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Visiting the house at Lyme

The Long Gallery looking south towards the fireplace at Lyme Park, Cheshire
The Long Gallery looking south towards the fireplace at Lyme Park, Cheshire | © National Trust Images / Nadia Mackenzie

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.

Model of the Wyatt Redesign of the house at Lyme made from recycled copies of the Lyme Letters
Model of the Wyatt Redesign of the house at Lyme made from recycled copies of the Lyme Letters by Lady Newton | © Jan-Christof Telford

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 at Lyme showing the initials of William Caxton who produced the book in 1487 in conjunction with the printer Guillame Maynyal in Paris.
The Sarum Missal is the only surviving, largely intact, book of its kind. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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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Visitors dressing up in period dress at Lyme, Cheshire
Visitors dressing up in period dress at Lyme, Cheshire | © Jan-Christof Telford

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.

Peter Legh XII standing, turned right, looking out, in a dark green coat with red mantle and white linen at neck and sleeves; left hand tucked into coat, right hand on mantle on ledge, bottom left; landscape and sky to right.
Follow the clues hiding in each room to find the evidence to save Peter Legh | © ©National Trust Images

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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Visitors admiring the collections at Lyme, Cheshire

Lyme Park's collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Lyme Park on the National Trust Collections website.

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Heritage Fund

Inspiring, leading and resourcing the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.

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