Winter at Sizergh
There’s winter wonder for the whole family at Sizergh this year. Make memories with loved ones as you follow an enchanting light trail, discover a story of Christmas past in the House, and get creative with festive crafts in the Great Barn. Whatever it is you get stuck into, there are sure to be magical moments as you immerse yourself in Winter at Sizergh.
The light trail
Wander through a nature-themed lights trail around the Knoll, inspired by Sizergh’s estate, and get closer to our winter wildlife...
- A stroll through the Knoll will see thousands of specks of light dance across trees and paths
- Along the avenue, twelve LED globes on Victorian-style lamp posts represent Sizergh’s creatures and plants – see if you can spot any you recognise
- Lit up lilies will be floating on the pond
- And lots more...
In the house
For the first time, the house will open its doors to visitors during the winter.
Picture the scene: you arrive at Sizergh's grand doors. It’s Christmas Eve, and you're clutching a festive invitation from the Strickland family in your hands. Greeted with the hustle and bustle of preparations, there’s still much for the servants to do. Deliveries of festive goodies arrive by the crateload; a freshly felled Norway Spruce lays horizontal surrounded by boxes of handmade decorations waiting to adorn it; and somewhere in the house there’s an exotic feathered beast, set to cause havoc in the kitchen.
Moments from Christmas Eves past will transport the guests through the house, arriving back into the present day. From elaborate feasting, cosy fireside games, and the scientific analysis of some mysterious bones found in Exeter – there’s only one question on everybody’s lips: how DID the turkey get here?!
Experience a Sizergh Christmas through the ages in each room, from the Tudor turkey to Edwardian splendour and 1950s post-dinner drinks.
Get crafting
Get into the festive spirit with crafts for all in the Great Barn. Take home something Christmassy, whether it's a winter mobile made from natural materials or a colouring sheet inspired by Sizergh's winter wildlife.
Eating and shopping
After you’ve explored the trail and the House, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat and have a browse in the shop. The café will be serving warming seasonal food and drinks, and you can find the perfect gift for your loved ones with a range of beautiful, locally-sourced homewares, books and stocking fillers in the shop. Every penny you spend goes back into looking after this special place.
There will be space outside the Visitor Centre to sit and spend time together if you’d like to bring your own food and drink.
A community effort
Community is at the heart of Winter at Sizergh, and the trail and willow stags have been lovingly designed and brought to life by local artists and school groups.
We want it to be a place you can escape to – whether you’re frazzled by the festive season or just seeking a moment of magic away from the hustle and bustle.
A note on booking and time slots
Booking online will guarantee entry and your preferred time slot.
The best way to book your tickets is online, using our event booking link. If you’re unable to book online, call our Central Box Office on 0344 249 1895.
- Winter at Sizergh will run every day, 12-8pm, from 22 November – 24 December
- Tickets are £3 pp. Admission prices apply to non-members, and will be included in the ticket price upon booking
- Members must bring their membership cards to be scanned on arrival
- Tickets are allocated by staggered trail start times. Timed entry slots available every hour from 12-6pm. Please don’t arrive more than 15 minutes before your slot
- Digital or printed tickets will be accepted
- Please note that tickets for this event are non-refundable and cannot be amended once purchased
- We’re expecting large numbers of visitors, so there might be some queuing time when you arrive. We anticipate that the last slot (6-8pm) will be particularly busy
- The shop and café are open 10-7, and no ticket is necessary for shop and café access only
- After 7pm, the kiosk will be open and serving hot drinks until 8pm
- Walking the trail will take about 45 minutes. The trail is accessible for trampers, wheelchairs and pushchairs
- We anticipate that a full visit, including the House, Great Barn, shop and café, should take about 2 hours
- The site will close at 8pm
- Baby changing facilities and accessible toilets are available in the Visitor Centre
- There's space to sit and enjoy a picnic under cover, outside the Visitor Centre, if you'd like to bring your own food and drink
- There are 12 designated disabled parking bays in the carpark - find out more about access at Sizergh
Access at Sizergh | Lake District
We want to make sure that Sizergh is accessible for all visitors. The historic house, gardens and estate we care for present challenges in creating access for all, but we are taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Sizergh’s history and beauty. Here you’ll find information about access across the different areas of Sizergh and how to make the most of your visit.
Family-friendly things to do at Sizergh
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.