Lyme is a country house which was built and rebuilt, embellished and enlarged throughout its ownership by the Legh family, over six centuries with each generation making its mark and creating the house we see today. Explore rooms of exquisite furnishings and unusual objects at your own pace to discover stories of medieval battle, furtive rebellion, and grand tours.
Lyme's house reopens in February
The house is closed for annual conservation work in January. Visit the house from 14 February 2026.
Must-sees from Lyme's collection
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 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 Library, alongside a facsimile that you can read through to discover its secrets for yourself.
The collection at Lyme is so large that the majority of the older clocks are displayed in the State Bedroom and Dressing Room. Take a closer look at the intricate inner workings and find out more about their individual histories.
In this room you’ll find the Fromanteel clock. Dating from 1658, this timepiece is thought to be from the first ever batch of pendulum clocks made in England. It is likely to be the oldest surviving pendulum clock in the entire country.
This beautiful golden harp was bought by Thomas Legh in 1829, a year after his marriage to the young heiress Ellen Turner. However their relationship was to be tragically short-lived, as she died in 1831. After this, Thomas went back to travelling the world, and it would be 12 years before he settled back at Lyme again.
Discover explorer Thomas Legh’s most important archaeological finds. He discovered these marble sculptures in Athens in 1812 and asked Lewis Wyatt to incorporate them into the design for the new library at Lyme. Thomas displayed his most treasured objects here to showcase the ancient culture he had witnessed and admired.
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What's on in the house
From talks and tours to the Regency dressing room and Conservation in Action, there's always more to see in the house at Lyme. Whether you're a regular visitor or it's your first time here, delve into the rich history of this special place.
Talks
Every day in the Chapel (volunteer dependent). Visit the Ticket Office upon arrival to find out more.
A brief history of Lyme, offering a background on the Legh family and how Lyme came to be. Talks last approx. 20 minutes. No need to book, it is on a first come first served basis.
Behind-the-scenes tours
Every day (volunteer dependent). Visit the Ticket Office upon arrival to find out more.
Tours last approximately 45 minutes and detail what life was like for working servants at Lyme. Visitors can see areas usually closed to the public including the Butler's Pantry, and learn about the below stairs characters who lived here. Please be aware that these tours are not suitable for children under 10 and involve tight spaces, steep staircases and narrow passageways.
Please note that talks and tours are volunteer dependent so please ring the Estate Office on 01663762023to double-check what's on for the day of your visit.
Conservation in Action
Our conservation team regularly undertake vital conservation work whilst we’re open to the public. Visitors can visit the conservation studio and see where the team are currently working.
Regency dressing room
Experience Lyme like a Jane Austen character and get dressed up in full Regency dress. Spend the day in costume whilst exploring the house and gardens. Dress up in suits, day-dresses, or childrens clothing true to the silhouettes and tailoring of the Regency era, represented in Pride and Prejudice and reflected in Bridgerton's period styling.
No pre-booking necessary. If you'd like to go directly to the Dressing Room, ask in the Entrance Hall and our friendly volunteers will direct you through the house. Sizes range from a S to XXL and women’s up to a size 22. All sizes are subject to availability.
Family fun in the house
Lyme was a much loved family home, and there is plenty to do for younger visitors and for those just young at heart. Play a game of billiards in the Long Gallery, borrow and book to sit and read in the Library and get dressed up Regency-style and become a Jane Austen character plus check to see see what seasonal activites are on offer on our family page.
Unlike many great estates, Lyme was a much-loved home to generations of one family and their valued and loyal workers. Living through England's most troubled times, the Legh family hung on to their home and (mostly) their heads, and this impact can still be seen across the estate today. The largest estate in Cheshire, Lyme has been designed on a grand scale over a number of centuries. It has been a place to receive occasional royal guests, take friends hunting or to entertain on a lavish scale.
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.
There's over 1,400 acres of historic parkland to explore at Lyme in winter. Discover thriving wildlife during your walk into nature, and seek out the follies for some of the best views over Cheshire.
Discover a variety of houses and buildings to visit around Cheshire and Manchester, from grand mansions with opulent state rooms to a restored working mill.
