Sizergh Castle: A Perfect Day Out in the Lake District
Is Sizergh Castle worth visiting? Absolutely.
At a Glance: Sizergh Castle
📍 Location: Near Kendal, Cumbria (around 20 minutes from Grange-over-Sands)
🕰️ Built: 14th century (c.1340)
👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Families, couples, history lovers and National Trust members
🌸 Highlights: Medieval castle, beautiful gardens, woodland walks and historic interiors
🚶 Allow: 3–4 hours for your visit
☕ Facilities: Café, gift shop, toilets, picnic areas and free parking
🐕 Dogs: Welcome on much of the estate (house restrictions apply)
🏡 Nearby: Kendal, Levens Hall, Cartmel, Windermere and Morecambe Bay
Looking for one of the best National Trust properties in the Lake District?
Sizergh Castle combines medieval history, beautiful gardens, family-friendly walks and fascinating interiors, making it one of Cumbria’s finest days out.
A Rich and Fascinating History
Located just 3–4 miles south of Kendal in the heart of Cumbria, this magnificent 14th-century castle has been the ancestral home of the Strickland family for over 750 years and is now lovingly cared for by the National Trust.
Built originally as a defensive stronghold to guard against Scottish incursions, the castle’s imposing pele-tower dates back to around 1340.
Over the centuries it was transformed from a fortress into a comfortable family home, and today boasts a captivating mix of architectural styles, including what is considered the finest example of Elizabethan woodwork in all of England.
Among Sizergh’s most remarkable hidden treasures is a stunning 17th-century Goan bedspread, believed to have belonged to King James II.
This extraordinary 300-year-old Indian bedspread, crafted from satin and intricately embroidered with gold thread depicting mythical creatures, is now on public display for the very first time.
It was gifted to the Strickland family in the 1600s as a token of royal gratitude, after Sir Thomas and Winifred Strickland accompanied the King and Queen to France in 1688 — a remarkable piece of history you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Beautiful Gardens and Outdoor Walks
Beyond the castle walls, Sizergh‘s grounds are equally impressive.
The stunning gardens — featuring a rock garden, Dutch garden, and walled garden — are home to a glorious variety of roses, rhododendrons and azaleas, and are open to visitors from April to October.
Whether you’re visiting in spring when the gardens burst into bloom, or in autumn when the estate woodlands glow with colour, there’s always something beautiful to discover.
A Great Day Out for All the Family
Sizergh Castle is a fantastic family-friendly attraction in the Lake District, with something to delight every age group.
Little ones can stretch their legs or watch the world go by from their pushchair on the smooth, buggy-friendly paths that wind through the garden and woodland.
Children will love getting hands-on with nature along the Holeslack Trail, where the magical, marvellous and sometimes muddy world of soil and wildlife awaits discovery.
And for those who enjoy thought-provoking culture alongside their countryside walks, the Holeslack Barn is home to a powerful photographic exhibition by documentary photographer Joanne Coates, celebrating the vital and often overlooked role of women in British agriculture.
Inside the castle itself, visitors can tour the historic rooms, including the famous Inlaid Chamber, browse the 17th-century library, visit the 15th-century chapel, and even discover a secret passage — perfect for sparking young imaginations.
A café and shop stocking local produce and gifts round off a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
Are dogs welcome at Sizergh Castle?
Dogs on leads are welcome in many parts of the estate, including the gardens and woodland walks, although they are not permitted inside the house (except assistance dogs).
How far is Sizergh Castle from…
Kendal – 10 minutes
Windermere – 20 minutes
Grange-over-Sands – 20 minutes
Cartmel – 15 minutes
Bowness – 25 minutes
Where to Stay near Sizergh Castle
If you’re planning a visit to Sizergh Castle and want to make the most of everything the southern Lake District has to offer, choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference.
Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands is the ideal base for exploring Sizergh Castle and the wider Lake District.
Our cosy Lake District, self-catering cottage offers a true home-from-home atmosphere, with the flexibility to come and go as you please — perfect for families, couples, and small groups alike.
After a full day of history, gardens, and woodland trails, you’ll love returning to a peaceful retreat where you can relax and plan your next adventure.
From Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, you’ll also be perfectly placed to explore other top Lake District attractions, including Windermere, Kendal, and the stunning shores of Morecambe Bay.
