A visit to Sizergh Castle is a great day out for the whole family and it’s only 20 minutes away from Hawthorn Park. Under the care of the National Trust, the house itself sits in in extensive grounds and gardens that are just perfect for exploring, particularly if you’re with the little ones or your four-legged friend. The house itself is filled with plenty of interesting things to look at, and knowledgeable room guides offer information about the house’s history, right up until the present day.
Opulence and beauty
Perusing the house is a wonderful way to pass the time. Filled with artefacts, paintings and original features, there’s so much to learn. Under the watchful eye of centuries-old portraits, as well as modern day photographs of the Strickland family currently residing in Sizergh, you’ll be able to see the stunning wood panelling. The Elizabethan inlaid Chamber is one of the finest examples of panelling in the country and features pale poplar and dark bog-oak to create floral and geometric patterns – it’s certainly a sight not to be missed!
With plenty of relics from past and present, you’ll enjoy delving into the past, even if some of it isn’t too far behind us!
Natural variety
Whether you’re taking a look at the gardens themselves, or venturing onto the fell that sits within the estate, you can easily spend a day taking it all in. Popular with photographers, there are many trails around the grounds, stretching right across to the stunning view at Park End Moss. In the gardens themselves you’ll find an abundance of brassicas, kale, chard and even squash and apples that are all used in the on-site café. It’s not just produce that you’ll find nestled in the orchard, but also a selection of bee hives busy making honey too!
The exquisite gardens are also home to ferns, semi-natural woodland and even a pond and lake. You’ll also find a wonderful selection of ferns, as well as tenderly cared for limestone rock gardens that are made from local stone. This variation in habitats lends itself to a fantastic selection of wildlife both on land and in the air, so be sure to keep an eye out if you’re a keen animal-lover.
Fabulous family events
With seasonal events to suit so many, it’s a joy to take part at some of the special things happening at Sizergh. With plenty of guided garden walks, as well as things like cake decorating, wreath making and other craft workshops it’s ideal if you like to be hands-on and learn a new skill. Before you visit, it’s worth checking out the Sizergh National Trust page, to see if there’s something on you’d like to be a part of – and get booking!
And finally…a trip to the café!
With food inspired by the family, and featuring ingredients grown in the gardens, you can’t get much more local than the café at Sizergh! Changing the menus seasonally to reflect the best produce, they offer sandwiches as well as soups, salads and hearty mains, there’s also cakes baked daily that go perfectly with a good cuppa!
Out top tip: Before you set off at the end of the day, make sure you visit the shop and plant centre where you can pick up your own little piece of Sizergh Castle!
Opening times
Gardens & Café 10:00am-4:00pm, Park 9:00am-4:30pm
Prices
Adults £11.50, children £5.75
Getting to Sizergh Castle from Hawthorns Caravan Park
Sizergh Castle,
Sizergh,
Kendal LA8 8DZ
Sizergh Castle is only 20 minutes in the car, so is a great family attraction near to Hawthorns.
- Jump on the M6 travelling north
- At junction 36, take the A590 exit to Barrow/Kendal/A591/Kirkby Lonsdale/A65
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A590
- Use the left lane to take the A590 slip road to A6/Barrow/Milnthorpe
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A590
- Turn right onto Nannypie Lane
The alternative route is via the A6
- Head west on Main Rd towards Laithbutts Lane
- Turn right onto Back Lane
- Turn right onto Kellet Rd/B6254
- Turn left onto A601(M) (signs for M6)
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A601(M) heading to Morecambe/Carnforth/Milnthorpe
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A6
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A6
- Turn right onto Levens Lane/A6
- Turn right onto the slip road to A6/A591/M6/Kendal/Windermere
- Merge onto A590
- Turn left onto Nannypie Lane
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