Family-friendly things to do at Sizergh

Visitors in the house at Sizergh. A young girl and her parents looking up at an intricate tapestry on the wall. — A family day out at Sizergh | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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

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

February half term sees the return of Sizergh's Tree 'Top Trumps' trail - this self-led family trail will take you out along the Holeslack accessible route, where you’ll discover your top trump tree facts and meet some of our special Sizergh trees
The Spring Bird Challenge is running from 29 March - 26 April (with a brief interlude for the Easter trail over Easter weekend)
Easter adventures are back at Sizergh across Easter weekend (18 - 21 April) - make your way along the trail, which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg
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
Pocket money priced gifts and souvenirs are available from the shop
On the garden webpage, you can watch virtual tours in BSL, subtitled, audio described and BSL and subtitled versions
On the estate webpage, you can watch virtual tours in BSL, subtitled, audio described and BSL and subtitled versions

A mother and young child walking down a path at Sizergh during the winter. The child is wearing a blue snowsuit, and the mother is wearing a waterproof coat. — There's always something to see in the garden | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Walks and wildlife spotting

There are three popular walking routes in the estate which are marked in a map available from the Visitor Centre. The Sizergh wildlife walk is great for spotting views of the Lakeland Fells, the Pennines and Morecambe Bay, as well as birds, butterflies, wildflowers and some unusual animals. Or, for a 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.

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.

Orienteering

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.

Close-up of the feet of a child wearing green wellies and red waterproof trousers, amid leaves, at Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire — Enjoy the great outdoors at Sizergh | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

‘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. 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
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