Activities for families at Lyme

Visitors in the garden in autumn at Lyme Park, Cheshire — Children in the garden in at Lyme | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Whether you're looking for rainy day indoor activities or run, skipping and jumping around Crow Wood play area, or looking for things to do with the kids there’s something to occupy all ages here at Lyme. Find out what's on offer and the details you need to plan your visit.

Planning your family visit

High chairs are available at each of the food outlets, and baby changing facilities at the house, garden and Timber Yard
Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats available to borrow at the house, with secure buggy storage in the courtyard for a £1 refundable deposit, as well as free lockers to store essential items
Private baby-feeding room is availiable adjacent to the toilets at the house
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. An electric shuttle buggy is also on hand for shorter trips.

Crow Wood Play Area

Let off some steam and have fun with your family in the newly refurbished Crow Wood play area. The perfect place for younger adventurers to run, skip and slide. Get closer to nature on a walk through Crow Wood and see what you can spot in the mill pond.

Top five things to do with your family at Lyme

Looking for inspiration? Here’s a selection of our top 5 family activities to enjoy at Lyme this autumn.

1. Make friends with a bug

Ladybirds, spiders, caterpillars, woodlice – there are all kinds of creepy crawlies hiding at the places we look after, and you can make friends with a bug to have a wild adventure. Just remember to be gentle if you pick them up.

2. Have fun with sticks

Autumn is a great time to complete this challenge: there are lots of sticks around and it’s easier to spot them on the ground. You can also complete some other '50 things' with your sticks. You could use them to make a mud creation. Or maybe they'll make the perfect Pooh sticks?

3 Climb a huge hill and fly a kite at the Cage

Go for a walk up Cage Hill - what can you see from the top? Make the most of Lyme's peaks and fly a kite by the Cage! Save your pocked money and see if there's one to buy in Timber Yard Shop.

4. Explore the house

Explore 600 years of history in the house and imagine how the Legh's lived at Lyme. Marvel at one of the best clock collections and the oldest book in the National Trust. Pick up a trail from the house entrance and check out the activities in the house below.

5. Find out 'things to do before you’re 11¾’

Had fun with our top activities? Then try the National Trust's '50 things' list for more things to do on your next outdoor visit.

Family fun in the house at Lyme

Even the best laid plans can be ruined by a sudden downpour. Never fear, we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeves with our top indoor adventures for rainy days at Lyme. From dressing up at little Leghs to playing billards in the Long Gallery, there's plenty of interactive fun indoors. Click the arrows to find out more...

Family visiting the billiard room at Avebury Manor, Wiltshire — Family playing billiards | © National Trust / James Dobson

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.

Discover the house at Lyme

1 of 3

Two deer at Lyme Park in Cheshire with the house in the background

Discover more at Lyme Park

Find out when Lyme Park is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

The Long Gallery looking south towards the fireplace at Lyme Park, Cheshire

Article

Visiting the house at Lyme

In 600 years, Lyme has acquired all kinds of unusual objects and strange secrets. Dressed for the festive season, the house is open daily in December until Christmas eve. Here's what to look out for.

A view of Lyme house covered in snow. The house can be seen in the frozen reflection pond.

Article

Explore the garden at Lyme

Explore all the different areas of the garden at Lyme. From the herbaceous border to golden Japanese maple trees, there's lots of autumn colour to find at the second highest garden in the National Trust.

Visitors having lunch at Cragside, Northumberland

Article

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 building on a hill covered in snow. People are walking up the path to see the building.

Article

Discover the estate at Lyme

There's over 1,400 acres of historic parkland to explore at Lyme in autumn. Discover thriving wildlife during your walk into nature, and seek out the follies for some of the best views over Cheshire.