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Christmas at Lyme

Larger than life animals sat at the dining table in the Dining Room at Lyme. One of the many installations this Christmas in the house.
Feast with the Lord of Misrule in the Dining Room at Lyme this Christmas | © Chris Doyle

Get in to the festive spirit with choirs singing, Christmas activities, and the house dressed for Christmas. Explore Lyme’s house which has been taken over by magnificent and unusual beasts exploring winter traditions.

Christmas in the house

Every day 29 November - 24 December | 11am - 3pm 

Start Christmas with a bang as Animal Crackers comes back to Lyme for another year. Lyme’s house has been taken over by magnificent and unusual beasts created by artist Sophie Tyrrell. With interactive fun for all the family: monkey around as you learn to wassail, sing carols with the birds, and join the Lord of Misrule for a festive feast. Enjoy the house decked for the season with Christmas trees laden with decorations and Christmas stockings hanging over the fireplace - animal shaped of course!

 

Included in the general admissions price, from £22.50 for a family ticket, or free for National Trust Members, enjoy a low-cost full festive day out at Lyme this winter.

 

Sensory information

We have sensory bags and ear defenders that are available to borrow from the entrance hall in the house. The Chapel has been transformed into a sensory space with soft lighting and comfortable seating for visitors to step away from the busy house and into a relaxing environment. The Chapel is open daily throughout December from 11am–4pm. 

Image shows a volunteer dressed as Rudolph greeting visitors with children in a courtyard at Lyme
Rudolph greets visitors at Lyme | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Christmas music at Lyme

See community choirs on selected dates from 30 November in the run up to Christmas at 12 midday and 1.30pm. Join in with some Christmas carols in the courtyard at the house and you’ll feel jolly in no time. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to get together with your friends and family and sing to your heart’s content. Why not pick up a hot chocolate from the café while you’re there?

For more information visit the event page here

Winter walks

Wrap up warm and explore the garden or head out to the wider estate for walks through woodland and across the moorland for far-reaching views. With over 1,400 acres to enjoy there is something for all ages and abilities. Head into the garden for accessible paths perfect for wheelchairs and buggies. Pick up a walking leaflet from the ticket office or download one from the website

Enjoy a festive afternoon tea this winter
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea this winter | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Festive food and shopping

After stretching your legs and exploring the vast estate, refuel with a warming drink and slice of cake in one of our cafés – there’s something for everyone. Or enjoy a festive treat at Lyme this Christmas with our Festive Afternoon Tea in the Servants' Hall Monday - Friday throughout December. 

Christmas Afternoon Tea

Treat your loved ones to a festive afternoon tea Monday to Friday throughout December for just £24.95 per person. The afternoon tea includes a welcome drink, a warming winter soup, a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats and scones with tea or coffee and mince pies.

Christmas shopping at Lyme 

If you're looking for that special Christmas gift for your loved ones escape the high street and do your Christmas shopping at Lyme. Whether it’s environmentally-friendly swaps, last minute Christmas Cards, or stocking up the larder for Christmas dinner with locally sourced food and drink you're bound to find the perfect gift at Lyme cozy in the knowledge that every penny spent goes back to helping care for Lyme for everyone, for ever. 

Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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