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Sizergh Castle and Gardens: A Historic National Trust Estate in the Lake District

Explore centuries of history, exquisite Elizabethan interiors, and tranquil gardens at Sizergh Castle, the National Trust gem near Kendal.

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Sizergh Castle, near Kendal in Cumbria, is a National Trust manor house and historic landmark featuring exquisite Elizabethan interiors, extensive gardens, and a working kitchen garden. Visitors can explore centuries of family history, rare furniture collections, and tranquil parkland with woodland walks. The estate offers a café serving seasonal produce, a shop with local crafts, and accessible facilities, making it a rich cultural and natural experience at the gateway to the Lake District.

A brief summary to National Trust - Sizergh

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the Winter at Sizergh event (late November to December) for a magical light and sound experience.
  • Take advantage of free mobility vehicle hire to explore the extensive gardens and estate paths comfortably.
  • Enjoy seasonal meals at the café, which uses produce grown in the estate’s kitchen garden.
  • National Trust members receive free entry and parking, so consider membership if planning multiple visits.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Kendal town center takes about 15-20 minutes via A6 and minor roads. Parking is pay and display for non-members (£3 for 1 hour up to £9 all day), free for National Trust members. The car park is tarmac surfaced with accessible bays.

  • Bus and Shuttle

    A seasonal shuttle bus operated by Mountain Goat runs Fridays to Sundays from Oxenholme Station and local stops to Sizergh during peak periods, including the Winter at Sizergh event. Tickets cost around £5-£7, with timetables available online.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, walking from Kendal to Sizergh is approximately 4.5 km (about 1 hour), mostly on country lanes and estate paths. Terrain is moderate and suitable for fit walkers; prams and wheelchairs may require assistance.

National Trust - Sizergh location weather suitability

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A Storied Family Home Through the Ages

Sizergh Castle stands as a remarkable example of an English manor house with a history spanning over 26 generations of the Strickland family. The castle’s interiors boast the famous Elizabethan Inlaid Chamber, featuring some of the finest oak panelling ever crafted for a country house, returned from the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1999. The house is also home to rare carved oak furniture from the Elizabethan period and elegant 18th-century Gillows pieces commissioned by the family, reflecting evolving tastes over centuries. These collections offer visitors a unique window into England’s aristocratic heritage and craftsmanship.

Gardens and Grounds: A Horticultural and Natural Treasure

The gardens at Sizergh have evolved over centuries into a horticultural delight, combining formal areas with a productive kitchen garden that supplies the estate’s café. Visitors can wander through a variety of garden styles, enjoy woodland walks, and experience peaceful parkland that opens onto expansive countryside views. The estate’s grounds are open from dawn to dusk, providing ample opportunity for nature escapes and photowalks amid tranquil and scenic surroundings.

Visitor Experience: Comfort, Accessibility, and Seasonal Events

Sizergh offers a contemporary café serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks made with seasonal produce grown on-site. The adjacent shop features local products, gifts, and plants. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair access to the ground floor of the house, shop, and most garden paths, along with free mobility vehicle hire and recommended accessible routes. The estate hosts special seasonal events such as "Winter at Sizergh," a festive light and sound trail that creates a magical atmosphere in the evenings from late November to December.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The castle itself is a protected heritage building and a historical landmark, combining architectural styles from medieval origins through Elizabethan and later periods. Its preservation by the National Trust ensures that visitors can appreciate the estate’s cultural heritage, including its role in English history and its connection to the local landscape of the Lake District.

Planning Your Visit and Practical Information

Sizergh is open year-round, with varying hours for the house, gardens, café, and shop depending on the season. Admission prices vary for house and garden access, with discounts for National Trust members and children. Parking is pay and display for non-members. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and family-friendly activities such as children’s quiz sheets and orienteering courses. The estate’s rural setting offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to the wider Lake District region.

Engagement with Nature and Conservation

Beyond its historic and cultural offerings, Sizergh is a nature reserve managed sustainably by the National Trust. It supports wildlife habitats and encourages visitors to explore responsibly, with an emphasis on low-impact enjoyment of the natural environment. The estate’s commitment to conservation enhances the visitor experience by preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the area.

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