Our top five National Trust attractions within an hour’s drive of Bristol

With a record number of new members joining the National Trust in the summer - almost 160,000 new members in August alone - we’ve picked our favourite properties near Bristol to visit.

There is a membership package suitable for everyone from single parents to grandparents and under-18s so why not explore your own backyard.

Here’s where to visit:

Coleridge Cottage

This 17th century Georgian cottage, home to Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, can be found in rural west Somerset.

The grade II listed building was originally two separate ones which were later combined and featured a parlour, kitchen and three bedchambers.

Coleridge wrote his most famous poem ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ in this cottage during his three year stay.

The property, which is closed for November, reopens for a traditional Georgian Christmas experience on December 11 & 12 and 18 & 19.

Besides seeing the cottage, families can hunt for mice or explore the wildflower garden or for the more adventurous walk a 51-mile trail starting at the cottage that explores the surrounding lands that inspired Coleridge.

Just over an hour’s drive away from Bristol, this property is worth a visit for poetry and history lovers alike.

Bath Skyline

A hidden gem, the Bath Skyline walk is a six-mile journey through woodlands and valleys with a spectacular view.

An easy walk from Bath city centre, there are different trails for different abilities with the two-mile Family Discovery Trail being accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.

Among the things to spot are the 15 fairy doors along the Long Wood trail, perfect to keep the kids busy. To make the most of it, visit in spring or summer to view the variety of wildlife in the grasslands or to have a picnic.

Tyntesfield

This gorgeous Victorian Gothic Revival house with its surrounding garden is one to visit.

Originally a Georgian house it was transformed into its Gothic Revival style with a lake (now empty), kitchen garden and substantial woodlands, all of which you can visit.

If you get thirsty from all that walking there is the onsite Cow Barn Cafe with hot drinks and tasty treats.

To commemorate your day out, you can visit the gift shop and pick up a piece of history. With seasonal workshops, like wreath making, geocaching routes and children’s outdoor play areas, there’s something for everyone.

Brean Down

A beautiful beach with a natural pier that is 97m high, Brean Down is a Somerset highlight not to be missed.

Walk the 1.5 miles around the outcrop to see an iron age hill fort, former Roman temple and a 19th Century fort among other points of interest.

The views over the Bristol Channel towards Wales are a stunning delight. Cool down (or warm up!) at the Cove Cafe which features drinks and snacks to keep you going.

Whether you visit in the summer to build sandcastles and enjoy the beach or in the winter to explore Brean’s military history the view does not disappoint.

King John’s Hunting Lodge

Visit this medieval Tudor house, home to a wool merchant, for a trip back in time.

This timber-framed house was built around 1460 and has served multiple purposes with a combination of shops, workshops and living quarters throughout its three storeys.

Situated in Axbridge, Somerset county’s smallest town, this house-turned-museum is easily accessible from Bristol via car, train or bus.

The property is closed now but will reopen in April 2022.