on the River Thames at Maidenhead
W country retreat on a grand scale, Cliveden’s magnificent gardens and breath-taking views have been admired for centuries. Once the glittering hub of society and visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I, Cliveden was renowned for hosting exclusive parties and political gatherings. In the 1960’s, Cliveden became infamously associated with the Profumo Affair. Today visitors can explore the stunning gardens, peaceful woodlands and Thames riverbank. You can reach Cliveden on a week’s break from Aldermaston on The Kennet & Avon Canal.
7. Notable topiary at Packwood House on the Stratford Canal
Originally built in the 16th century, the interiors of this timber-framed Tudor house at Lapworth were restored between the wars by Graham Baron Ash. The restoration created a fascinating 20th century evocation of domestic Tudor architecture. Its gardens have fine herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews. You can reach Lapworth on a short break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal or Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal.
8. Exquisite embroideries at East Riddlesden Hall on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
This 17th century manor house at Keighley was a hive of farming activity for generations. It has a cosy lived-in feel with exquisite embroideries and blackwork, plus oak furniture and pewter on show. You can reach Keighley on a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
9. 18th century gardens at Hanbury Hall on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal
Built in 1701 by Thomas, Vernon, a lawyer and whig MP for Worcester, Hanbury Hall near Droitwich Spa is a beautiful country house. It’s surrounded by 20 acres of recreated early 18th century gardens and 400 acres of parkland. You can reach Hanbury Hall on a short break from Stoke Prior on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal or Worcester on the River Severn.
10. Holy Grail connections at Shugborough Hall on the Staffs & Worcester Canal
Beautiful Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, once the home of Lord Lichfield, is set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens. It’s a rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including the fine Georgian Mansion House, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden. And it’s rumoured to have connections to the Holy Grail. Our nearest base is just five minutes away at Great Haywood.
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