For this article we have partnered up with The National Trust, to show you some fascinating historical properties you can access via our network. From a courtyard tucked away in Birmingham to a unique collection of treasures in York, let CrossCountry take you on a trip back in time and save when you purchase an Advance ticket via our website.
Explore the Queen of Crime’s Estate- Greenway
What: Greenway Estate
Where: Galmpton, near Brixham, Devon
Getting There: Catch a train to Paignton, where you can take a 10-15-minute taxi ride to Greenway, or you can board the steam train at Paignton to Greenway Halt. From the Halt it’s around a 30-minute woodland walk to Greenway; the walk through the wood is sloped and muddy in places so don't forget your walking boots! There is a bus that provides a shuttle run between the Halt and the entrance of Greenway on select days, provided by the Steam Railway Company.
The Greenway Estate in Devon was the holiday home of renowned crime writer, Agatha Christie, with idyllic views of the River Dart, this makes the perfect location to read a book! If books aren’t your thing why not take a peek at Christie’s vast collections of archaeologic finds, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books.
In the gardens Greenway the Camellia Garden has been accredited by the International Camellia Society as a 'Garden of Excellence.' And it is the first National Trust garden with this accreditation, and one of just seven gardens in the UK to be recognised as a ‘Garden of Excellence’ by the International Camellia Society.
Top Tip: A visit to the Boathouse & Battery is essential to any Agatha Christie Fan's trip as they are the scene of the crime in 'Dead Man's Folly', and 'Five Little Pigs'.
Discover a Unique Collection- Treasurer's House
What: Treasurer's House
Where: York City Centre
Getting There: Treasurer’s House is roughly 13 minutes’ walk from York station.
With 13 rooms filled with antique furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings from a 300-year heritage, Treasurer’s House is the place to explore! Owned by Frank Green a wealthy industrialist and passionate collector who renovated Treasurer’s House to showcase his collection in historical surroundings.
2,000-year history includes a reportedly haunted Roman road below the cellar and Edwardian servants' quarters in the attics, with 13 period rooms in between. It is in these period rooms that the National Trust house the collection and tell the story of Frank Green. The small award-winning garden offers a tranquil oasis in the centre of the city and is planted with cold blues and whites, befitting an Edwardian gentleman.
He knew exactly what he wanted and there are markers on the floor to locate the exact placing of key pieces of furniture. The 13 period rooms house antique furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings from a 300-year heritage.
With so many antique pieces of furniture, art and textiles, conservation is an important part of the work at Treasurer's House. Many hours are spent restoring the building, collection and garden to ensure they last for many more years to come.
Top Tip: If the house isn’t enough why not take a stroll through the award winning garden? After winning the gold award for Yorkshire in Bloom for the last five years, the garden offers a tranquil oasis in the centre of the city.
A Courtyard in the City- Birmingham Back to Backs
What: Birmingham Back to Backs
Where: Birmingham City Centre
Getting There: Less than 1/2 mile from Birmingham New St Station it takes roughly 6 mins to walk there.
Take a tour around the Birmingham Back to Backs to experience what life was like for Birmingham people in the 1840s to the 1970s. With fires alight in the grates and tin baths hanging on the walls, you will truly feel like you have step into another era.
Please note visits to the Birmingham Back to Backs are by guided tours only. Booking prior to visit is essential. Please email backtobacks@nationaltrust.org.uk or call the booking line on 0121 666 7671 to book.
Top Tip: Planning on spending a day or longer in Birmingham? Then visiting the Back to Backs is an easy thing to do. Set in the city centre, it’s a stone's throw away from other city attractions and areas of retail therapy. And as the tour of the property takes just over an hour, it can easily fit into your day's plans.
Set Sail to a Mythical Island- St Michael's Mount
What: St Michael’s Mount
Where: Penzance, Cornwall
Getting There: 3 miles from Penzance Station, buses run from the station to the jetty and take around 30 minutes.
St Michael’s Mount is an island built on myths and legends. From seafarers guided to safety by an apparition of St Michael to Jack the Giant Killer’s battle with the giant Cormoran. The island it full of myths and legends to explore. St Michael’s Mount has been cared for in a unique partnership between the National Trust and St Aubyn Family.
Top Tip: If you walk up to the castle you come across a heart-shaped stone on the pathway which is the Giant's heart. Rumour has it that if you stand on the heart shaped stone you can still hear the Giant's heartbeat!
You can plan your time travelling adventure and take advantage of great savings with CrossCountry Advance train tickets.