Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Castle, or Sizergh – National Trust as they’re calling it nowadays, sits just outside the southern boundary of the Lake District, but its parkland stretches right up to the National Park’s border.

First-time visitors are unlikely to make it that far from the house though – the small but beautiful gardens will keep you enthralled and possibly even glued to the spot.

The ‘castle’ is actually a medieval house, which has been home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years. Its mesmerising reflection in the Mirror Lake is worth the entrance fee alone. There’s also a charming rock garden with little pools and waterfalls, a kitchen garden, and an orchard, alongside the borders and lawns.

Just outside the gardens there’s a wild play trail through the woods. With obstacles to tackle and clues to follow, it’s basically a walk disguised as a playground, and as such goes down well with the youngsters and the grown-ups.

Sizergh has the familiar National Trust attractions of a cafe and a shop, and the option to look at the treasures in the house. Alternatively you can just pay for parking and explore the parkland and wild play trail.