These historic listed houses are the ideal Autumn getaway for supporters of the National Trust

As presenter Alan Titchmarsh currently explores the hearts of Britain’s historic homes with the Secrets of the National Trust on Channel 5, the National Trust has shared the unique way it uses three of its countryside properties to give back to the public, while also supporting the organisation that protects sites of beauty, nature and history in the UK.

Three hotels, Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire, Bodysgallen Hall in Llandudno, and Middlethorpe Hall in York, became the property of the National Trust in 2008 – the largest ever donation made to the charity – with all profits going to support its cause.

Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the National Trust this year, the hotels will be hosting the perfect historic staycations after lockdown ends, with each home to award-winning restaurants, spas and set within beautiful gardens and parkland.  

Hartwell House is a Grade I listed property standing in 90 acres of gardens and parkland, and boasts royal history – its most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France. In 1938 the house and estate were acquired by Ernest Cook, an early hero of the conservation movement. >>

Forty miles north west of London, in Buckinghamshire, Hartwell House has 48 unique bedrooms and suites, each individually designed in a traditional country house style, and with antiques and fine paintings. The main dining room has been designed in the style of the eminent early 19th century architect, Sir John Soane, and the restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes. Hartwell Spa in the grounds has a mosaic-lined indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, gym and Hartwell Café. 

 From the mountains to the sea, 17th century Bodysgallen Hall enjoys a privileged location in North Wales with spectacular views of Snowdonia. Also Grade I listed, the house now features 31 spacious bedrooms split between the house and cottage suites. Each of the bedrooms has been individually furnished in a traditional style and decorated with antique furniture and works of art. The rooms enjoy glorious views over 220 acres of parkland and gardens, while private cottage suites benefit from their own gardens. Housed within a converted stone farmhouse on the grounds, Bodysgallen Spa includes a large indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and gym. There is a tranquil relaxation room and sun terrace for warmer days. The restaurant at Bodysgallen Hall overlooks the stunning gardens and has been awarded three AA Rosettes for 19 consecutive years. >>

Middlethorpe Hall is known as the only country house hotel in the City of York, and is the perfect base from which to enjoy both a country and city experience. Standing in 20 acres of its own award-winning gardens, the beautiful William and Mary house was formerly the home of the famous 18th century diarist Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.

There are 29 bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and boutique spa. Each of the bedrooms at Middlethorpe Hall is individually designed and has its own distinct story. The classically panelled dining room provides the perfect setting to enjoy the contemporary take on traditional British food. The boutique spa, with its blue-tiled pool and sauna, is the perfect place to relax and recharge with spa treatments by Carita. 

This summer, Middlethorpe Hall is due to celebrate the life and work of Fanny Wilkinson with the unveiling of a Blue Plaque in the walled garden. She was the first British female landscape gardener and lived at Middlethorpe Hall.