"I visited Stoneywell with my two sons yesterday (31st August 2025) and we spent about an hour and a half there in total. We would have stayed longer if it hadn’t started raining after the Cottage tour - my youngest really doesn’t like the rain, so we headed home a bit earlier than planned.

The experience was very enjoyable and it was a lovely morning activity to get them away from gaming and technology. We parked at the car park and then took the shuttle bus up to Stoneywell, which was simple and well organised by the volunteers. Once there, it was a lovely place to walk around, peaceful and welcoming.

There was a summer play area for children with books in tents, giant weaving, bubbles, and colouring stones, which was a lovely touch and kept the kids busy and engaged. Everyone we met was friendly, which made it feel even nicer.

We joined the 11am Cottage tour with a guide called Pete, who was excellent - really friendly and full of fascinating details about the house and its history. Prior the tour, we enjoyed a peaceful walk around the woodlands. We even spotted some little lizards outside the Cottage near the stone and umbrella table, which was a fun surprise for the kids prior the Cottage Tour.

A couple of practical notes: you have to pre-book your visit via the National Trust website, and while there is a café/tearoom, it wasn’t clearly signposted and we didn't see it or go inside but apparently there is one there.

It’s a shame there aren’t many National Trust locations in Leicestershire, but Stoneywell is lovely and definitely worth a visit. It’s also close to Ulverscroft Nature Reserve, which we’d like to explore in the near future.

Overall, a lovely, family-friendly place with history, nature, and a very warm atmosphere. I also noticed at the entrance that they had National Trust bags with sensory ear defenders and fidgety toys, which was great to see."

Victoria Addison

"You do have to pre-book, but look on their website for all the information. My husband and I had a beautiful and magical experience. We visited on a mild autumn morning. You'll arrive in the visitors ample parking area. Lots of disabled bays available. You then have to wait for a regular minibus to collect you and take you up to the grounds. Our driver was friendly and helpful. When you arrive there, you'll be booked in for a tour of the house if you want one. If you haven't been before I highly recommend you do. The house/cottage on the outside looks like something from a Disney movie. In the grounds there is a small coffee shop with some small stools and tables to sit at inside and seating outside, the café serves some snacks, cakes and drinks. It is in the old laundry. We took a slow walk to the cottage, I have limited mobility so had to use my walking aid and husband. The lady volunteer who took us on the tour of the house was so lovely, she had a beautiful smile and conducted the tour professionally and yet in a down-to-earth and friendly manner, given that she'd only been volunteering for just 3 months she was very knowledgeable too, my husband and I were very impressed. She was also kind in helping me find a seat because of my limited walking ability. All the staff my husband and I communicated with were very lovely too. The autumn colours on the trees in the grounds were breathtaking. We even discovered a naturally formed mushroom fairy ring which was a magical sight to see. I highly recommend a visit."

Liz Zie

"We've been intending on this visit for some time now, and it's well worth having. You definitely have to book in advance, keeping the numbers checked inside the house us necessary , given narrow stairs and it being a small property. Ample parking (no height barrier) with a little shelter where you wait for your lift to the house. Great driver, funny, friendly and informative. There's toilets, a cafe and some freshly picked fruit on entry. The house is a short walk from being dropped off. Lovely garden walks, including a little pump house and allotment. Quirky house built on rocks, with 7 or 8 different levels. Furnished. Nat Trust volunteers in most rooms with lots of information. Well worth the visit. Only small - so maybe allow an hour or so."

Polly Wainwright