visit lyme park cheshire

Search Attractions

Postcode: SK12 2NR

Dive deep into the timeless allure of Lyme Park, a jewel of Cheshire's heritage. With its majestic mansion, diverse gardens, and historic narratives, the estate promises an enchanting journey. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or architecture aficionado, Lyme Park beckons with tales of yesteryears and scenic splendours.

Visitor information: lyme park.

Lyme Park, nestled on the edge of the Peak District in Cheshire, is a sprawling estate that exudes grandeur and historical allure. Spanning over 1,300 acres, the park boasts a majestic mansion, beautiful gardens, and a vast deer park.

The house itself, a magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture, is adorned with lavish interiors and treasures that tell tales of the Legh family who called it home for generations. Outside, the carefully curated gardens range from formal parterres to serene lakes and vast moorlands.

Visitors are often captivated by the estate’s rich history, architectural marvels, and the diverse landscape that serves as a haven for wildlife and offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Did you know? Lyme Park served as the backdrop for the iconic scene in the 1995 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” where Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth, emerges from the lake.

Lyme Mansion : Explore the grandeur of this historic house, adorned with fine furnishings, intricate tapestries, and artworks that span generations.

The Orangery : A serene spot, this ornate structure stands amidst lush greenery and showcases exotic plants.

Deer Park : Spanning over 1,000 acres, visitors can catch sight of the beautiful red and fallow deer that roam freely.

The Rose Garden : A fragrant haven of beauty, this garden blooms with various rose species, each more enchanting than the last.

The Italian Garden : Characterized by its structured design and elegant fountains, it’s a peaceful retreat within the estate.

Crow Wood Playscape : An adventure playground inspired by the natural environment, perfect for children to explore and play.

The Cage : A historic hunting tower offering panoramic views of the estate and the surrounding landscapes.

The Timber Yard : Home to a café and shop, it’s a spot to relax and indulge in local delicacies or purchase souvenirs.

Guided Tours : Embark on expert-led tours to delve deeper into the history, architecture, and stories that make Lyme Park so special.

Explore Nearby

The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre, located in Greater Manchester, stands…

Winter Gardens

The Winter Gardens in Blackpool stands as an…

National Football Museum

The National Football Museum, located in Manchester, England,…

The Beatles Story

Few bands have ever achieved the same level…

Manchester Museum

Located in the heart of the University of…

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Perched at the historic Albert Dock in Liverpool,…

Southport Pleasureland

Southport Pleasureland, situated in the charming coastal town…

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

Liverpool, with its rich maritime history and vibrant…

Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall, situated in Cheshire, stands as…

Lancaster Castle

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Lancaster…

Chill Factore

Chill Factore, situated near Manchester, is the UK’s…

Walker Art Gallery

Located in the heart of Liverpool, the Walker…

Top 10 things to do at Lyme Park House & Gardens

Top 10 things to do at Lyme Park House and Gardens

Lyme Park and Gardens is an absolutely stunning National Trust treasure based in the beautiful hills of the Peak District. The estate covers 1,400 acres and features a 16th century grand mansion, Italian gardens, wild woodlands and a number of medieval and Victorian buildings dotted around its vast parkland. One thing is for sure – there are plenty of things to do!

Here are the top 10 things to do at Lyme Park House and Gardens.

1) Visit Lyme House

If you had one word and one word only to describe Lyme House it would be, STUNNING. It goes without saying that the untouched natural park it sits in alongside its wildlife is breathtaking by itself, but Lyme House really is the jewel in Lyme Park’s crown.

The estate was originally granted to Sir Thomas Danyers in 1346 before being passed to the Leghs family by marriage in 1388. Incredibly it remained in the Legh family until 1946 when it was given to the National Trust due to the escalating cost of the upkeep of the property.

Bad news for the Legh’s family – however great news for the public who can now enjoy the full estate – no title necessary!

There’s been a house onsite at Lyme Park since 1465, but the present Lyme House dates back to the latter part of the 16th century. It’s the largest house in Cheshire as well a protected Grade I listed building due to its exceptional national, architectural or historical importance.

