Skip to content

Things to do at Lyveden manor

Lyveden manor in the autumn sunshine
Lyveden in the autumn sunshine | © National Trust Images/Mike Selby

With a grand manor house to see, plan your visit here, with historical talks, information on the garden design and our temporary exhibition space there's plenty to see and do.

Plan your day

There are plenty of things to see and do at Lyveden, so here's a few top tips for visiting and finding your way around.

Talks and tours at Lyveden

Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers on a historical tour through Lyveden's gardens, where you can see the accomplishments and misfortunes of Sir Thomas Tresham and his interrupted dream here at Lyveden. Please check with our friendly visitor reception team upon arrival for tour times, subject to volunteer availability.

Borrow an audio guide

Lyveden's audio guides take you through the history of this fascinating place. The guide relates the origins of the New Bield, why Sir Thomas Tresham’s dreams were never realised and the family’s infamous involvement in the Gunpowder Plot.

Visit the Manor

Visit the grade I-listed house, acquired by the Trust in 2013, and discover more about Thomas Tresham and his garden design at Lyveden. Look out for the oak staircase constructed in 2000 as an exact replica of the original which was removed in 1920 to America.

Temporary Exhibitions at Lyveden

This exciting exhibition is result of a year long partnership with Tresham College (part of The Bedford College Group) in Kettering and Corby. The rotating exhibition includes selected works by students studying Level 3 Art and Design, Photography, Foundation Art and Design Diploma and HNC Art Practice courses.

Students visited Lyveden and learned about our captivating story of Sir Thomas Tresham and what drove him to create Lyveden. Inspired by their visit, the students created a variety of pieces, reflecting on themes from religious persecution to the beauty of the natural world.

Tresham College (part of The Bedford College Group) is a vibrant and contemporary college enviornment to learn in, offering a range of further and higher education art and design courses.

The exhibition forms part of our Children and Young People strategy, working with young people to build their first relationships with the National Trust, as the members and supporters of tomorrow.

Views on Lyveden

Two men looking at framed photographs on a wall
Staff from Tresham College looking at students work | © Mike Selby

Art on display at Lyveden

Staff from Tresham College were amazed by the quality of work the students produced, once inspired by Lyveden.

1 of 5
A view of the Elizabethan lodge at Lyveden with the sun hitting the walls and blue sky above

Discover more at Lyveden

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

You might also be interested in

PDF
PDF

Lyveden Way map 

Your guide to walking the Lyveden way

A view of the Elizabethan lodge at Lyveden with the sun hitting the walls and blue sky above
Article
Article

History of Lyveden 

Discover how religious persecution, treason and debt stopped Tresham’s vision from being fulfilled and why Lyveden stands as a reminder of his act of quiet and creative rebellion.

Girl serving coffee in a cafe
Article
Article

Eating and drinking at Lyveden 

Visit the Grade I-listed Manor to find the recently opened café serving light meals, sandwiches, drinks and cakes.

A small dog on a lead with autumn leaves on the ground at Croome, Worcestershire
Article
Article

Visiting Lyveden with your dog 

Lyveden is a three pawprint rated place. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the garden at Lyveden and on the ground floor of the Manor. Share your day with your dog as you explore woodland and the Northamptonshire countryside together.