On a wet autumnal day, we visited Sizergh Castle with its different gardens, some housing part of the National Collection of ferns, and with lots of glorious autumnal colour.

The estate was in the ownership of one family for over 700 years, the Stricklands, who managed to retain the estate despite their Jacobite loyalties, until given to the National Trust in 1950.

The early part of the building is the 14th/15th century tower, with further alterations over the years. In the 1890's the entire Inlaid Chamber, including the wooden paneling, was sold to the Victoria & Albert Museum, returning to its original location on loan in 1999. The house, however, was not open when we visited though we enjoyed exploring the gardens and grounds.

Good day out.

Small garden and parts of it were unfortunately closed when we were there. The apple orchard was good. Shame to see all the windfalls rotting on the ground, we took a bag home with us.
The children enjoyed scampering around the rockery.

We did the walk round the estate and combined all 3 walks. Was really pleasant and would recommend anyone with time to spare to do it. Fabulous views from on top of sizergh fell, like most of the lakes!

We had to pre book online the walk. Kids really enjoyed it. Nice gardens too. As it was a rainy day we didnt spend much time in the gardens.