Lyme Park's collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Lyme Park on the National Trust Collections website.
Visiting the house at Lyme
Like many great houses, Lyme was built and rebuilt, embellished and enlarged throughout its ownership by the Legh family, with each generation making its mark and creating the house we see today. Explore the many rooms of the house and discover unusual objects and strange secrets as you walk through six centuries of family history at Lyme in Cheshire.
Christmas in the house
Christmas starts with a bang as the carnival comes to Lyme. Step into the house where Christmas has been interrupted by an animal takeover. Seeking refuge from extreme rain, the house becomes home to magnificent and unusual beasts.
For the first time, the house will be open every day from 1–24 December.
See the new exhibition
From a medieval hunting lodge to the palladian inspired house you see today, discover how Lyme's house has changed and developed over time with a collection of bespoke models created by artist Jennifer Collier.
Free Talks and Tours
Please note that these talks and tours are run by a dedicated team of volunteers and are subject to availiabilty.
Spotlight talks
Free | No need to book, just pop in to the chapel
Daily (except Wednesday). Check the times on the board in the courtyard
From a hunting lodge to a country house there's 600 years of history hidden at Lyme. Before you visit the house, why not introduce yourself to Lyme's story with this 20 minute spotlight talk led by a Lyme expert? Find out about the battle that changed the Legh's fortunes and why images of "severed arms" and ram's heads feature on the walls, ceilings and furniture in the house.
Behind the scenes tours
Free | Pick up a lanyard on the day from the Ticket Office at the house to claim your space
Check in with the Ticket Office for today's times
Take a tour downstairs, to the working areas of the Legh family's servants which are normally strictly behind the scenes. Step back in time to Lyme's 'golden era' at the turn of the 20th century and discover the lives and quarters of servants who worked here then.
Behind closed door tours
Select dates in November | £5 Members | £11 Non-members (includes entry to park and gardens)
The house at Lyme has many secrets from throughout the centuries. While the house is closed in November, see what lies behind hidden cupboards, doors and cabinets, in this exclusive 45 minute tour with Lyme's experts.
Collection items to look out for
Over 600 years, Lyme has acquired all kinds of unusual objects and strange secrets so you're bound to notice hidden details on every visit. Here are some highlights from the collection.
The Sarum Missal in the Saloon
The Sarum Missal at Lyme is the only surviving, largely intact, book of its kind. Printed by William Caxton in Paris 1487, the book is unique in having belonged to one family for over five centuries and represents the changing religious views of the country during that period. The Sarum Missal can be found in the Saloon.
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Regency Dressing Room
Free | 11am - 2pm |Each day (except Wednesday when the house is closed)
Whether you're 2 or 102, visit the dressing room to step back in time to Regency England. Become Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet’s shoes and take a turn about the house and garden which served as Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. With a range of size inclusive options from children to XXL women's and mens sizes, it's perfect for families, couples and groups of friends.
Family fun in the house
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 arrow to see what activities are on for families.
Half term - Mystery Trail: The Case of Peter Legh XII
21 October - 29 October (closed Wednesdays) The Dutch troops are heading to Lyme to arrest Peter Legh XII. He’s been accused of high treason for trying to overthrow King William III and put James II back on the throne. If the troops find evidence against Peter Legh, it’ll cost him his head! Follow the clues hiding in each room to find the evidence before King William’s troops do - Peter’s life depends on it!
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