A Grand Day Out

In my book, Sundays (when not spent lying round being a sloth) are for going places. Yesterday's destination was Sizergh Castle - partly to meet up for coffee and cakes with some ladies from a forum I post on and partly just for a wander around. The forecast was either for sun or sleet: nobody could ever accuse the Lake District weather of being predictable! I decided to err on the side of caution in the end and went for sensible clothes. As it turned out, there was no sleet but it wasn't exactly warm so I think I made the right choice.

Jacket - George
Vest & jeans - Primark

Boots - M&S

Bag - H&M, via a car boot sale

I feel like such a div when I smile in photos! The photographer for the day (aka Mum) wouldn't take the photos unless I was grinning like a fool though, so what else could I do?

It's a funny house - part ancient castle, some Tudor panelled rooms, some very grand Georgian drawing rooms and some family rooms with tatty sofas overloaded with homemade and embroidered cushions. I've actually met the lady who lives there when I was there on a training course a year or two ago - she's the poshest person I've ever met but terribly nice (and rejoices in the truly splendid name of Mrs Hornyold-Strickland). She still uses some of the show rooms as guest bedrooms which I personally find rather fab. One of the lovely volunteers even gave us a sneaky peek into one of the ensuite bathrooms which was like something out of I Capture The Castle - built into the castle wall, accessed up a cute little staircase and with ancient faded chintz wallpaper and floral fittings. I was probably more pleased by being allowed to see it than is strictly normal.

As is common with most National Trust properties, sadly no interior photography allowed but here are a random selection of outdoor shots:

Front entrance

I just love all the different styles of windows on this wall

Spring has definitely sprung!

Gloomy, gloomy sky

It's well worth a visit so if you're ever up in that part of the world and/or you share my love for old buildings, go and have a look round.