The wild trail at Sizergh is an exciting play trail for little ones, and it’s super easy to get to. Here’s everything you need to know.
Sizergh Wild Play Trail at a Glance
- Type of trail: Loop trail.
- Time taken: This varies! Very roughly, 1 hour for the trail and a play.
- Pushchair friendly? No
- Terrain: Often muddy, sturdy trainers/walking boots recommended.
Where is Sizergh Castle?
Just south of Kendal, Sizergh Castle can be found just off the A590.. Sizergh is a National Trust property, but you don’t need to be a member to use the car park.
From the M6, exit at junction 36, take the A590 towards Kendal, then come off at the Barrow-in-Furness turning. Follow the brown signs, one of which comes quickly after the Brettargh Holt roundabout so please be aware you should be in the right hand lane.
Sat Nav: LA8 8DZ
The Wild Trail
The Wild Trail is completely separate from Sizergh castle and gardens. It’s a play trail, with clues to follow where climbing, balancing and swinging will take you through the natural play area.
The trail suits children of all ages, but I’d say it’s best suited roughly to ages 3 – 10. My youngest has been playing on this trail since she could walk, so it’s possible for toddlers to do it with a helping hand!
For younger children, the trail seems endless, with plenty of fun and exploration everywhere. This is a great trail to choose even on a rainy day, as the trees overhead give it a bit of shelter, although it’s fab in any weather!
How to find the wild play trail.
Park in the Sizergh Castle car park. If possible, use the parking on your left as you enter the car park, as this is nearest the start of the trail.
You’ll find the play trail by heading out from the car park at the opposite end to the National Trust shop, and across a field you’ll see the entrance to the trail marked with a wooden sign.
Go over the stile, and follow the path as it leads you to the right, alongside the wall. A short way along you’ll find the real start of the trail, where you’ll find a climbing wall.
Then the fun begins! Giving options for entering the trail gets it off to a great start (my children loved that we were the boring adults who didn’t go through the tunnel!).
It’s worth noting that near to the beginning of the trail, there is a rope section that leads down a very steep (albeit very short) set of rocks. Some little children aren’t keen on this, and there is an alternative path round to your left you can take. This is well signed.
After this, it’s simply a case of following the clues, and enjoying taking it all in.
Take your time, enjoy and explore. It’s a very obvious trail as you go round, so it’s easy to work out where you should be going.
At the end of the trail, there is some space for a picnic, and this is a lovely way to finish the adventure. If these tables are full, there are loads of picnic tables out in the middle of the main car park, towards the national Trust shop.
If you have any energy left after all that, you might want to combine your wild trail adventure with a look around Sizergh Castle and Gardens. National Trust members go in free, and it’s a great way to make a full day of your visit to Sizergh.
You may also like:
Low Sizergh Barn (just across the road!)
Levens Deer Park
Grange Promenade