Sizergh

About

House

Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.

The exceptional wood panelling throughout culminates in the Inlaid Chamber, returned here in 1999 from the Victoria and Albert Museum. It 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.
 

One Place, One Family, 800 Years

Enjoy a short film in the Tower Basement that follows Henry, the current head of the Strickland family, into the private family archives. A selection of historical documents are on display to accompany the film. These documents 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.  

You can see the film from 12–4pm, Tues to Sun (plus Bank Holiday Mondays), 17 March – 1 November.
 

Garden

Sizergh’s rich and beautiful garden includes a mirror lake, topiary yew trees, a colourful herbaceous border, an orchard buzzing with bees, a 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. Keep an eye out for dragonflies, herons, a resident kingfisher and coots on the Dipping Pond in summer. The garden’s timeless atmosphere makes it a 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. A network of footpaths take you to Helsington Church, Sizergh Fell and through Brigsteer Woods, with an accessible trail suitable for wheelchairs, Trampers, pushchairs and visitors with limited mobility running up through Holeslack wood. The bird hide at Park End Moss allows wildlife lovers to watch the comings and goings across the wetland. To help look after wildlife, please keep your dog on a lead at all times.
 

Wild play trail

Head out into Sizergh's woodland trail for hours of family fun. Test your balance and bravery, and follow the clues to reach the end. This natural play area was made by our talented ranger team and volunteers, and is most suitable for ages 3 and up (although smaller children will need a helping hand from a grown up).
 

Café and shop

The contemporary licensed café serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. The shop sells local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.

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

The ground floor of the house, shop and most of the garden are wheelchair accessible. The gardens are mainly gravel paths, with a recommended route path. There are Braille guides and handling items available in the house.

Wheelchairs and powered mobility vehicles are available to hire free of charge from Visitor Reception. The Tramper is operated in conjunction with Outdoor Mobility. To borrow the Tramper, visitors need to sign up online, choose a membership and book through the Outdoor Mobility website.

Access films can be found on the website: Access at Sizergh | National Trust

No backpacks, prams or baby carriers are allowed in the house.

Groups and coaches are accepted with advanced booking via email sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk
 

Visiting Sizergh with your dog

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

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