Experience Regency Lyme

Step back to the Regency as we celebrate the life of Thomas Legh. From ancient Egyptian mummies to stories of abduction and elopement, there is plenty to discover on your next visit to the house. Hear the stories of Thomas's daring travels, his coming of age and the story of how he revived Lyme during the 1800s. Dress up in regency costume and experience life in a 19th century household through the eyes of the servants and the family. Take a walk through the park and the gardens to view the transformation of Lyme through Thomas's investment and vision.

House open Friday - Tuesday, 10 February - 4 November.

Last chance to see in 2018

As we approach the end of the season, before we put the house to bed for the winter, it's your last chance to see the fascinating mummies and hear the scandallous story of the abduction of Ellen Turner.

The mouth of a young girl in a 19th century painting

To Stop Her Mouth

This autumn, discover the scandal that shocked early 1800s society, the abduction of wealthy heiress Ellen Turner the subsequent trial that gripped the nation through an exciting new sound installation at Lyme.

Visitors inspect a mummified snake as part of the Gifts for the Gods exhibition at Lyme, Cheshire

Discover the mysteries of mummification at Lyme

Discover the secrets of ancient Egypt as Lyme host's a fascinating exhibition of mummified animals from Manchester Museum

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. Dress up in Regency costume and make your way through the house and gardens. Enjoy a game of billiards on Lyme's original billiard table, recently reinstated at Lyme.

Meet Thomas Legh

It needed an act of Parliament to make Thomas the legitimate heir to Lyme, as the eldest son of seven children, all born out of wedlock to Colonel Thomas Peter Legh. At the age of 18 he undertook a perilous journey across Asia, to areas little visited by Europeans and encountering several near death experiences on route. Drop in on one of our spotlight talks to find out more about Thomas and his part in Lyme's 600 year history.