National trust near the M6
There are loads of National Trust near the M6 including some in Cumbria, Lancashire, greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire. Whether you are looking for historic houses, places to walk, play areas for kids or a nice cafe, National trust properties are the perfect place for the whole family. Find more Family days out North West here.
We love our national trust membership. We have so many great places to explore in the north west but we also love using it when we are travelling around the UK. It’s great for finding places to stop to break up long journeys without having to resort to motorway service stations.
You don’t need to be a National Trust member to visit any of these National Trust. If you are a non-member, admission fees and parking fees will apply.
Below you’ll find all the National Trust that are under 15 minutes from an M6 junction.
Acorn bank
This national trust is located a short drive from junction 40 of the M6. It’s a fairly small one with no children’s playground but it’s still a fantastic place to stop with or without kids.
There is a cafe although it’s not open every day so make sure you check their website if the cafe is important to you. There is a small walled garden to explore and also woodland walks including seeing a watermill. They often run children’s trails and events. The apple orchard is a great place to visit in the autumn.
They do some family events too such as an Easter trail.
Find full details here – Acorn Bank.
Sizergh castle
Sizergh castle is close to the motorway as you come in or out of the Lake District. This is somewhere we love to stop on our way up or down the M6. The cafe is one of our favourite national trust cafes and we’ve never been disappointed by the choice or quality of the food.
As well as the cafe there is a property to explore if you choose (the former home of the Strickland family) and formal gardens to walk around. There are also walks to enjoy around the wider estate.
We love the children’s woodland play trail too. It’s about 1 mile long with loads for kids to enjoy including riddles to solve, a tree swing, dens and more. It does get muddy and it is through woodlands that aren’t suitable for pushchairs.
Please note the play trail is closed until spring 2025 due to extensive rain and footfall damage. Please check before travelling.
I’ve written a full guide to the trail here – Sizergh castle play trail.
Find out more about Sizergh castle here – Sizergh
Dunham Massey
This national trust property is one of our favourites and a great place to visit. We love the walled gardens, house and walking around the deer park. There isn’t a traditional adventure playground but a natural play area with tree stump stepping stones, den building and other fallen logs. There is free parking and free entry for National Trust members.
The walled gardens are lovely for walking through and at Christmas they are beautiful lit up. Find my review of Christmas at Dunham Massey here.
There are regular family trails at Dunham Massey too and they sometimes go into the garden. They also run lots of family-friendly activities in the school holidays.
The house is great for families too. With servants quarters to explore as well as the house and former war hospital ward.
Dunham Massey is home to lots of fallow deer and you usually see them around the estate, sometimes quite close to the house too.
There is a lovely cafe, restaurant, ice cream parlour, gift shop and second-hand bookshop. The ice creams are delicious!
Find my full guide to Dunham Massey here.
Tatton park
This national trust in Knutsford is different to most national trust as you still need to pay to drive into the estate even if you are a member. At the time of writing it is £9 per car.
There is a children’s farm (again not included in national trust membership), mansion (included in membership except at Christmas) and gardens (included in membership). There are also tea rooms and a few different shops in the courtyard.
Tatton park runs some fantastic family events throughout the year so keep an eye on their website – Tatton Park.
Little Moreton hall
This is a really small national trust but well worth a visit. Don’t expect to spend a full day here but don’t let that put you off.
There are small gardens to explore but the main reason to visit is the wonky Tudor house. There’s even a cafe with the house!
Find out full guide here – Little Moreton Hall NT
Shugborough estate
This is a fantastic National Trust that is about 15 minutes from junction 13. There is a large estate to explore including acres of parkland, a small open farm, play area in the ancient woodlands and lots more.
If you’re visiting with kids, the play area will be the biggest attraction as it’s a great one with zip wire, climbing trees and lots more natural equipment to climb on.
Find out more here – Shugborough Hall National Trust
Biddulph grange garden
Another of our favourite National Trusts. This one is really unique and great fun to explore. The only thing to mention is that it’s not as accessible as most but some areas are.
There are areas of these gardens that can only be accessed by bridge, stepping stones or through cave tunnels! I told you it’s unique and out kids love it.
There isn’t really a property to explore but there is a cafe, secondhand book shop and beautiful gardens to explore.
We love the kids play trail in the woods too.
Find out more here – Biddulph Grange Garden
More places to visit near the M6
If you’re looking for somewhere to stop and enjoy great quality food then you need to try Tebay services.
Find 10 Places to stop on the M6 here. These don’t just include National Trusts but 10 great ideas for places to stop on or very close to the M6.
Find all our favourite Family walks Lake District here.
This nature reserve is not far from the M6 in Warrington – Risley Moss Nature reserve family walks.
This is a fantastic place to eat or let the kids play – Billy Bob’s Preston.
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