Stoneywell: A Storybook Escape in the Leicestershire Hills

#cityplaybook I spent a lovely afternoon at Stoneywell — and it honestly felt like stepping into the pages of a storybook. Hidden in the Charnwood Forest, this charming Arts and Crafts cottage is one of the National Trust’s most intimate and enchanting properties. Unlike the grand halls and stately mansions, Stoneywell feels deeply personal — warm, quirky, and filled with soul. The moment I arrived, I was struck by how the cottage seems to grow out of the rock itself, its slate roof sloping and tumbling like it belongs to the landscape. The house was originally built as a summer retreat by Ernest Gimson, a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. And wow — every detail reflects that: handcrafted furniture, original features, and stone fireplaces that have warmed generations. What mattered most to me was how authentic and cozy the experience was. This isn’t just a preserved house — it’s a lived-in space, with stories tucked into every nook. The guides are brilliant too — knowledgeable, friendly, and full of anecdotes that bring the house to life. After exploring the cottage, I wandered the gardens and woodland paths. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and birdsong fills the air. There’s even a little shepherd’s hut tucked away in the woods — a perfect quiet spot to pause. Best time to visit? Late spring through early autumn. I went in May — the gardens were bursting with color and the weather was just right for enjoying tea outside the café barn. Location: Whitcroft's Lane, Ulverscroft, near Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QE, United Kingdom #stoneywell #artsandcraftsgem #nationaltrust #hiddenengland #leicestershirewalks #cozycottagevibes #stoneywellmagic #wildflowerwonders #triprecommended #countrysideescape