Like many grand estates, Lyme House has had many adaptations over the years with each addition adding character and uniqueness to the house including Elizabethan, renaissance and baroque style features.

Highlights from inside the house include the original Elizabethan drawing room with medieval stain glass windows, the Stag Parlour and the Knight’s bedroom where Mary Queen of Scots once slept.

The bedroom features a secret passage way to The Cage further out on the estate and is said to be haunted after a skeleton was found in the passage way during renovations!

2) Have a walk around the Lyme House Italian gardens and woodlands

Lyme House is not just at the centre of a beautiful vast parkland. It’s home to an array of stunning gardens next to a woodland that used to be part of Macclesfield Forest.

Between 1813–18, the formal gardens were replaced to create more of a naturalistic look in a mix of Victorian styles. These included: an orangery, elaborate flower bed displays and an Italian garden that looks like it came straight from a Venetian palace!

The Orangery is also a nice, quiet place to chat whilst overlooking the gardens and Lyme Lake. It’s essentially a fancy greenhouse featuring a lovely moss covered stone fountain, surrounded by beautiful plant life from across the world.

Whilst Lyme Lake is famous in its own right for a certain Colin Firth (playing a brooding Mr Darcy) once emerging from the water soaking wet in a rather sexy fashion in Pride and Prejudice.

3) Have a picnic by Lyme Lake

There are so many lovely green spots at Lyme Park that it’s the perfect place to take a picnic break and relax. Lyme Lake in particular is a great place to sit and have lunch whilst looking out across the woodland and watching the pond life.

If its a romantic picnic you’re having – don’t be tempted to do a Darcy. The water is freezing!

4) Visit the Cage

If you’re feeling energetic and up for a hill hike, head up to Lyme Park’s mysterious “cage”. It was built by the warrior priest (what a title – right?), Sir Piers V in 1524 as a hunting tower or watchtower. However its best known for allegedly keeping prisoners who were poaching on the estate and awaiting trial.

The Cage was eventually rebuilt in the 1730s with its fortress-like appearance made more hospitable. This was presumably to make it useable as a banqueting room, but we’ll never know for sure!

It later became a home for estate workers which must have been well chilly on top of that windswept hill! When me and my friend Becky visited, we were almost blown off the hill and unable to walk around it!

5) Visit the Timber Yard shop

I always get sucked in at the National Trust shops. They have the cutest gifts and souvenirs and Lyme Park is no exception!

They have a fantastic range of gifts, prints and bits and bobs for your garden. As well as locally sourced food and treats supplied by small businesses. They even have Mr Darcy memorabilia for the diehard Pride and Prejudice fans among you!

The best part though is, whatever money you spend goes straight back into the upkeep of Lyme Park itself.

And let’s face it – gifting yourself whilst giving directly to charity is the a best feeling, right?

6) Grab some lunch or afternoon tea and cake at the Lyme Park Cafe

If you don’t fancy packing a picnic (or it’s just too damn cold to sit out!) there are a few places you can get grub at Lyme Park. There are two cafes with selection of hot food, sandwiches and snacks. One is in the old servants quarters and the other is based at the old timber yard.

But I highly recommend visiting the permanent outdoor food hut by the carpark (stay with me! 😂). It has its very own wood fire pizza oven and all the pizzas are made fresh to order.

For the Eagle-eyed vegans among you, yes that’s a vegan margherita pizza you spy! That’s right, a vegan food option at a National Trust property! National Trust aren’t known for providing a lot of options for special dietary requirements but this pizza was a nice surprise and was pretty good!

If you’re wondering which cafe is best to choose, I would say go for the Timber Yard (weather permitting). When the weather is warmer it’s a lovely place to sit out and have lunch or tea and cake.

Anyone else think it’s weird that one estate’s old timber yard is what a million pound house would be today?!

7) Visit Paddock Cottage

Paddock Cottage is an adorable little house that sits high on the South side of Lyme Park. It’s built from stone taken right from the estate and was specifically designed as a “show piece”.

