Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Christmas at Lyme
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Lyme. Animal Crackers returns for its final instalment, with wild and wonderful animals taking over the house once again. Listen to choirs in the chapel and tuck into an festive afternoon tea after a wintery stroll around the garden too.
Christmas in the house
28 November–24 December
Lyme’s house has been taken over by magnificent and unusual beasts created by local artist Sophie Tyrrell. Animal Crackers III sees Fox returning with his host of wild and wonderful friends, alongside a mystery guest...
Join in with 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 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.
The house is open 11am–4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Choirs in the Chapel
Most weekends throughout the holiday season, local choirs will perform festive tunes in the historic chapel between 12 noon and 2.15pm. Please note that these free performances are not ticketed and there will be limited seating.
Festive Afternoon Tea
Festive afternoon tea will be served in the Servants' Hall, Monday to Friday, 1–19 December. Enjoy a warming soup, a selection of festive sandwiches and sweet treats, and unlimited tea and coffee. Limited availability and booking is essential. Click the link below to book your date.
Sensory information
Sensory bags and ear defenders 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 you to step away from the busy house and into a relaxing environment. The Still Room will be open daily throughout December from 11am–4pm.
Consider public transport or travelling together
The weather is often wet in winter which can reduce the number of usable car parking spaces that we have. 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 and 2pm during weekends and school holidays. For a quieter visit explore Lyme in the week or outside of these times.
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 places like Lyme for everyone, for ever.
Where next?
If you enjoyed your visit to Lyme, why not extend the festivities and see what else is on nearby? Explore Dunham Massey's gardens after dark, illuminated by colourful Christmas lights, step inside a Tudor house decorated for the season at Speke Hall, and little ones can play in the indoor soft play space at Quarry Bank.
Discover more Christmas days out by clicking the link below.
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Lyme
Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park
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 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.
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.
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.
