National Trust Holiday Cottages have been operating as a holiday cottage business for over 50 years with some cottages dating back to at least the 15th century. Today, there are nearly 400 self catering cottages all with a unique style and character set in outstanding locations across the UK with all profits from bookings going directly back in to the National Trust's conservation work.

Marianne Wanstall (Head of Holidays) said: "It is fabulous to be recognised in such high profile awards which are voted for by consumers and is a massive achievement for us and our unique product.

"The award is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of everyone at National Trust holiday cottages, from our contact centre team who deal directly with customers to the individuals who look after preparing and operating our portfolio of cottages across England, Wales and Northern Ireland."

British Travel Awards' chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: "This year more than one million votes were cast by consumers to determine the winners of the coveted British Travel Awards. The Awards were created to reward travel companies, with the winning accolade being the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the business of travel for the UK consumer. National Trust Holiday Cottages is to be congratulated on their achievement."

Companies were nominated by the public before being voted for by the British consumer, including readers of News International publications - The Times, Sunday Times, the Sun and the Sunday Sun - listeners of  Global Radio stations, including LBC and readers of the British Travel Awards magazine, 'Check-In'. The voting process and results are overseen, scrutinized and audited by Deloitte LLP.  

In 2012 more than one million votes were cast in The British Travel Awards making it the largest awards programme in the UK. The BTAs were created to reward the best companies in travel and are recognised by consumers and travel professionals throughout the UK. With categories spanning 75 types of holiday experience - transport, destination, cruise, customer service, holiday extras, and accommodation - The British Travel Awards is quite simply the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the business.

About National Trust:
The National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 710 miles of coastline and hundreds of historic places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information and ideas for great value family days out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

PR Contact:
Sally Williams
The National Trust
Heelis
Kemble Drive
Swindon
SN2 2NA
01793 817709
www.nationaltrust.org.uk