The National Trust is closing 137 holiday cottages due to financial reasons, multiple reports indicate. The charity has seen a 120,000 drop in membership numbers over the past two years, and its renewable profits decreased by nearly half last year. 5 million in 2024-2025, a £500,000 increase from the previous year.
Many of the closed cottages will be converted into longer-term rental homes and put on the market later this year, according to reports. Properties including Pamphill Green in Dorset and Bird How in the Lake District could be among those set to be cut, the Daily Mail reported. The exact locations and timeline of the closures have not yet been confirmed.
This seems to have come as a complete surprise to long-term visitors, so it is a pity that this hasn't been communicated well.
The National Trust has more than 500 holiday cottages across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The charity was founded in 1895. A National Trust spokesman said the charity reviewed its holiday accommodation to ensure financial sustainability, and that 137 cottages will be repurposed, with most becoming long-term rented homes to support local housing needs.
Guests can still choose from more than 400 remaining cottages. According to Daily Mail - Home, Cornelia van der Poll described the closures as a surprise to long-term visitors and said communication could have been better.