With restrictions beginning to ease just as we head into spring, heading out on a trip to a local National Trust site can be a wonderful day out and a break from our normal routines.

All of our retirement villages are surrounded by lots of wonderful National Trust destinations, so dust off your National Trust membership, pack a picnic and go visit some of our favourites:

Quarry Bank 

One of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, showing how a complete industrial community lived. It is one of the best-preserved textile factories of the Industrial Revolution. Quarry Bank was built in 1784 and the cotton mill is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building. It is about a 50-minute drive from our Cheshire retirement village, Gifford Lea, but there’s so much to do and see, it is definitely worth a visit.

The hustle and bustle of the mill makes for a wonderful day out; learning and exploring the ways of the past. After you’ve immersed yourself in the history, why not follow the River Bollin and walk amongst the trees in the acres of ancient woodland, then make your way up the valley and enjoy all the wonderful wildlife and flowers that call it home. Don’t forget to take a walk around the Countryfile Wood which has over 3,600 different trees and will feature on the BBC show, Countryfile. 

Baddesley Clinton 

Set in the heart of the Forest of Arden, Baddesley Clinton is a secluded and intimate estate full of history. It is thought to have been a hiding place for many Catholics in the 16th century. Don’t forget to pick up a guidebook to read a first-hand account of the raid by Father John Gerard.

After you’ve learnt about the history of the house and gardens, why not head to the café for a little pick-me-up before putting on your wellies and exploring the fresh spring gardens - perfect for days out with the grandchildren. 

Baddesley Clinton is only a 22-minute car ride away from our Warwickshire retirement village of Austin Heath and only 30 minutes from Great Alne Park.

Exmouth

Just a short drive away from Exeter, Exmouth is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast; we can see why this natural beauty is a World Heritage Site. There is so much to see and do; visit the A la Ronde - a charming house with diamond-shaped windows, decorated with shells and feathers. And if you’re feeling adventurous, make a splash at Exmouth Water Sports, they have a wide range of activities in and out of the water including the very popular Jurassic paddle. Exmouth is only a 20-minute drive from our lovely retirement village Millbrook, in Exeter.