- Every year, National Trust properties attract millions of us to visit and discover the heritage of the British Isles through their fascinating stories. We have partnered up with the National Trust to spotlight some of the fascinating historical properties you can access via the CrossCountry network, so you can get exploring! From a courtyard tucked away in Birmingham to a unique collection of treasures in York, join CrossCountry as we go back in time to visit some of the best National Trust properties in the UK.
Greenway Estate, Devon
Greenway Estate is possibly most famous for being the holiday home of renowned crime writer Agatha Christie, though it is also beloved for the idyllic views of the River Dart it offers. At this National Trust property, you can take a peek at Agatha Christie's vast collections of archaeological finds, Tunbridgeware, sulver, botanical China, and - of course - books! In pleasant weather, the gardens are an absolute must-visit. The Camellia Garden has been accredited as a Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society; one of just seven gardens in the UK to be recognised as such. If you're an Agatha Christie superfan, we recommend a trip to the Boathouse & Battery to see the scene of the crime in Dead Man's Folly and Five Little Pigs.
Getting to Greenway by train: Hop on board a CrossCountry train to Paignton station, where you can find onward services towards Greenway. If you're want to get in the historical mood, why not take the steam train at Paignton to Greenway Halt?
Tredegar House, Newport
With all the grandeur you'd expect from a 17th Century house, the architecture of Tredegar House in Newport makes it one of the most significant of its kind in the British Isles. The stunning architecture and decor is artful in itself, with the only surviving 17th-century plaster ceiling. In addition to this, the house is also home to several notable artworks to admire. Once you're finished exploring the beautiful inside, you can turn your attention to the ninety acres of gardens and parkland, which provide the perfect backdrop to a picnic on a bright day!
Getting to Tredegar House by train: Located not far from Newport station, you can get to Tredegar House by train followed by a 15-minute bus ride.
Treasurer's House, York
Located in the centre of York, the two-thousand year history of Treasurer's House stretches from the reportedly haunted Roman road below the cellar right to the Edwardian servants' quarters in the attics, with plenty in between. These period rooms in this National Trust property house the collection which tells the story of Frank Green; a wealthy industrialist and passionate collector. The garden may be small, but this tranquil oasis in the centre of the city has won awards, and features blue and white flowers befitting an Edwardian gentleman.
Frank Green's design stamp is all over the house, with markers on the floor to locate the exact placing of key items of furniture. The thirteen period rooms are home to antique furniture, ceramics, textiles, and paintings from a 300-year heritage.
Getting to Treasurer's House by train: Treasurer's House is a short walk from York station.
Birmingham Back to Backs, Birmingham
This is no ordinary National Trust property. Back to Backs in Birmingham is available to visit only on a pre-booked guided tour, making it the perfect National Trust property to visit if you're looking for something a little more private and a little more special. Take a tour around the Birmingham Back to Backs to experience what life was like for the people of Brum back in the 1840s through to the 1970s. With fires alight in the grates and tin baths hanging on the walls, you will truly feel as if you've stepped back in time.
If you're looking to book Birmingham Back to Backs, make sure to get in touch on [email protected].
Getting to Birmingham Back to Backs: Located in the heart of Birmingham, Back to Backs is only a 5-minute walk away from Birmingham New Street station.
St. Michael's Mount, Penzance
Surely one of the most iconic landmarks in Britain, St Michael's Mount is an island built on myths and legends. From seafarers guided to safety by an apparition of St Michael to Jack the Giant Killer's battle with the giant Cormoran - there is plenty of mythical majesty to explore on this little island. St Michael's Mount is cared for in a partnership between the National Trust and St Aubyn Family.
You can reach the island in a few different ways depending on the tide - if tide is out, you can cross on foot using the causeway. However, when tide is in and the causeway is covered by the sea, you can hop on a shuttle boat from the beach to the Mount. Once you're back on dry land, you can explore the 12th Century castle, subtropical gardens, and grab a bite to eat.
Getting to St. Michael's Mount by train: Penzance station is located three miles away from St Michael's Mount, so it is a quick walk or bus ride away.
If you’re planning a visit to one of the UK's National Trust properties, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia