National Trust - Sizergh
Sightseeing attraction | Kendal | England | United Kingdom
The National Trust - Sizergh in Kendal, England, is a historic estate located in the southern part of the Lake District in Cumbria, offering a fascinating combination of medieval architecture, lush gardens, and expansive parkland. This approximately 650-acre estate is situated in a hilly landscape near the town of Kendal and has been the family seat of the Stricklands for over 700 years, one of the oldest families in England, who still reside in part of the house today. Sizergh, often referred to as "Sizergh Castle," is an impressive example of a fortified manor house managed by the National Trust, captivating visitors with its rich history, intricate interiors, and picturesque surroundings.
The history of Sizergh dates back to the 13th century when the Strickland family acquired the land. The oldest part of the estate, the 58-meter-high Pele Tower, was built around 1340, at a time when such fortified towers were common along the Scottish border to provide protection against raids. Over the centuries, the tower was expanded, first with a Tudor-style wing in the 16th century and later with Georgian elements in the 18th century, giving the house its current, multi-layered architecture. In 1950, Henry Hornyold-Strickland entrusted the estate to the National Trust, on the condition that the family could continue to reside there – an unusual but charming connection between past and present.
The manor house itself is an architectural highlight. Built of local limestone, the Pele Tower dominates the silhouette with its massive walls and arrow slits, reminding visitors of its original function. Inside, the rooms impress with their historical furnishings. The Great Hall, a room with an open beamed ceiling and a huge fireplace, transports visitors back to the Middle Ages, while the Inlaid Chamber with its wood-paneled walls and intricate inlays from the 16th century showcases the wealth of the Tudors. The Georgian Library and Dining Room, with fine furniture and portraits of the Stricklands, reflect the transformation of the house into an elegant country estate. A collection of artworks, including pieces by Hogarth and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, as well as historical artifacts such as a bed that allegedly belonged to Catherine of Aragon, add character to the rooms.
Sizergh's gardens are equally remarkable, covering approximately 6 acres around the house. Designed over centuries, they include a variety of areas: the Dutch Garden with its geometric beds and colorful tulips in spring, the Rock Garden – the largest limestone rock garden of the National Trust – with alpine plants and a pond, and the Wildflower Orchard, which glows in summer with fruit trees and wildflowers. A highlight is the Mirror Pond, a tranquil lake that perfectly reflects the house and is surrounded by old trees. The gardens are a paradise for butterflies and birds, and a Limousin apple tree, over 250 years old, is considered one of the oldest of its kind in Britain.
The parkland around Sizergh is another attraction. The grounds include gentle hills, meadows, and woodlands crisscrossed by traditional limestone walls – typical of the Lake District. Here, sheep and cattle graze, tended by local farmers, and Holehird Wood offers shaded paths under ancient oaks and beeches. Several walking trails, such as the Sizergh Fell Walk, traverse the landscape, offering views of the surrounding fells and nearby Morecambe Bay. Biodiversity is rich: foxes, badgers, and deer are common residents, and in spring, bluebells and daffodils bloom along the paths.
For visitors, Sizergh offers diverse experiences. The house can be explored through guided tours that illuminate the history of the Stricklands and the architectural details, while the gardens and parkland are freely accessible. The paths are mostly accessible, with paved sections around the house and garden, though the hilly paths in the park may be challenging for wheelchairs or strollers. Dogs are welcome in the park as long as they are kept on a leash, enjoying the expansive areas as much as their owners. A café in the former stable building serves regional specialties such as Cumberland sausage rolls and homemade cakes, and a shop offers National Trust typical souvenirs as well as local products.
Strategically located on the edge of the Lake District, just a few miles from Kendal, Sizergh is a town known as the gateway to this famous natural region. Its proximity to other attractions such as Lake Windermere makes it an ideal base for day trips. The property is a living example of how history and nature can be harmonized, and the ongoing presence of the Strickland family gives it a personal touch that is rare at other National Trust sites.
Sizergh is more than just a manor house or a park – it is a place that has stood the test of time and captivates visitors with its tranquil beauty and rich heritage. Whether admiring the medieval rooms, strolling through the gardens, or enjoying the views of the fells – Sizergh offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Lake District and connects the history of a family with the landscape.
