Hill Top, Near Sawrey
If you're a fan of Beatrix Potter, this is a must visit. Hill Top is the former home of this celebrated author and is a step back in time, having been preserved to look just as it did when she was penning those famous tales. Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905 with proceeds from her first few books and it became the inspiration for several more books. Inside the house is pretty much as she left it, with original illustrations laid out and still packed full of her personal possessions. Outside, the delightful cottage garden is just beginning to reawaken, an explosion of colour after the cold, dark days of winter. 

Sizergh Castle, near Kendal 
This striking medieval manor has been home to the Strickland family for more than 750 years and is filled with thousands of items collected over twenty-six generations, including the internationally renowned Inlaid Chamber. Outside, the wonderful garden and grounds offer a variety of walks through around 1,600 acres of countryside including wetland, woodland and orchards. 

Wray Castle 
While you're on Windermere's west shore, why not visit Wray Castle? Built in the 1830s, Wray Castle is one of the National Trust's more unusual properties, a folly featuring turrets, towers, arrow slits and a portcullis. It was once used by Beatrix Potter's family for their holidays, and more recently has been a youth hostel and a training centre for the Merchant Navy. Outside the grounds are crying out to be explored - the perfect spot for the kids to run around. 

Townend, Troutbeck 
Townend is a cosy farmhouse near Windermere and is absolutely brimming with character. Home to the Browne family for over four-hundred year, it's full of intricately carved furniture, a library containing over 1,500 books, including forty-four which are the only remaining copies on the world, and Elizabeth Browne's original cookery book. Outside, take a stroll in the cottage-style garden or relax among the colourful flowers and traditional fruit trees, soaking up the views across the valley. 

Aira Force 
Okay, so it's not technically a National Trust property, but for guests staying in our Ullswater cottages, Aira Force is definitely worth a trip, as is a day on Ullswater. Aira Force is a stunning waterfall surrounded by quiet, woodland trails. Leave your car in the national Trust car park a take a stroll to the main falls, where Aira Beck thunders down a sixty-five foot past ferns and rocks - it's even more dramatic after heavy rain. For a truly memorable day out, start in Glenridding, take a boat to Aira Force and then stroll back along the shores of Ullswater. You could even walk to the summit of Gowbarrow where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across Ullswater. There are so many National Trust properties in the Lake District, all offering something for everyone, young and old. This is just a snapshot of a few of our favourites which are within easily accessible from either our Windermere cottages or our Ullswater cottages. For more information about National Trust properties in the Lake District, please get in touch.