Reed Beds and Rockeries at Leighton Moss and Sizergh

 In Brief.

Just to the south of the Lake District, and close to Silverdale, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Leighton Moss reserve provides access to a distinctive natural habitat in the form of a substantial reed bed, with assorted viewing areas and a visitor center. I saw a variety of mostly rather familiar birds, but a significant number of more committed ornithologists were well equipped with impressive cameras, so likely there are more exotic species to be seen if you know where to look. If you prefer your nature more tamed, the nearby National Trust property at Sizergh provides civilised gardens adjacent to a hall that has evolved over almost 800 years of occupancy by the same family.

Sizergh House from the Mirror Lake.

What's Here?

A visit to the RSPB Web Site reveals that they have over 180 nature reserves. The only one I had previously visited featured nesting seabirds at Bempton Cliffs, and was clearly a popular tourist destination. Judging by the gear on show, Leighton Moss seems to attract a higher proportion of keen bird watchers, but if your camera is in your phone, you can still have a wander and at least experience the largest Reed Bed in the North West. 

Reed beds from the Skytower at Leighton Moss.

A twenty minute drive to the north, Sizergh was well populated with local retirees on my weekday visit, and the site provides a popular cafe and starting point for a variety of countryside walks.  The house itself evolved from an initial single room that is now the entrance hall, into a sprawling country pile. Having been occupied by the Strickland family since 1239, there is an informative video featuring the current resident, stepping through important moments in the history of the family and the house, though some of the documents that capture the history.

The house itself was extended and refurbished over time, and represents different periods in relation to both decor and historical artefacts; I wished that I had bought the guide book to provide a narrative to the diversity. However, there are certainly many impressive rooms, with rich wood panels, and more paintings of relatives than scones in the tea shop.

The Rock Garden at Sizergh.

The gardens requires less interpretation, and includes an impressive rock garden, a kitchen garden and the mirror lake that is overlooked by the house.  Sizergh could certainly occupy a whole day if you are minded to use it as a base for some countryside walks that feature in the free visitor guide.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 71 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Price: $ - Leighton Moss; $$ - Sizergh  

Parking: There is onsite parking at both sites as part of entry.

Food and Drink: The cafe at Leighton Moss serves promising cakes accompanied by tea from Tea Pigs, with filling looking pies for lunch. The cafe at Sizergh includes sitting out areas, and serves standard National Trust fare, so coffee / scones / pasties...

Retail Therapy: Leighton Moss provides the opportunity to blend in with impressive binoculars, food for bird tables, and other ornithological paraphernalia. The shop at Sizergh sells accessories, books, fudge and other National Trust shop staples.

Child Friendly: There is exploring and stuff to peer at at both sites. There is a play area at Sizergh.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: Leighton Moss: 90 minutes plus however long you are up for spending in a hide (so 90 minutes in my case). Sizergh: 2 hours for the house and gardens; there are longer walks from the house.

Inside-Outside: Leighton Moss 20:80; Sizergh: 40:60.

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