Family-friendly things to do at Sizergh

Family, seen from behind, taking part in a spring trail at Sizergh. They're walking up towards the Visitor Centre. Mum has a long red coat on, little boy has a cap, grey hoodie and yellow tracksuit bottoms, dad is wearing jeans, a rucksack and a cap, and little girl is wearing wellies and a navy blue coat. — A family day out at Sizergh | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Whether you’re after a wild play area to let little legs run off some steam, a peaceful garden for a buggy-friendly walk, or a children’s trail through a house filled with treasures, there’s something for all ages here at Sizergh.

Planning your family visit

Here’s some useful information to help plan your visit to Sizergh:

The wild play trail is closed due to extensive damage following months of heavy rainfall. The play trail is really popular, and unfortunately the heavy rain mixed with high footfall now means the woodland needs time to recover.
You'll find toilets and baby-changing facilities in Ashbank Visitor Centre in the main car park, and in the Old Forge next to the House
The café offers a range of tasty kids’ lunchboxes containing sandwiches, fruit, a treat and juice or water. Hot lunches are also available and tray bakes, cakes and scones are baked fresh each day
If you’d rather bring your own picnic, tables and benches can be found outside Ashbank Visitor Centre, in a quiet spot off the orchard, and down by Gardeners’ Cottage. There are also plenty of benches around the gardens and hidden follies
Pocket money priced gifts and souvenirs are available from the shop.

Mother, father and child between them walking in the garden at Sizergh, talking animatedly. They're surrounded by green trees and plants. — Enjoy a springtime stroll in the garden | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Wild play trail

Test your balance and bravery as you head into the woodland to follow the wild play trail, where hours of family fun are waiting. Follow the clues to reach the end, trying the climbing wall, balance beams, rope swing and stepping-stones along the way.

This natural play area was made by our talented ranger team and is most suitable for ages 3 and up (although smaller children will need a helping hand from a grown up)

Walks and wildlife spotting on the estate

There are three popular walking routes in the estate which are marked in a map available from the Visitor Centre. The Holeslack Accessible Trail is ideal for little legs and pushchairs, and will take you through ancient woodland, some historic farm buildings and a traditional Westmorland orchard.

Family on the wild trail in the woodland at Sizergh Castle, Cumbria — Children enjoying the wild play trail | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’

Enjoy the great outdoors whilst getting closer to nature with our ‘50 things’ list of self-led activities for young adventurers. There’s something to see and do at Sizergh all year round, but here are a few top suggestions to get you started.

No. 4 Build a den out on the wild play trail
No. 44 Watch a bird from the bird hide at Park End Moss
No. 33 Go cloud watching from the lawn by the Mirror Lake

Things to do on a rainy day

There's loads of fun to be had even if the weather is bad - try our favourite things to do when it's rainy at Sizergh.

Pull on your waterproofs and explore the wetland - take refuge in the bird hide and see what you can spot in the wetland
Get muddy in the woodland wild play trail
Shelter in the cafe and enjoy cake and a cup of tea, and then have a browse in the shop

A family stand looking across a lake with Sizergh Castle in the background

Discover more at Sizergh

Find out when Sizergh is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more

Plan your visit

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