Family-friendly things to do at Sizergh

Toddler amongst a sea of yellow daffodils at Sizergh. He is wearing a green jumper and blue glasses. — There's something for all ages to enjoy this spring at Sizergh | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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

Planning your family visit

We want everyone to feel informed and at ease once they arrive here, so we have a set of videos to help you orientate yourself before you get here. The access page has more detailed information about accessibility, and is also home to virtual arrival tours in BSL, subtitled, audio described and BSL and subtitled videos about this.

To learn what to expect when you visit the garden, watch virtual tours in BSL, subtitled, audio described and BSL and subtitled versions.

If you're planning to take a walk on the estate, you can watch virtual tours in BSL, subtitled, audio described and BSL and subtitled versions.

For the house, watch virtual tours in BSL, subtitled and audio described versions.
The café is open every day, offering 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. Lunch is served until 2:30pm, with cakes, drinks and ice cream served until close. See the menu here.

The Kiosk on the veranda serves drinks, light bites and ice cream.

There is space on the grass outside the Visitor Centre, with benches, if you'd like to bring your own lunch or a picnic. There's a bench halfway round the wooded knoll and on the grass as you leave the knoll.

Family activities at Sizergh

29 April - 1 June, 10am-4pm (with a break for the Easter trail over Easter)

This self-led family trail will take you out along the Holeslack access trail, and you’ll collect clues along the way before crowning your winner.

The Spring Bird Challenge will take a short break over the Easter holidays, when you can take part in Sizergh's Easter Egg Hunt. It will start again on Tuesday 29 April, running until Sunday 1 June.

This trail is free, but admission charges apply to non-members if you want to visit the house or gardens.
21 June, 11am-12:3pm and 2-3:30pm

Journey into the noise of nature with sound artist Dan Fox.

Alongside sound artist Dan Fox you’ll take a journey on the Sizergh estate like no other. Be immersed in the sounds of nature from big to miniscule and weird and wonderful with Dan’s specialist microphones. You’ll hear through your own headset sounds which would usually pass us by, so prepare to be amazed and nature-dazzled!

Booking is essential.
Have lots of fun this summer at Sizergh from 28 June to 31 August.

Nature play in the orchard

Check out the sensory cube, and see what you can see, smell and hear in the orchard – including chocolate mint! Try your hand at some musical instruments. There’ll also be pop up cress growing on selected days.

Performance play on the castle lawn

Be transported back in time with lawn games and dressing up, inspired by archival footage from the family archive - scan the QR code to see footage of games in the garden and a garden party. Or follow the scallop trail in the house to trace 800 years of family history.

Creative play on the Holeslack access trail

Join internationally renowned storyteller, Emily Hennessey, on a free guided Story Walk, meandering through ancient woodland and hearing tales of brave children and trickster spiders.

Loose parts play outside the Visitor Centre

Have a go at playing with the wooden blocks on the grass – an ice cream from the Kiosk is optional but recommended.

Active play on the wild play trail

Have a wild adventure and explore the new and improved wild play trail.

Why not enjoy an ice cream in the cafe or relax at a shady picnic spot in the garden? Put your sun hat on and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer. Pick up a map from Visitor Reception when you arrive.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England.

Discover Summer of Play

Mother, father and child between them walking in the garden at Sizergh, talking animatedly. They're surrounded by green trees and plants. — There's always something to see in the garden | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Young bird watcher using a telescope to watch birds on the veranda at Sizergh. The boy is wearing a green hoodie and staring intently down the lens. — Enjoy the great outdoors at Sizergh | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Exploring the estate

The wild play trail is now open - thank you for bearing with us whilst we made improvements.

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).

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
Take a stroll through ancient woodland on the Holeslack trail, and spot 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

‘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.