A family-friendly day out at Lyme

3 children playing in the oak leaves — Three children playing in oak leaves in Autumn | © Annapurna Mellorr

From discovering history in the house, adventures outdoors, or seasonal activities Lyme is a full day out for families in the North West and Peak District. Find out what family-friendly activities are coming up and all the information you need to plan your day out.

Planning your family visit

If you're planning a day out with the family, at Lyme here is some useful information

Getting around Lyme:

It's a long walk across Lyme, so check if the free shuttle bus is running to drive you between the admissions hut, house and main car park area.

The garden is a dog and pram friendly walk, with step free access from the North Front of the house. The Timber Yard, Crow Wood Play Area, and Mill Pond are a popular area for families.

Walk past the house, along East Drive to see views of The Cage and go deer spotting as you pass the deer sanctuary.

Buggy-storage:

Buggy parking and free lockers to store heavy or bulky items can be found at the house. Storing prams are a £1 refundable deposit.

Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats are also available to borrow from the Ticket Office at the house.
Pick n mix children's lunch

There’s a 'pick and mix' style picnic box available for children in each cafe. Choose a sandwich, drink and a selection of three snacks for £5.25. There are highchairs available to use indoors – ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.

High chairs

High chairs are available to borrow at each of the cafés - please ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.

October half term

All things Autumn half term trail

Saturday, 5 October 2024 – Sunday, 3 November. £3 per trail booklet. No booking needed

Experience all things Autumn at Lyme with an interactive trail around the garden and Crow Wood. Families can get closer to nature and make memories together learning all about the changing season through activities, and play prompts.

Along the way, discover:

Who's hibernating at the Hibernation Station
Fascinating fungi and their hidden networks
Who's walking here at the Tracks & Trails station
Vibrant autumn colors and natural cycles of trees and leaves

Ranger in training

Learn the skills that rangers use every day to help care for the countryside in this interactive event led by Lyme's Ranger team and earn yourself a looking After Lyme Ranger badge! Sessions are £8 per child and their accompanying adult.

Book now

Mums help their son with a weaving activity in the house at Lyme, Cheshire | © National trust images / James Beck

House open Thursday - Tuesday

Lyme's house is closed on Wednesdays for conservation work.

Explore Indoors

Discover 600 years of history in the house at Lyme. Whether you're looking to see what stories you can uncover or escape a sudden downpour, we’ve got plenty of fun things to do inside with top indoor adventures for autumn rainy days.. From dressing up at little Leghs to playing billards in the Long Gallery, there's plenty of interactive fun indoors. Here's some ideas for your visit:

1) Dress up!

Visit the Dressing Room between 11am and 2pm to step into the shoes, bonnets and tophats of Regency England and what life was like for the people that lived at Lyme. Suitable for the whole family with children's sizes, mens sizes from XS to XXL and from women's size 6 to size 24.

2) Pick up a free Animal spotter trail in the Entrance Hall

From Ram's heads to red dragons, there are dozens of animals to spot in Lyme's house in this new family trail for 2024. See how many you can find hidden on objects, walls and ceilings throughout the house. Pick up a free trail from the entrance hall to find out about Lyme's history and see how many you can spot!

3) Play billiards in the Long Gallery

Looking for a fun and relaxing activity for the whole family? Why not try your hand at billiards in the Long Gallery at Lyme? Billiards is a classic game of skill and strategy that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and abilities.

4) Play with toys of a bygone era in the Nursery Bedroom

Look and touch in the Nursery Bedroom and play with Victorian-style toys. Who will win at dominos or get the most balls in the cup?

A family on an autumn walk at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Popular family walks

Ditch the technology, breathe in the fresh air and get closer to nature on a walk. Here are some favourite walks chosen by families which are pram friendly and suitable for the whole family - including dogs on short lead. Looking for longer or more challenging walks? Look at our top trails or just pick up a map and lose yourself in the estate.

Crow Wood childrens' play area

Let off some steam and unleash your wild ones in Crow Wood play area. The perfect place for younger adventurers to run, skip and slide. To get there look for signs towards the Timber Yard or take the scenic route with a buggy friendly walk around the mill pond.With toilets and a café close by, you're only a hop skip and a jump from all you the facilities you need.

50 Things to do before you're 11¾

Want your kids to run free in the fresh air and trying exciting new things? What better way to spend your day than trying new family-friendly activities from the list of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'

Explore all 50