Sizergh Castle - National Trust

About

This striking medieval manor stands proudly at the gateway to the Lake District, just off the M6 and 4 miles south of Kendal.

House

The house is still lived in by the Strickland family who built it over 750 years ago. Filled with thousands of items collected by 26 generations of the family the house certainly feels lived in, with centuries-old portraits and fine furniture sitting alongside modern family photographs.

The exceptional wood panelling throughout culminates in the Inlaid Chamber – returned here in 1999 from the Victoria and Albert Museum – and is internationally recognised as one of the finest examples of Elizabethan craftsmanship in the world.

The iconic 14th century solar tower contains its original fireplaces, floors and windows. The 15th century Great Hall and other later additions contain English and French furniture, china, Jacobite relics and the family’s collection of Catholic items.

New for 2022 – One Place, One Family, 800 Years

Enjoy a new exhibition featuring a short film in the Tower Basement that follows the current head of the Strickland family – Henry – into the private family archives. A selection of historical documents are on display for the first time to accompany the film. These feature in the film and range from the family’s origins – the marriage certificate of William De Stirkeland and Elizabeth Deincourt in 1239 – to a document from King Edward II detailing the military service granted by Sir Thomas De Stirkeland.

These fragile paper records survive in part due to the work of Thomas West (author of ‘A Guide to the Lakes’) who lived at Sizergh in the 18th century to transcribe, collate and preserve the family’s documents.  

The exhibition is open 12pm–3.30pm, Weds to Sun (plus Bank Holiday Mondays) and runs until 30 October.

Gardens

Sizergh’s rich and beautiful gardens include a mirror lake, topiary yew trees, colourful herbaceous border, an orchard buzzing with bees, fruit wall and a superb limestone rock garden – the largest in the National Trust – which glows red and orange when the acers change colour in the autumn. The apple orchard is bursting with blossom in May, and you can sample fresh produce from the working kitchen garden in selected dishes in the café all year round. The gardens house four National Collections of Hardy Ferns and keep an eye out for dragonflies, herons, a resident kingfisher and coots on the Dipping Pond in summer. The gardens’ timeless atmosphere makes them the perfect place to relax, whatever the season.

Woodland and estate

The 647-hectare (1,600-acre) estate includes wetland, limestone pasture, orchards and semi-natural woodland and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and flowers. Fritillary butterflies, bats, birds of prey, deer and otters all call the estate home. A children’s wild play trail is housed in the woodland just off the car park and a network of footpaths take you to Helsington Church, Sizergh Fell and through Brigsteer Woods. The bird hide at Park End Moss allows wildlife lovers to watch the comings and goings across the wetland uninterrupted. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking through the estate to look after the wildlife.

Wild play trail

Head out into Sizergh's woodland trail for hours of family fun. Follow the clues to reach the end, trying the climbing wall, balance beams, rope swing and stepping-stones along the way. This natural play area was made by our talented ranger team and is most suitable for ages 3 and up (although smaller children will need a helping hand from a grown up!).

Café and shop

Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.

Ground floor of the house, shop and most of the garden are wheelchair accessible. The gardens are mainly gravel paths so pram friendly and there is a recommended route path. Wheelchair and powered mobility vehicle are available to hire free of charge from Visitor Reception. Braille guide and handling items available in the house. Picnic areas in the car park and gardens. Children's quiz sheets in house. Sorry no backpacks, prams or baby carriers in the house. Groups and coaches accepted with advanced booking via email sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk.

The garden plant donation stalls offer an opportunity to take a memento home including vegetable seedlings, plants and surplus produce.

Visiting Sizergh with your dog

Dogs are welcome on leads on the estate, on the Knoll, in the shop and the café. Assistance dogs only in the gardens.

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