Do National Trust Members Get a Discount on Cottages?
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If you're a National Trust member and you're looking for a cozy cottage getaway-especially on short notice-you’ve probably asked: Do National Trust members get a discount on cottages? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as showing your membership card at the door. Here’s what actually happens when you book a National Trust cottage, how much you can save, and how to find the best last-minute deals.
What National Trust Cottages Are Available
The National Trust owns and manages over 600 properties across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Not all of them are open to the public as holiday lets, but more than 200 are available for rent. These aren’t generic vacation rentals. They’re historic buildings-some dating back to the 1500s-restored with care and equipped with modern comforts. Think stone cottages in the Cotswolds, seaside cabins in Cornwall, and farmhouses tucked into the Lake District.
These properties are booked through National Trust Cottages, a separate booking system from the main National Trust website. You’ll find them under the ‘Places to Stay’ section on their official site. Each listing includes details on sleeping capacity, amenities, and whether the property is pet-friendly or has a wood-burning stove.
How Much Discount Do Members Get?
As a National Trust member, you get a 10% discount on the base price of most cottages. This applies to the nightly rate, not cleaning fees, booking fees, or extras like cot rentals. The discount is automatically applied when you log in to your National Trust account during checkout. You don’t need a promo code. Just make sure you’re signed in before you search.
For example, if a cottage costs £800 for a weekend, a member would pay £720. That’s £80 saved-enough to cover a nice local meal or a bottle of wine. On longer stays, like a week in the Peak District, that adds up to over £200 in savings.
Some high-demand properties, especially those near popular tourist spots like the Lake District or the Jurassic Coast, might not always show the discount upfront. But if you’re logged in as a member, the system adjusts the price before you pay. Always check your final invoice.
When Are the Best Last-Minute Deals?
Last-minute cottage deals aren’t like airline tickets. National Trust doesn’t slash prices 48 hours before check-in. But there are still smart ways to snag a bargain if you’re flexible.
Here’s when you’re most likely to find availability:
- Midweek stays (Tuesday-Thursday) are often cheaper than weekends. A 3-night midweek stay can be 20% lower than a Friday-Sunday booking.
- Off-season months (November to February, excluding holidays) have the most openings. December 27-30 is a sweet spot-many families have already returned home, and the New Year rush hasn’t started yet.
- Booked-out properties sometimes open up due to cancellations. Check the website daily, especially after 8 PM, when cancellations are most common.
There’s no official ‘last-minute’ section on the site, but you can filter by ‘Available Now’ and sort by price. Set up email alerts for your favorite areas-like the Yorkshire Dales or the Pembrokeshire Coast-and you’ll get notified when a cottage drops into your budget.
What’s Not Covered by the Discount
The 10% discount doesn’t apply to everything. Here’s what you still pay full price for:
- Security deposits (usually £100-£250, refundable)
- Additional guests beyond the maximum allowed
- Pet fees (typically £20-£40 per dog)
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Extra cleaning or linen upgrades
Some cottages also charge a booking fee of £15-£30. That’s not discounted either. Always read the fine print before clicking ‘Book Now.’
How to Maximize Your Savings
Here’s how to stretch your National Trust membership further:
- Join the National Trust if you haven’t already. A family membership costs £144 per year (as of 2025). If you stay in just two cottages a year, you’ve already covered the cost of membership.
- Use the National Trust app. It shows real-time availability and sends push alerts for cancellations in your favorite regions.
- Book directly through National Trust Cottages. Third-party sites like Airbnb or Booking.com don’t offer the member discount, even if they list the same property.
- Look for ‘Member Exclusive’ properties. A handful of cottages are only available to members. These are usually smaller, quieter, and harder to find-perfect for a peaceful escape.
- Combine your stay with a visit. Many cottages are near National Trust gardens, coastlines, or historic houses. Your membership gives you free entry to those places, so plan a day trip while you’re there.
What Happens if You’re Not a Member?
If you’re not a member, you can still book any National Trust cottage. The prices are higher, but the experience is the same. You’ll still get a beautifully restored property, local guidebooks, and the same level of cleanliness and service.
Some people choose to book one stay as a non-member, then join the Trust afterward. You can’t get a retroactive discount on your booking, but you’ll save on future stays-and get free access to hundreds of gardens and historic sites.
Real Example: A Last-Minute Booking in December 2025
On December 27, 2025, a member in London wanted to escape the city for New Year’s Eve. They logged into their National Trust account, filtered for ‘Available Now’ in the Lake District, and found a 17th-century stone cottage in Grasmere with a wood-burning stove and views of the fells.
The base price was £950 for 4 nights. As a member, they paid £855. They brought their dog (paid £30 extra) and arrived at 4 PM. The next day, they visited Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage-free with their membership. They left on New Year’s Day, feeling rested, with a full pantry of local cheese and a £95 saving.
That’s the real value: not just the discount, but the peace of mind that comes with staying in a trusted, well-maintained property with a history you can feel.
Final Thoughts
Yes, National Trust members get a discount on cottages-and it’s worth it. The 10% off adds up fast, especially if you travel often. But the bigger win is access to places you won’t find on Airbnb or Booking.com. These aren’t just rentals. They’re pieces of Britain’s heritage, cared for by the Trust so you can experience them without crowds or commercialization.
If you’re thinking about a quiet weekend away in the next few weeks, don’t wait until the last minute. Check availability now. The best cottages go fast-even in winter. And if you’re not a member yet? Consider joining before your next trip. The discount alone pays for itself in just two stays.
Do National Trust members get a discount on all cottages?
No, the 10% discount applies to most, but not all, National Trust cottages. A few high-end or newly renovated properties may be excluded. Always check the final price while logged in to your member account.
Can I use my National Trust discount on third-party booking sites?
No. The discount is only available when you book directly through the official National Trust Cottages website. Third-party sites like Airbnb or Booking.com list some properties, but they don’t offer the member discount.
Is the discount applied automatically?
Yes, if you’re signed into your National Trust account. The discount appears in your cart before checkout. If you don’t see it, log out and back in, or clear your browser cache.
What if I book a cottage and then join the National Trust?
You won’t get a refund or discount for your previous booking. The discount only applies to bookings made after you’ve joined and are logged in. But your membership will save you on future stays.
Are National Trust cottages pet-friendly?
Many are, but not all. About 70% of National Trust cottages allow pets. Each listing clearly states whether pets are welcome and if there’s a fee (usually £20-£40 per dog). Always confirm before booking.