Sizergh Castle and Estate near Kendal on the edge of the Lake District National Park, offers a perfect blend of 800 years of history and over 1,600 acres of wild Cumbrian landscape. From the medieval Solar Tower and world-class gardens to the hidden woodland ‘Wild Play’ trails, it is an essential stop for families and dog owners exploring the Lake District.
In this guide:
- Introduction: 800 Years of Living History
- Our Sizergh adventure: Exploring the estate & house
- Planning Your Visit
- Extend Your Adventure: Make a Holiday of It
- Final Thoughts
Introduction: 800 Years of Living History
Sizergh Castle has been on my “must-visit” list ever since we moved to Cumbria eight years ago. Somehow, I managed to miss it every year until this past August bank holiday weekend. Since a catch-up with our friends Ella and Julian was long overdue — we hadn’t seen them since our trip to MediaCityUK in Manchester back in February — we decided to kill two birds with one stone and meet them there.
Read more – Our visit of Salford Quays and Sea life aquarium in Manchester
Sizergh castle and estate have been home to the Strickland family for over 800 years. In 1950, the property was gifted to the National Trust by Henry Hornyold-Strickland and his son, Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Hornyold-Strickland. While the family remains in residence today, the Trust manages the conservation of the castle, its award-winning gardens, and the surrounding land. Sizergh is renowned for its meticulously maintained gardens — most notably the Rock Garden — and the Inlaid Chamber, an Elizabethan masterpiece featuring world-class oak panelling inlaid with bog oak and holly. Beyond the formal grounds, the estate’s ancient woodlands and orchards offer a popular retreat for walkers and nature lovers alike.
Our Sizergh adventure: Exploring the estate & house
It was a glorious, warm summer day — perfect for finally ticking Sizergh off our list. We kicked things off with a walk through the estate toward St Mary’s Chapel, where the views were stunning. We were treated to a 360-degree panorama stretching from the shimmering Morecambe Bay all the way to the distant summits of the Lake District. After scouting for a few more viewpoints, the midday sun signalled it was nearly lunchtime, so we began our stroll back toward the castle.
Because we were navigating the day with both a toddler and a dog, we decided to “divide and conquer.” Matt took Marcus to the children’s Wild Play Trail, and even though he was still quite young for it, he absolutely loved the challenge. Meanwhile, our friends relaxed in the sunshine with Skye while I took the opportunity to explore the gardens. The rock gardens were in full summer bloom, bursting with vibrant colours and so peaceful that I could have easily lost the entire afternoon there.
Eventually, I moved inside for a tour of the house. It was quite busy, and since I didn’t want to leave Skye with our friends for too long, I opted for a whirlwind circuit. As is usually the case, the library was my personal highlight, though the interior definitely deserves a return visit at a much slower pace once Marcus is a little older.
Once I finished, we swapped roles so our friends and Matt could have their turn to explore. We eventually reunited for a late lunch on the café terrace, which was brilliantly set up with outdoor games in the middle of the picnic area. This allowed the adults to enjoy a quiet meal while the kids played nearby — Marcus even managed to make a few new friends! By the time we headed for the car at 5pm, the atmosphere was perfectly relaxed. It was a wonderful end to a long-awaited day, and we will certainly be back to explore the rest of the estate.
Sizergh estate and garden
Planning Your Visit
- 📍 Location & Parking: Use postcode LA8 8DZ. Parking is free for National Trust members; non-members can pay-and-display (approx. £3 for 1 hour or £9 for the day).
- 🎫Entrance: Fees apply to non-members of the National Trust.
- 🍴 Food: The Sizergh Café serves hot seasonal meals and famous Cumbrian cakes. There are also plenty of picnic benches near the Wild Play area.
- 🚽 Facilities: Fully accessible toilets and baby-changing stations are located in the Old Forge and near the Visitor Centre.
- ⏰ Opening Times: The estate is open dawn until dusk. The Café and Shop usually open at 10:00 am, with the House opening at 12:00 pm (seasonal).
- 👶 Child Friendliness: Highly family-friendly! Don’t miss the Wild Play Trail with its rope swings and climbing wall. The paths are generally pushchair-friendly, though some estate paths can be muddy and rocky.
- 🐾 Dog Friendliness: Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the 1,600-acre estate, the shop, and the café. Please note they are not permitted in the formal gardens or the House.
- 🌐 Official Website: Check the National Trust Sizergh page for the latest event updates and seasonal closing dates.
Extend Your Adventure: Make a Holiday of It
For those looking to extend their stay and plan a longer adventure across the Lake District National Park, I’ve shared our favourite family and dog-friendly spots that are well worth a visit.
- Holker Hall (14 miles from Sizergh): A beautiful stately home with impressive gardens and a deer park.
- Wray Castle (20 miles from Sizergh): A gothic revival castle on the shores of Windermere with plenty of space for children to play.
- Fell Foot Park (14 miles from Sizergh): A lakeside park at the southern tip of Windermere, perfect for picnics and water activities.
- Fairy Steps from Sandside (6 miles from Sizergh): A magical woodland walk featuring a narrow limestone split that legend says allows you to see fairies if you climb it without touching the sides.
- Cunswick Scar (6 miles from Sizergh): A stunning limestone ridge walk offering panoramic views of the Lakeland fells.
Final Thoughts
Join the Conversation
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