Lose yourself in the garden

The beautiful 17-acre garden at Lyme stands at 245m above sea level. Over the centuries, the Legh family carefully etched a beautiful garden out of the surrounding woods and moorland. In doing so, they created the unique family garden that we enjoy today. A fine ravine brings water down from the moors and the reflection lake offers an idyllic setting for a stroll.

Seasonal planting

The gardeners and volunteers work throughout the year to maintain a wonderful place for visitors to enjoy.  Once the spring bedding has bloomed in April and May, the team take them out to make way for the array of colour the summer bedding design brings in July and August.

Between the two bedding schemes, if you are looking for a burst of summer colour, take a stroll along the Rhododendron Walk or take a turn around the beautiful Rose Garden.

The Rose Garden

The Edwardian Rose Garden is faithful to its original design. In the summer months it is filled with a wide range of highly scented roses and superb colours. The Rose Garden was created by the 2nd Lord and Lady Newton who made many changes and improvements that we still see today. During the winter, take a seat and enjoy the peaceful views out to the woods and hills beyond, or admire the tropical plants in the Orangery.

The Rose Garden was a favourite spot of Lady Newton
The 2nd Lady Newton and her sons in the Rose Garden at Lyme, Cheshire
The Rose Garden was a favourite spot of Lady Newton

Take in the views

Whatever the season, there are many delightful views across the park that can be enjoyed from the garden. Throughout the centuries, follies were built and trees planted to create wonderful lines of sight from the house. Look to the east of the garden to spot the Lantern, a stone folly, nestled in the woods or gaze along Lime Avenue to the south for views through Calves Croft.

Garden games

The Legh family loved to spend time in the garden enjoying many of the popular pastimes of the day. We have a range of  garden games for you to try on the lawns. Test your skills at quoits, croquet, giant skittles and boules.

Dog enjoying a stroll in the garden at Lyme, Cheshire

Four-legged fun in the garden 

Even dogs love a stroll by the lake. Dogs are welcome on the second full weekend of each month between March - October. To find details of the next weekend, head this way.

Find out more

Group bookings

If you would like to bring a group to visit Lyme, please find more information here Lyme Group Booking Info 2016 (PDF / 0.2MB) download or contact the estate office on 01663 762023 or lyme@nationaltrust.org.uk.