Paddock Cottage was essentially to be a ‘fancy’ place to take guests for dinner after a hunt, with its decorative interior, ornate overmantle and fantastic views of the surrounding area.

With a handy direct view of the Cage, Paddock Cottage was later turned into housing for estate workers (lucky them!).

8) Follow the walking trails to find the Lyme Park deer

Lyme Park is home to all sorts of wildlife. But its the park’s red deer that are the stars of the estate!

There have been deer at Lyme Park for over 600 years and they’ve played a pivotal role in the history of the estate.

During the ‘rutting’ season *hehe* in October you’ll see the stags showcasing their prowess. Whilst in June you’ll find lots of adorable fawns!

The deer graze across most of the park but they can be a little shy so don’t get too close!

9) Visit The Lantern

This lovely little sandstone tower is another Lyme Park landmark. It was built in 1580 for visitors to enjoy the scenery, which at the time was open moorland.

It’s believed to have originally sat on the roof of Lyme House where Minerva’s statue now stands; however was placed on the woodland hill in the 1720s.

According to the National Trust, if Lord Newton could see the Lantern clearly from the dining room at Lyme House, it was good enough weather for hunting.

10) Go hiking with your pup

With 1,400 acres of hilly woodland to explore, Lyme Park is a great place to go hiking! You’ll definitely get a proper workout heading up all those hill tops. My dog Lilly loved running up the hills and dashing down the nosying down the country paths. It’s also a great way to knacker them out!

Have would be your go-to things to do at Lyme Park House and Gardens? Have you got any favourite National Trust properties you love to visit? Let me know in the comments below! 😊

Similar Posts

Is York worth visiting? Top 10 reasons to visit historic York

Top 10 coolest things to see in Bristol (in a day!)

Is Glasgow worth visiting? Top 10 reasons to visit fun-filled Glasgow!

Top 10 British stereotypes (that are actually true!)

Choccywoccydoodah review: Chocolate heaven in Brighton!

SURPRISE VIEW, Peak District: Route difficulty, parking & more!

Get a FREE Essential Travel Apps and Websites Checklist!

5 Things to Do at Lyme Park House and Gardens – National Trust

Ideally located at the edge of the Peak District in England is the popular National Trust site of Lyme Park. 

The 1,400 acre estate has everything you need for a perfect day out: a glorious house filled with history, a magical garden packed with colourful flowers and unique features, a sanctuary packed with deer, many walking trails and stunning views of the surrounding area.

In this blog post I’ll show you some of the features you shouldn’t miss when visiting Lyme Park. If you’d like to see more of Lyme Park then make sure to watch our  YouTube video linked below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing Lyme Park

Located on the edge of the Peak District to the south of Disley is the beautiful and famous Lyme Park Estate. The estate consists of a mansion, formal garden and 1,400 acres of historic parkland including a deer park.

In 1346 the estate was granted to Sir Thomas Danyers. Then in 1388 it was passed to the Leghs family through marriage and was owned by the same family until 1946. In 1946 the estate was given to the National Trust, but was managed by Stockport Council until 1994 when the National Trust took control over it.

Unfortunately, in August 2019, Lyme Park was hit by severe flooding and a large section of the garden was washed away. 

A place as beautiful as Lyme Park will automatically attract filmmakers. So it’s no surprise that many iconic movies and TV-shows were filmed here. Lyme Park was used as Mr. Darcy’s home, Pemberley, in BBC’s mini-series version of Jane Austen’s  Pride and Prejudice. The scene that turned Lyme Park into an iconic backdrop was when Lizzie was approached by the soaking wet Mr. Darcy (played by Colin Firth) at the Reflection Lake. I found the scene on YouTube if you’d like to re-watch it.

Part of the second series of The Village was also filmed at Lyme Park in 2014. It’s another BBC television drama set in a Derbyshire village in the 20th century. 

Lyme park was also used as a filming location in the 2011 film  The Awakening .

How to get to Lyme Park?

Lyme Park is located 2 miles south of Disley in Cheshire in the Peak District. If you arrive by car, use postcode SK12 2NR in your SatNav and also follow the signs leading you to the park. The only entrance to the car park is just off the A6 Buxton Road W. Upon arrival you have to show your ticket then drive another mile to reach the actual car park. Make sure you park at the designated car park and not on the verge!

