- Light Trails
- All Ages
Winter at Sizergh at Sizergh Castle
Sizergh Castle - National Trust · Kendal, Cumbria · 20th November to 24th December 2026
About this event
Winter at Sizergh runs every day from 20 November to 24 December 2026, 12:00 to 20:00, at Sizergh near Kendal. The National Trust runs it itself, and a full visit, taking in the trail, the house, the Great Barn, the shop and the cafe, takes about two hours.
The light and sound trail around the Knoll is nature themed, with lantern-lit pathways, glowing woodland installations, soundscapes and projections, including willow stags lit in colour. Walking it takes about 45 minutes and the trail is well lit throughout. Children can follow a map-led trail to meet a hare, a fox, a badger and a mouse and piece together the Wild Stag's winter message.
Inside the house it is 1760, and visitors become guests at a Georgian engagement party inspired by a painting of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, following clues from room to room. In the Great Barn there are self-led crafts, from paper lanterns and stars to reindeer horns and bunting.
The cafe stays open until 20:00, with last orders at 19:30, serving full Christmas dinners and turkey baps, and the shop is open 10:00 to 20:00 with no ticket needed. The 18:30 to 20:00 slot is expected to be the busiest, so choose an earlier slot for a quieter walk.
A children's trail to the Wild Stag
Alongside the 45 minute light and sound trail on the Knoll, children follow a map to meet a hare, a fox, a badger and a mouse and piece together the Wild Stag's winter message, which gives the walk a purpose.
A Georgian party in the house
Inside, it is 1760 and you are guests at an engagement party inspired by a painting of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, following clues through the rooms, then making lanterns, stars or reindeer horns in the Great Barn.
Family tickets from £29.25
Non-member family tickets start at £29.25 for 1 adult and 2 children, under 5s are free, carers go free, and the cafe serves full Christmas dinners until 19:30, so a two hour evening visit stays manageable.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
20th November to 24th December 2026
Every day, 20 November to 24 December 2026
Event 12:00 - 20:00
Last entry to the house 19:00
The trail takes about 45 minutes, a full visit about 2 hours
Gardens close 16:00
Cafe open until 20:00, last orders 19:30
Last slot 18:30 - 20:00 is expected to be the busiestAges
All Ages
Parking
There is onsite parking.
Getting there
By Car:
Sizergh Castle is easily accessible by car and is located just off the A590 near Kendal in Cumbria. From the M6, take Junction 36 and follow the signs for Barrow-in-Furness (A590). After approximately 3.5 miles, you will see signs directing you to Sizergh Castle. There is ample parking available on-site, including spaces for disabled visitors and families.
By Bus:
If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take the Stagecoach service from Kendal Bus Station. The number 555 bus runs regularly between Kendal and Lancaster, with a stop near Sizergh. From the bus stop, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk through the picturesque countryside to reach the castle. Be sure to check the latest bus schedules for timings.
By Train:
For those travelling by train, the nearest station is Oxenholme Lake District, located about 4 miles from Sizergh Castle. From Oxenholme, you can take a taxi directly to the castle, which will take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the number 555 bus from Kendal station and follow the bus directions above. Trains to Oxenholme run frequently from major cities like Manchester, London, and Glasgow.
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
