Family-friendly things to do at Sizergh

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
• Put your hood up and take a stroll through ancient woodland on the Holeslack trail, spotting weird and wonderful fungi
• Shelter in the cafe and enjoy cake and a cup of tea, and then have a browse in the shop
• Discover the scallop trail in the house, and trace 800 years of family history

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. 1 get to know a tree on the Holeslack access trail
• No. 9 eat a picnic in the wild - there are benches on the grass outside the Visitor Centre, or on the Knoll

• 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

There are plenty of shady spots for a family picnic at Sizergh. Pack sandwiches, snacks and a flask of tea and spread out your blanket on the grass. Or find plenty of benches outside the Visitor Centre. Treat yourslef to an ice cream from the nearby kiosk. There's also picnic benches in the orchard, a bench halfway round the wooded knoll and on the grass as you leave the knoll, plus on the Holeslack access trail to pause and have a bite to eat as you wander.

Test your balance and bravery as you head into the woodland to follow the 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 three and up (although smaller children will need a helping hand from a grown up).

The Holeslack Access Trail is ideal for little legs and pushchairs. The circular route takes you through ancient woodland, historic farm buildings and a traditional Westmorland orchard.

It's 1.2 miles (1.92km) and takes around 45 mins - 1 hour.

This route is great for spotting views of the Lakeland Fells, the Pennines and Morecambe Bay, as well as birds, butterflies, wildflowers and some unusual animals.

It's 2.5 miles (4km) and takes around 1.5-2 hours.

For a more challenging walk through historic parkland and ancient woodland, and on to the wetland to spot a variety of bird species, try the Park End Moss Wetland walk.

It's 2.8 miles (4.48km) and should take about 3 hours.

Orienteering is a great way to explore the estate, and the South Ribble Orienteering Club have designed some courses to enjoy at Sizergh. For families and children, we recommend having a go at the accessible route or the shorter route.