If you don’t have your own car but would like to enjoy the freedom of a private vehicle, then you can always  hire a car   to get to Lyme.

By Public Transport

If you decide to use public transport there is a bus stop along the A6 Buxton Road W. Bus 199 Skyline operates regular services between Buxton and Manchester Airport stopping at destinations such as Stockport, Chapel and Whaley Bridge. Disley Train Station is only 0.5 miles from the entrance of Lyme Park which offers services between Manchester and Buxton. If you come from further afield, I suggest getting to either Manchester or Buxton first, then getting the bus or train to Lyme Park.

Make sure to plan your journey with  Trainline  which also provides information on bus fares.

Top Tip  – If you’re planning on travelling across the UK by train a lot, then  check out some Railcard options  which allow you to save some pennies on your train fares.

Did you know? – In order to reduce the pressure on the car park, Lyme Park offers visitors a free bus service between the Park and Ride at Hazel Grove and Lyme. This service is only available on Sundays and Bank Holidays. (Due to restrictions, this service has been suspended, but you can find more information on the website! )

By bike:  If you decide to hop on your bike, there are plenty of national and local cycle routes running in the vicinity of Lyme Park.

Cost to enter Lyme Park

Entry fee to Lyme Park is £13 for adults and £6.50 for children. This includes your car parking fee, your house and formal garden tours. If you just want to enter the gardens behind the house, then it’s £6 for adults and £3 for children. Luckily, you can access the parkland and its features such as the Cage, the Lantern and the deer park free of charge, but you still have to pay for parking! Further information on tickets can be found  on the website.

If you’re a member of the National Trust you can visit this stunning garden free of charge. You can read about the different kinds of membership  by clicking here.

Facilities at Lyme Park

Cafés and Picnic Spots  – If you’d like to grab a drink or something to eat then the café at Timber Yard offers a good variety of hot and cold drinks, lunches and of course delicious cakes. There’s also a Refreshment Kiosk at the car park serving some hot and cold drinks and some snacks. (Please note that you can only pay by card!) If you visit the garden on a nice day, I recommend bringing your own picnic with you. You can bring your own picnic blanket and find a great spot to eat anywhere on the grass within the estate.

Please Note! – You can’t have BBQs or any open fires! 

Shops – There are a few different shopping opportunities within Lyme Park. You can stop by Hall Shop if you’d like to browse for some home made products, trinkets and Pride and Prejudice merch. You can also check out the Timber Yard Shop for more outdoorsy products such as plants, gardening tools and even kids’ toys. There’s also a second-hand bookshop, called Pre-Loved Bookshop, for book lovers. (Unfortunately, the shop is currently closed.)

Toilets  – There are toilet facilities available either at Timber Yard or at Lyme House. 

What to Do in Lyme Park?

1. take a tour in lyme house.

Lyme House is actually the largest one in Cheshire and it’s designated as a Grade I listed building. It’s also recorded in the National Heritage List for England. 

The very first records of the house date it back to 1465 but the building you see today was built in the 16th century. Obviously, the house went through some changes over the years and different sections were added and moderated. Around 1720 the Italian architect Leoni added some Palladian and Baroque styles to the Elizabethan features. The furniture you see today during your tour was bought towards the end of the 18th century. 

When the family fortune started to decrease the house began to deteriorate too. In the 19th century Lewis Wyatt was commissioned to restore Lyme House. As part of his work he remodelled every room in the house. 

We were incredibly lucky that at the time of our visit the ground floor of the house was open and we could enjoy the interior of this stunning building. 

Don’t Miss The Lyme Missal

When you’re touring around the house make sure you don’t walk past the Lyme Caxton Missal. It’s the centerpiece of the library so you can’t really miss it. 

If you didn’t know, a missal is a liturgical book that contains instructions and text for the celebration of Mass. This particular missal has been in the Legh Family since 1508 before the National Trust bought it in 2008. It’s actually the only pretty much intact copy of its kind which makes it even more special.

