Pokémon Mega Evolution Trail at Sizergh: Dates, Prices and Family Guide

Pokémon fans can take on a Mega Evolution outdoor trail at Sizergh near Kendal throughout the summer holidays.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail is part of a wider National Trust and Pokémon partnership running at selected properties around the UK. Sizergh is one of just 16 National Trust places hosting the full Mega Evolution Trail.

Families follow the outdoor route, search for 10 Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete interactive challenges along the way before reaching a themed photo opportunity.

The trail itself is free, although normal Sizergh admission and parking charges apply.

Pokémon at Sizergh: key information

• Event: Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Sizergh
• Location: Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ
• 2026 dates: 23 May to 6 September
• Daily trail time: 10am to 4.45pm
• Trail cost: Free
• Venue admission: Normal Sizergh admission applies
• Parking: Charges apply for non-members
• Booking: Not needed for the trail
• Trail sheet: Collect from Visitor Reception
• Children: Welcome
• Terrain: Rugged outdoor trail with climbing and clambering

See the existing Cumbria Guru Sizergh Castle listing, the detailed Sizergh car park guide and our Kendal destination guide when planning your visit.

What happens on the Pokémon Mega Evolution Trail?

Start at the Visitor Centre, where trail sheets are available to collect on the day. From there, the challenge takes families outdoors to search for Mega Evolution Pokémon through the Sizergh landscape.

The National Trust's wider Mega Evolution Trail format asks visitors to find 10 Pokémon and complete activities inspired by their abilities. The trail finishes with a Pokémon-themed photo opportunity.

This is not a screen-based trail. The point is to get families moving through the outdoors while using the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution theme as the adventure.

Is the Pokémon trail free?

The trail is free and does not need to be booked.

However, the National Trust states that normal admission charges for Sizergh apply, and parking is also chargeable for non-members.

National Trust members receive free entry and free parking under the property's normal membership arrangements, but members using the car park should still scan their card at the machine to obtain a parking ticket.

Current Sizergh parking prices

National Trust visitor information currently lists the following parking charges for non-members:

StayCurrent charge 1 hour£3.50 2 hours£6.50 4 hours£8 All day£9.50

The machine takes coins. Card payment is available through reception. Check the on-site tariff when you arrive because parking prices can change.

How long should you allow?

The National Trust does not publish a fixed completion time for the trail, and families will move at very different speeds.

It makes sense to treat the Pokémon trail as part of a wider Sizergh visit rather than rushing through it against the clock. The house, gardens, café, estate walks and other summer family activities can easily turn the trip into a half-day or longer visit.

What should children wear?

This is a rugged outdoor trail. The National Trust specifically warns that there are things to climb and clamber on and recommends sturdy footwear plus clothes that can cope with getting muddy.

That matters even in summer. Sizergh combines woodland, estate paths and natural play areas, so a dry morning can still include damp and uneven ground.

Is the Pokémon trail accessible?

The event-specific guidance describes the Mega Evolution Trail as rugged, which means it may not suit every wheelchair, pushchair or mobility requirement.

Sizergh itself has broader accessibility provision, including accessible routes and the option to borrow a Tramper mobility scooter for parts of the garden and estate. If accessibility will determine whether you can complete the Pokémon trail itself, contact Sizergh before travelling rather than assuming the wider estate access applies to every trail feature.

What else is happening at Sizergh this summer?

The Pokémon trail sits alongside a much larger family programme.

Summer of Play runs through the school holidays with outdoor games and activities, while Sizergh is also hosting family trails and exhibitions elsewhere on the estate.

The National Trust's national Pokémon partnership also includes collectible stickers at participating Summer of Play locations. Five designs are promoted across the campaign: Mega Dragonite, Mega Clefable, Mega Gengar, Mega Charizard Y and Pikachu.

Does Pikachu appear at Sizergh?

Do not confuse the Mega Evolution Trail with the separate Pikachu meet-and-greet events held at a small number of National Trust properties.

Sizergh is confirmed as a Mega Evolution Trail location, but it is not listed among the National Trust's published Pikachu meet-and-greet venues. The attraction here is the self-guided trail and themed activities, not a character appearance.

Make a day of Sizergh

Sizergh is much more than the Pokémon trail. The medieval house has been associated with the Strickland family for more than 800 years, while the estate includes gardens, orchards, woodland, wetland and wider walking routes.

The café serves meals, drinks and snacks, and there are picnic areas if you would rather bring your own lunch.

If you are travelling from further afield, combine Sizergh with Kendal or use it as a stop on the southern approach to the Lake District.

Before you travel

• Check the current National Trust Sizergh opening information.
• Remember that the Pokémon trail itself is free but normal admission and parking charges apply.
• Wear sturdy footwear.
• Collect your trail sheet from Visitor Reception.
• Allow time for the rest of Sizergh rather than treating the trail as the only attraction.
• Check specific accessibility requirements with the property before setting out.

Information checked: 11 August 2026. The official family programme lists the Pokémon Mega Evolution Trail from 23 May to 6 September 2026, with current event times of 10am to 4.45pm.

Official sources: National Trust Sizergh event listing, National Trust family guide and National Trust Pokémon partnership.