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Christmas at Lyme

Christmas decorations in the secondhand bookshop at Lyme, Cheshire
Christmas decorations in the secondhand bookshop at Lyme, Cheshire | © ©National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Get into the festive spirit with family friendly adventures at Lyme this winter. In the house, discover The World at Christmas, celebrating the different traditions across the globe. Listen to choirs in the Courtyard and tuck into a festive afternoon tea after enjoying a wintery stroll around the garden.

The World at Christmas

27 November – 24 December 2026

Join us inside the house and discover the wonderful creations of Handmade Theatre in an immersive experience as you embark on a Christmas voyage around the globe. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms, each inspired by diverse Christmas traditions from across the world and discover the many ways communities come together to celebrate the season.

Created using sustainable materials and crafted with the help of local schools, community groups, and volunteers, The World at Christmas will be an experience for everyone to enjoy.

The house is open 11am–4pm, with last entry at 3pm.

Sensory information

Sensory items and ear defenders available to borrow from the Entrance Hall. For more information please contact the Estate Office on  01663762023

Festive Afternoon Tea

Monday to Friday, 30 November – 18 December

Join us for festive afternoon tea in the Servants Hall, Monday to Friday, 30 November – 18 December. Enjoy a warming winter soup, a selection of sandwiches, scones and festive sweet treats, and unlimited tea and coffee. Limited availability and booking is essential. Tickets will be onsale from October. 

£30 per Person, sessions start at 12pm or 2:30pm

Choirs in the Courtyard

Most weekends throughout the holiday season, local choirs will perform festive tunes in the historic Courtyard. Please note that these free performances are not ticketed and there may be limitied space at times. 

Community Christmas Trees

Come and discover a bright and colourful collection of wooden Christmas trees, all creatively decorated by local community groups.

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, drink and shopping at Lyme

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. 

Find the perfect gift at Lyme this Christmas. Choose from a large selection of gifts, including home fragrances, outdoor accessories, comfy throws and cushions, Christmas cards, locally sourced arts and crafts and plenty of delicous food and drink. 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.

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. If you show a valid train or bus ticket (or bike helmet!) you can get free entry into the park and garden, as well as 10% off your café order. Please note this offer does not extend to house entry. Lyme tends to be at its busiest between 10.30am and 2pm. For a quieter visit explore Lyme outside of these times.

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

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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Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park

Stockport, Cheshire

Fully open today
Visitors exploring the garden on a family trail at Lyme, Cheshire

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 mum and her two young children sit outside at the Timber Yard, enjoying a hot chocolate with whipped cream.

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.

Visitors exploring the garden at Lyme, Cheshire

Visiting the house at Lyme 

Inside Lyme's Regency mansion, 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.

Visitors by the lake in the garden in autumn at Lyme Park, Cheshire