Experience Regency Lyme

Embracing the Regency

Step back to the Regency as we unveil some of the stories of daily life in the early 19th century. Learn historic dances, test your skills at lawn sports and learn about the lives and lifestyle of the Legh family during the 1800s.

Regency Life at Lyme

Thomas Legh used his vast fortune and vision to transform Lyme in the early 19th century from a state of sad dilapidation and decay, to one of Cheshire's greatest houses and country estates. Employing the services of Lewis Wyatt, one of the great archictects of the period, he redesigned the house, gardens and park.

Join us on a journey through Regency Lyme. Enjoy a game of billiards on Lyme's original billiard table. Dress up in Regency costume and make your way through the house and gardens. Our dressing up room is volunteer-run and open certain days - if you would like to volunteer with them, please do see our page here.

Austen's Regency

Jane Austen’s novels depicted the lives, dramas and romances of the gentry at the turn of the 19th century, often with some witty observations! Choose from our display of Austen novels, and settle in for a relaxed afternoon’s reading in the library. Explore the gardens and exterior of Lyme, which served as 'Pemberley' in the BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice.

Settle down in the library with a book
A visitor reads a book in the Library at Lyme
Settle down in the library with a book

Afternoon Tea

It was around the Regency period that sandwiches were first seen and became fashionable amongst the people of that era. The Salting Room and Wyatt Garden are open Friday - Tuesday for afternoon tea featuring a selection of sandwiches, cakes, sweet treats, scones and tea/coffee. Call 01663 761400 to book - gift vouchers are also available.

To complete your Regency experience, why not head to The Salting Room Tea Parlour for a spot of Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea at Lyme 

Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea in the cosy and quaint Salting Room or adjoining Wyatt Garden. With a delightful mixture of fresh sandwiches, mini cakes and of course our delicious scones all coupled with a pot of tea or coffee, relax and treat yourselves to this divine treat. Booking is always recommended to avoid disappointment.