📞 Ready to book? Call us on 07785 944194 or visit www.kentsbankholiday.co.uk to check availability and make your Lake District holiday cottage one to remember.
One Final Tip
If you visit in late spring, allow plenty of time to wander through the gardens when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the café before exploring nearby Kendal or returning via the scenic roads towards Grange-over-Sands.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is Sizergh Castle?
Sizergh Castle is a historic house and garden near Kendal in Cumbria, managed by the National Trust. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle has been home to the Strickland family for over 750 years. Visitors can explore its grand interiors, medieval hall, Elizabethan panelled rooms, and beautiful gardens, making it one of the most popular attractions in the Lake District.
2) Where is Sizergh Castle located?
Sizergh Castle is located just 4 miles south of Kendal in Cumbria, close to the southern edge of the Lake District National Park. Its convenient location makes it easy to visit if you are staying in Kendal, Windermere, or exploring the wider Lake District and Morecambe Bay area.
3) What can I see and do at Sizergh Castle?
At Sizergh Castle, you can:
Tour the castle’s historic rooms, including the famous Inlaid Chamber
Wander through stunning gardens with rockeries, herbaceous borders, and orchards
Enjoy woodland walks and scenic countryside views
Visit the café and shop for local produce and gifts
Take part in family-friendly trails and seasonal events run by the National Trust
4) Is Sizergh Castle family-friendly?
Yes, Sizergh Castle is a great day out for families. Children can enjoy the gardens, wildlife walks, and outdoor trails, while parents can appreciate the history and architecture. Seasonal events and activities are often organised, making it an engaging visit for all ages.
5) When is the best time to visit Sizergh Castle?
Sizergh Castle is open most of the year, with spring and summer being particularly popular for the gardens in full bloom. Autumn is also beautiful, with colourful foliage in the estate woodlands. Visiting outside peak times, such as weekday mornings, offers a quieter experience.
6) What accommodation options are near Sizergh Castle?
If you’re planning a visit to Sizergh Castle near Kendal, finding the right accommodation can make your trip even more enjoyable. The area around Kendal and the southern Lake District offers everything from boutique hotels to cosy self-catering cottages.
Kents Bank Holiday Cottage – a perfect base
For comfort and convenience, Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is an excellent choice. Located within easy reach of Sizergh Castle and the Lake District, it provides:
A peaceful retreat after exploring the castle, gardens, and surrounding countryside
Self-catering facilities, giving you flexibility for meals and packed lunches
A cosy home-from-home atmosphere, ideal for couples, families, or small groups
Easy access to other attractions such as Windermere, Kendal, and Morecambe Bay
Whether you’re visiting Sizergh Castle for a day trip or combining it with a longer Lake District holiday, staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage ensures you can relax in comfort while being perfectly placed to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
To contact Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
Ready to book your next getaway? Book our affordable holiday cottage near Sizergh Castle, which has options for families, couples, and your four-legged friends.
You’ll find the perfect cottage—just ring 07785944194 or enquire here and start planning your stay!
Whether you want a tranquil break, coastal views, or easy access to village attractions, there are Lake District holiday cottages near Sizergh to suit every preference.
5 key takeaways
- 🏰 A Living Piece of History
Sizergh Castle is one of the Lake District‘s most significant historic houses, with the Strickland family calling it home for over 750 years. From its medieval pele-tower to its unrivalled Elizabethan woodwork, every corner tells a fascinating story. - 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for All the Family
From buggy-friendly woodland walks and the hands-on Holeslack Trail for little ones, to historic rooms, a secret passage and a 15th-century chapel, Sizergh Castle promises a day out that genuinely keeps every age group entertained. - 🌸 Stunning Gardens and Grounds
Open from April to October, the beautiful gardens — complete with rock garden, Dutch garden and walled garden — offer something spectacular in every season, from spring blooms to glorious autumn colour in the woodlands. - 🖼️ Culture and Hidden Treasures
Don’t miss Joanne Coates’ powerful photography exhibition in the Holeslack Barn, or the extraordinary 17th-century Goan bedspread on public display for the very first time — a truly unique piece of royal history. - 🏡 Stay Just a Short Drive Away
Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands is the perfect self-catering base for your visit. Peaceful, comfortable and ideally located, it puts Sizergh Castle, Windermere, Kendal and Morecambe Bay all within easy reach. Call 07785 944194 or visit www.kentsbankholiday.co.uk to book.