Sizergh Castle

One of several privately owned properties that are maintained by the National Trust and open to the public, Sizergh Castle just south of Kendal dates back to the 13th century.

Built by the Strickland family, the castle is still home to family members, but several of the rooms are open to the public. The castle has extensive grounds maintained by the National Trust that visitors are welcome to explore.

History

The original tower was built sometime in the 13th century following the marriage of Elizabeth Deincourt whose family owned the land, to Sir William de Stirkeland in 1239 with the family later becoming known as Strickland.

During the Elizabethan period the castle was expanded, and today you can still see woodcarvings from that era. Catherine Parr, the sixth and last wife of Henry VIII, was a relative of the Strickland family and it is believed that she lived at Sizergh following the death of the king.

The castle has remained the property of the Strickland family throughout the centuries, with its famous rock garden installed in the early twentieth century by Sir Gerald Strickland, who at one time was Prime Minister of Malta. Responsibility for the property was gifted to the National Trust in 1950, with part of the building still occupied by family members.

Things To See

Several rooms of the house are open to the public and on display there are antique furnishings, tapestries, and silver & china antiques. There is a large collection of oil paintings dating back to the 17th century including portraits of notable family members and members of the Stuart royal family. There are quizzes for children to complete whilst they tour through the house.

Outside, the gardens include an award winning limestone rock garden, lawns, topiary figures, a kitchen garden, and a large selection of flowerbeds. There is also a woodland trail with clues to follow and challenges to complete. The estate is brimming with wildlife, including Hawfinches, Roe Deer, Great Crested Newts, and various species of butterfly.

Useful Information

There is a café serving hot and cold meals and beverages.

The house is not open for viewings on Fridays or Saturdays, although you can still visit the gardens on these days for a reduced entrance fee.

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