National Trust: Sizergh Castle And Garden, Kendal > Reviews (1)

Many times, usually on visits to the Lakes, I have passed big brown signs for a National Trust property named Sizergh Castle, telling myself that one day I must pop in and see what the place has to offer.
So, as I had recently become a member of the national Trust, I decided to take a peek in the castle on another visit to what I consider to be the most tranquil place in England, the Lake District.

** FIRSTLY…

A little about the Castle…

The land was initially owned by the Deincourt family and had been since 1170 but in 1239 it became owned by the Strickland family through marriage.
In 1339 it was then turned into an actual estate, with the Castle being built in 1340, courtesy of Edward the 3rd and Sir Walter Strickland.
The initial part of the castle was the 18 metre high ‘Pele Tower’ with its 3 metre thick walls. Then, as time passed, the castle grew, with the ’Great Hall’ being built onto it in 1450.Then, a ’Tudor mansion’ was built around the tower, a couple more wings were added and finally, in 1770, the Grand Hall was extended.

The entire estate covers around 1600 acres of land, which includes the Castle, a vast garden, a rock garden, an allotment and a couple of lakes.
The Royal family have many connections to the castle including the story of Catherine Parr, Henry the 8th wife (6th) allegedly living there in the middle of the 1500’s.

The main part of the Castle is the tower which is surrounded by the Tudor house. The interior boast many solid oak panels, grand furniture and many portraits of Royalty, such as Queen Mary.
Some of the property from inside the house has been sold off to museums so that the family could keep the building a livable property.
It is a mixture of Georgian architecture and Elizabethan design, with some
In 1950 it was donated to the national Trust although the Strickland family still reside there, mainly living in room that are not open to the public.

So that’s a brief history lesson about the castle, although more detailed information can be found at the National Trusts website and others too.

WHERE IS IT THEN..?

And how do I get there..?

The Castle is located about 4 miles outside Kendal, just off the A591, about 1 mile from the Brettargh Holt roundabout, which is easily accessed from junction 36 off the M6.
Apart from getting there by car, which I find to be the easiest way, you can also get the 555 Kendal to Keswick stagecoach bus, or cycle there along the NCN6 cycle route, with the RCR20 route passing straight passed the gardens gate, (I haven’t got a clue about what all those cycle numbers mean, I just read them off the NT web site).
If you’re using a satnav then put in LA8 8AE
If you have to contact them for more details the phone number is: 015395 60951. More details can be found at the National Trust website under Sizergh Castle, (obviously).

OPENING TIMES AND PRICES

Opening times…
House, (Mar-Oct) 1pm -5pm
Garden (Mar-Oct) 11am - 5pm (Oct-Dec) 11am - 4pm
Café and shop (Feb-Mar) 11am - 4pm (Mar-Oct) 11am-5pm (Oct-Dec) 11am - 4pm

Prices…(gift aid price in brackets)
House and Garden…
Adults £7.

65 (£8.45)
Children £3.90 (£4.30)
Family £17.90 (£19.80)

Garden…
Adults £5.00 (£5.50)
Children £2.55 (£2.85)
Family £10.75 (£11.90)

There is also a reduced rate if arriving by public transport.

(Note: these prices refer to 2011 prices and may fluctuate)

MY OPINION…

We arrived by car, parking in the good sized car park, which is located down some windy roads, but is well sign posted so finding the Castle is easy.

After we parked up in the car park, which is a short distance from the entrance to the grounds, we simply walked towards what looks like a hut, with flowers and what looked like brick-a-brack scattered outside, it is in this hut that you buy yourself a ticket for the castle or gardens.
Then we wondered through the gift shop, finding ourselves inside the garden itself, deciding which way you go, either having a wander around the gardens, enjoying the peace and quite of your surroundings, or walking a few yards to the left and into the court yard of the castle itself.

Note: this court yard is the second entrance as the first leads into a building which I think is the main offices.

The castle itself looks a little strange, to me anyway, mainly due to the fact that I think the building leading up to it look more like little cottages rather than castle parts. This for me spoils the whole concept of the castle idea.
But the castle itself is quite imposing as you approach the lovely light stone coloured building, making our way along the gravel to the vast double doors.
Inside the castle it is filled with some amazing artefacts, paintings, ornaments, tapestries, more painting, tons of information to read and even more paintings.
The way around the castle is one way, as most National Trust properties are, and the going is defiantly for wheelchair users as the stairs begin more or less straight way.
We were greeted by a gentleman in the main hall entrance, who was there to answer questions and tell people a little bit about the Castles history. He also pointed out the quizzes that the younger kid could do, you know, the usual National Trust ones where they aim to educate them without boring them, a bit of stealth educating and the kids never ever realise.

The wonder round the castle took us about 45 minutes, taking it at a gentle pace, and taking a lot of time helping the kids fill in the questions on the forms they had picked up. But I must warn people that the finale of the walk around the castle takes you down a very narrow spiral stone staircase, which actually made my eldest daughter feel a little claustrophobic, but this stone staircase is short, yet steep.
You can see this stair case at the beginning of the castle in the entrance hallway, it is to the right as you face the large doors as you walk in, just past the desk with leaflets and stuff on it.
The castle itself is not really aimed towards wheelchair users but they can get onto the ground level with ease as the door are wide enough, but after that it is stairs all the way and is defiantly not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.

There is however a ramp leading into the restaurant, reception, café and shops, plus the toilets of course.

Then once we came out of the castle, we wondered around the gardens, which was very pleasant indeed as we followed the winding paths through the multi coloured flowers, over the small bridges and into the well presented allotment which was brimming with organic fruit and vegetables. With some part of the castle tops over looking us as we walked.
We came across some beautiful scenery and some little hidden gems where you could quite easily hide yourself away without anyone passing you at all.
Then we came across a rather strange looking building, which seemed a little eerie at first, but on closer inspection it turned out to be something quite innocent and quite dull really. This building is made of the same material as the castle and, after looking inside I soon realised exactly what it used to be.

To walk around the garden and the castle at a steady pace, allowing you to take everything in, may take a couple of hours at least, with the terrain being a mix of flat walks, a few small hills and maybe a steeper climb along one of the routes.
Although we didn’t you can take your dog, so long as he/she is on a lead at all times, although you can’t take them into the castle itself.

Apart from the actual castle and the lovely looking garden there are many places to sit and admire the hidden beauties on offer, several estate walks, picnic area and the standard National Trust Café and Gift shop
Plus, it has a licensed café which offers food and refreshment and there is also a shop which sells a lot of locally sourced products. All at the usual National Trust prices.
There are toilets which caters for disabled and also baby changing facilities. Plus you can hire baby carrying equipment in case you forget your own.

And, for the record…(according to what I read).
There is also a holiday cottage to rent which accommodates up to 8 people and looks over the castle and surrounding area.

In all, a cracking day out for all the family which is fun, tranquil and educational for all. The Castle is cram packed with interest, with the garden being a thing of beauty.
Even though it cost nearly £20.00 for a family, for both castle and garden, believe me, if you get there in the morning and take food and drink with you, then £20.00 is all you’ll spend and you can stay there all day long.
One word…

Lovely.