Tag: Sizergh Castle

Outing to Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Castle
Barton Grange Garden Centre
Barton Grange Garden Centre

Our outing on 29th April was to Sizergh Castle calling at Barton Grange Garden Centre for coffee. The weather was warm and sunny so perfect for our trip up to Cumbria. We enjoyed our coffee stop at the impressive Barton Grange before travelling further north to our destination. We were made very welcome by the staff at Sizergh Castle and everyone found plenty to see and do during our time there. Sizergh Castle is a medieval home and is still inhabited by the Strickland family. The castle is filled with treasures and stories of historical interest. The room guides were very friendly and knowledgeable and made our journey through the castle all the more interesting. There is a beautiful garden for all seasons and of particular interest during our visit were the stunning displays of tulips. Also of note was the mirror lake, working kitchen garden, apple orchard and limestone rock garden.

Sizergh Castle gardens
Sizergh Castle gardens

We all appreciated the sunshine and fresh air and agreed the outing to Sizergh was very relaxed and enjoyable. Our next trip is to Chirk Castle and Gardens, a magnificent fortress of the Welsh Marches situated near Wrexham. The outing will take place on Wednesday 21st May.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events or are interested in joining our Association, please complete the Contact Form. Your enquiry will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.

Sizergh Castle and Barton Grange Garden Centre

Sizergh Castle

After a stop at Barton Grange Garden Centre where refreshments may be purchased, we will travel on to beautiful Sizergh Castle, with its rich estates and gardens. The Strickland family has lived at Sizergh for more than 750 years, and it remains their home today.

There is a cafe and shop located in the visitor services building which is located in the car park. Dining can also be found at The Strickland Arms which overlooks the entrance to the historic castle. This is a traditional pub serving hearty , locally sourced dishes. Alternatively you may wish to bring a packed lunch to allow more time in the house and gardens.

Please remember to bring your NT membership card on the day

The coach will pick up at Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Southport and Churchtown. Please see SoFA Spring Magazine for details.

The cost to include travel and gratuities.

If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events please fill in Contact Form.

 

Holker Hall Outing

Sizergh Castle
Holker Hall Outing

Our Holker Hall outing went ahead on Thursday 08 June where 52 members of our group enjoyed a great day out in glorious sunshine, visiting two of Cumbria’s most attractive properties. 

After a trouble-free journey north, we arrived at the imposing Sizergh Castle for our tea and coffee stop. 

The bright weather made the views over the Lakeland hills and attractive backdrop to the beautiful castle gardens.  The stumpery, kitchen garden, colourful herbaceous border and the magnificent limestone rock garden made an enjoyable break in the journey.  This stop was very much enjoyed by those who came on this trip and would very much like to visit here again.

Holker Hall Outing

We then moved to Holker Hall via the picturesque coastal route through Grange over Sands.  A warm welcome greeted us at the home of the Cavendish family.   

On arrival half of the group were taken through the public rooms of the house by a team of friendly and knowledgeable guides, enabling members to enjoy the beauty and elegance of the home without the confines of ropes or barriers. 

Other members of our group enjoyed lunch in the courtyard café whilst others picnicked in the gardens.  The situation was reversed to enable everyone to see the house. 

There was still ample time to explore the scented and colourful gardens and walks.  Overall, a great day out with friends.

If you are not a member, would like to attend any of our events, similar to Holker Hall outing, speaker meetings or are interested in joining our Association, please complete the Contact Form. Your query will then be forwarded to the relevant organiser.

Article and photographs by Frank Hyland.

Holker Hall

Holker Hall 1

Holker Hall is a Lake District visitor attraction near Grange-over Sands. Holker Hall is the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish and is a spacious Victorian style property. Visitors can wander freely in the Hall and award winning gardens. Many rare plants and shrubs can be found in the woodland and the garden. There is also a limestone cascade, a fountain and a sunken garden.Holker Hall and Gardens

We will have a stop en route at National Trust Sizergh Castle. We will spend an hour at Sizergh for those who wish to purchase refreshments. After a leisurely tea/coffee we will proceed to Holker Hall arriving around midday. There is a good cafe on site serving lunches and snacks. Sheltered benches sit within a walled part of the beautiful gardens where sandwiches can be enjoyed if you prefer to bring a picnic lunch.

Cost: to include travel, admission and gratuities.

The coach will leave Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Southport and Churchtown. Details in our Spring Magazine.

Postal applications only please with s.a.e

Currently this outing is for SoFA members only. If you would like to go on this outing, any other events or wish to join the Association please fill in Contact Form.

Holker Hall 1