Exterior, Malt House, Cotehele, Cornwall © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

We’re all familiar with the good work the National Trust does in preserving many of the country’s finest historic homes and gardens. But did you know that the National Trust also has more than 400 holiday cottages in some of the most idyllic locations in the UK? Here, our friends at NT provide just a snapshot of some of the great places on offer. For more inspiration, and details of NT working and volunteering holidays, visit their website.

The Malt House, Saltash Cornwall

Around 10 miles from Plymouth, Malt House (above) sits above Cotehele Quay on the 1,300-acre Cotehele estate, with splendid views over the River Tamar. The three-bedroom cottage was built in the 19th century, one of a number of buildings which served the quays and nearby lime kilns (the main garden is at the top of one of the kilns). There is also a small tower, accessed via the first floor. Guests enjoy out-of-hours access to the estate and gardens at Cotehele and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, including walking, cycling and riding. Sleeps six/two dogs allowed; three nights from £621.Path leading to Greenlands, Studland, Dorset© National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Greenlands, Studland, Dorset

Greenlands is a newly renovated farmhouse on the edge of Poole Harbour. It boasts views over the water to Brownsea Island (a haven for wildlife, including the rare red squirrel) and inland over the Dorset Heathland. It’s in the perfect spot for exploring this part of Dorset and guests can access the water’s edge from the garden. Nearby, is Studland beach, a four-mile stretch of golden sands, rolling dunes and walking trails or you can catch the chain ferry that links Studland with Sandbanks. Sleeps five/two dogs allowed; two nights from £377.

Bedroom, Itteringham Manor, Norfolk© National Trust Images/Mike Henton

Itteringham Manor, Aylsham, Norfolk

Thiis cottage forms part of a grand Georgian Manor House, built in 1707, shared with another NT holiday apartment. To preserve the building, the cottage has undergone only basic modernisation. But it’s full of character and perfect for those looking for a simple getaway. The cottage also benefits from a large walled garden at both the front and back. The local village pub and shop are within walking distance and you’re half way between the city of Norwich and the coast with its cliffs, sandy beaches and marshland bird reserves. Sleeps eight/two dogs allowed; three nights from £496.

Exterior, Holeslack Farmhouse, Cumbria© National Trust Images/Mike Henton

Holeslack Farmhouse, Kendal, Cumbria

400-year-old Grade II-listed Holeslack is a lovely spacious farmhouse on the Sizergh estate (it’s thought the farmhouse was once used as the estate’s dower house). It has views over the estate’s farmland and in the evening deer walk through the surrounding woods and into the garden. There are several good pubs to eat at nearby including the estate’s own Strictland Arms. Kendal is just 10 minutes’ drive away. Sleeps eight; two nights from £296.Exterior, Rockside, Northumberland© National Trust Images/Roger Coulam

Rockside Cottage, Alnwick, Northumberland

Rockside is an old fisherman’s cottage in Low Newton-by-the-sea, next to the famous Ship Inn (which does occasionally have live music), said to date from the 1700s. The cottage is a couple of minutes’ walk from the sandy, sheltered beach where you’ll find rock pools and rocky outcrops. Sleeps four; three nights from £357.

BY MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN