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Christmas at Lyme

Visitors admire the majestic animal decorations created by artist Sophie Tyrrell in the Saloon at Lyme, Cheshire
Visitors play with life size toy sheep created by artist Sophie Tyrrell in the Saloon at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Lyme this Christmas. Animal Crackers III returns for the final instalment, with wild and wonderful animals taking over the house once again. Discover hands-on activities and see who's living in the house this festive season, with instalments by artist Sophie Tyrrell. There'll be choirs in the chapel and festive afternoon tea to accompany wintery strolls around the garden.

Christmas in the house

Lyme’s house has been taken over by magnificent and unusual beasts created by local artist Sophie Tyrrell. The third year of Animal Crackers sees Fox returning with his host of wild and wonderful friends, alongside a mystery guest.

Join in the theatrical fun as Animal Crackers takes you on a self-guided journey of mischievous merrymaking through the house. Have a dance party with King Stag, perform a puppet show, and do karaoke with the badgers. With larger-than-life installations and a traditional Christmas theme, it's an immersive and festive experience for all the family.

Included in the general admissions price, from £25.50 for a family ticket with one adult, or free for National Trust members, enjoy a low-cost full festive day out at Lyme this winter.

Choirs in the Chapel

Most weekends throughout the holiday season, local choirs will be performing festive tunes in Lyme's historic chapel between 12 noon and 2.15pm. Please note that these performances are not ticketed and there will be limited seating. 

Festive Afternoon Tea

Festive afternoon tea will be served in the Servants' Hall, Monday - Friday, 1 – 19 December. Enjoy a warming soup, a selection of festive sandwiches and sweet treats, and unlimited tea and coffee. Booking is essential to avoid missing out and tickets will go on sale on Friday 3 October. 

Sensory information

There are sensory bags and ear defenders that are available to borrow from the entrance hall in the house. The Still Room will be 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 Still Room will be open daily throughout December from 11am–4pm. 

Find out more

Consider public transport or travelling together

The weather is often wet in winter which reduces the number of car parking spaces. Please consider car sharing where possible or it's easy to get to Lyme on public transport as there is a bus stop and train station nearby. Lyme tends to be at its busiest between 10.30am - 2pm during weekends and school holidays. For a quieter visit explore Lyme in the week or outside of these times.

A woman wrapped up warm, wearing hiking boots pushes her son along a path on a winter walk at Lyme, Cheshire.
Go on a family winter walk at Lyme | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

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. 

 

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 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. 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.

Plan your Christmas visit

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The exterior of the Georgian-style house at Lyme, Cheshire, in autumn, with the lake framed by orange and green foliage

Eating, drinking and shopping at Lyme 

Feeling peckish during your visit to Lyme? There's a choice of eateries, each serving a wide range of snacks and drinks. After you've refuelled, head to the shops to browse for a special gift or souvenir.

A stylised photograph looking down on table with a cream tea for two, with scones and jam and mugs of tea.

A family-friendly day out at Lyme 

From running, skipping and jumping around Crow Wood play area and dressing up in period costume inside the house, to spotting red deer in the park, there’s something for everyone at Lyme.

A family playing with autumn leaves in the garden at Lyme, Cheshire

Visiting the house at Lyme 

Inside the house you can discover unusual objects and strange secrets from six centuries of family history at Lyme in Cheshire.

The Entrance Hall at Lyme Park, Stockport, Cheshire

Explore the garden at Lyme 

Explore all the different areas of the garden at Lyme. Appreciate the changing colours of the garden with the wild moors and parkland beyond.

The formal gardens in autumn at Lyme Park, Cheshire

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