Sizergh Castle and Garden

'Levens - Sizergh Castle and Garden'

LA8 8AE. Tel 015395 60951
Email: sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk

Location : Levens
Map - Ordnance Survey - SD 498878

Sizergh Castle. Picture by Tony Richards.
Photo by Tony Richards.

The Strickland family has lived at Sizergh Castle for more than 750 years, and it remains their home today. Set in large, beautifully landscaped gardens and based on an impressive 14th Century pele tower, Sizergh was extended in Tudor times.

Sizergh Castle and Garden. Pic F157P12.
The castle entrance, with the pele tower on the right.

The romantic fortified mansion contains some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country, as well as a collection of good English and French furniture and family portraits.

Of particular interest are the large gardens surrounding the Castle, a notable feature being the National Trust's largest limestone rock garden, including part of the National Collection of Hardy Ferns. Enchanting wildflower and water gardens also add to the charm of this elegant estate.

Sizergh Castle and Garden. Pic F157P11.
Limestone Rock Garden

Sizergh Castle. Picture by Tony Richards.
Limestone Rock Garden and Skunk Cabbage. Photo by Tony Richards.

Sizergh Castle. Picture by Tony Richards.
Photo by Tony Richards.

Sizergh Castle.
The pele tower (above and below). Photos by Matthew Emmott.

Sizergh Castle.

Sizergh Castle. Picture by Tony Richards.
Cherry blossom. Photo by Tony Richards.

Various walks around the estate are described in a leaflet available from the shop. There is also a Children's Garden Treasure Hunt leaflet. Throughout the year, special events take place, including guided walks around the estate. See the National Trust leaflet for details.

Sizergh Castle. Picture by Dave Willis - National Trust Thanks to the Victorian and Albert Museum, the original panelling which was tailor-made for this room at Sizergh has returned home after more than a century in London.
The panels, inlaid with English Poplar and "Bog" Oak to create a three dimensional effect, have been restored to their former glory, and now lend a rich glow to the whole room. Accompanied by the original state bed and stained glass, this is a truly unique room.
Please note that there are four flights of stairs to negotiate to get to the Inlaid Chamber, and for this reason access to the chamber may prove impractical for some less mobile people.
Photo by Dave Willis, National Trust.

There is a café and shop located in the visitor services building which is located in the car park.

The castle and gardens are in the care of The National Trust.

See National Trust handbook entry.

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Cumbria Main Menu	South Cumbria Menu
Pele Towers	Gardens and Houses
Reivers Trail	National Trust
South Cumbria Fortified houses

Page last changed 24 Apr 2008.