2. Explore the Former Gardens

I highly recommend spending some time exploring Lyme Park’s Formal Gardens. They were created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Together with the deer park they are listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens as Grade II. 

The 15 acre (6 ha) garden has many amazing features and structures you can explore during your visit. As you stroll along the gardens, you’ll see the sunken Dutch Garden , cross the Ravine Garden  on a cute stone bridge and see the Herbaceous Borders next to the Reflecting Lake . Make sure you spend some time at the Reflecting Lake taking in the beauty, finding the right angle for the perfect reflection or waiting for Mr. Darcy to appear. (Spoiler alert, he didn’t appear during my visit…)

You’ll also come across some additional flower gardens including a pretty  Rose Garden . To the northeast of Lyme House is the Orangery which was designed in 1862. I love greenhouses so after the Reflection Lake, the Orangery was my second favourite part of the garden.

Did you know? – During World War II, the park was used as an RAF lorry depot.

3. Walk Out to the Cage

You can enter the Cage free of charge.

Another well known feature of Lyme Park is a tower called the Cage  (53.34453°N 2.05189°W). It stands on the hill just to the east of the house. You can spot this structure when driving around the Peak District and you can also see for miles from it on a clear day. 

It was originally built as a hunting lodge, then later it was used as the park-keeper’s cottage. The name Cage comes from its use in holding prisoners here before their trial. The first structure was built in 1524 before it was rebuilt again in 1737. The tower you see today is a square three-storey building with small towers on the corners. Like many other features within Lyme Park, it’s also listed as a Grade II building.

It’s a bit of a walk from Lyme House and also quite windy but your efforts will be treated with some magnificent views across the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain. On your way back, you’ll have some pretty cool views of Lyme House so make sure to take your time and enjoy it.

4. Check Out the Red Deer Sanctuary

You can visit the Deer Park free of charge.

If you made the trip out to the Cage make sure to check out the deer sanctuary too. You’ll probably see them grazing in the distance, so you might as well go a bit closer and admire their beauty.

Deer have been present at Lyme Park for over 600 years. You can see them all year round, but if you’d like to make your visit extra special come either in October, which is the rutting season, or in June when you’ll see the adorable baby deer. 

Top Tip – If you are a photographer or have good camera gear you can take some amazing close up photos of the grazing deer.

5. Check Out the Lantern in Lantern Wood

You can visit the Lantern free of charge.

Whilst you’re strolling around the garden, you might spot an interesting tower to the left of the house on top of the hill (53.33842°N 2.04333°W). This feature is called the Lantern and it’s considered another iconic landmark of Lyme Park.

The Lantern is also a three-storey sandstone building like the Cage. However, whilst its first storey is square shaped, the other levels and the spire are octagonal. It’s also listed as a Grade II building. 

You’ll get some pretty epic views over Lyme Park, and on a clear day all the way across the Cheshire plain.

Did you know? – The Lantern is in line with the house’s Dining Room windows, so if Lord Newton could see the Lantern it meant that it was a good day for hunting.

Additional Gardens to Visit in the Area

So, if you’d like to visit other National Trust gardens and estates that are less than an hours drive away from Lyme Park then make sure to check out some of my other blog posts:

Biddulph Grange Garden – A unique National Trust Garden where you can visit China, Egypt, Italy and many other places in just one day. If you love combining travel, science, religion and horticulture, then you must put Biddulph Grange Garden onto your itinerary.  Click here to read it.

Dunham Massey –  Explore a historical country house, stroll through a beautiful garden and watch deer casually roaming around you at Dunham Massey. You can read about 6 things to do when visiting the estate by  clicking here.

Chatsworth House and Gardens  – Explore Britain’s favourite country house and thousands of acres of surrounding parkland.  Click here to read it.

Tatton Park  – Owned by the National Trust, Tatton Park is a beautiful historical estate situated to the north of Knutsford. Since the estate has a mansion, a medieval manor house, 50 acres of gardens, an animal farm and 1000 acres of deer park you can easily spend a full day there. You can read about 8 things you must do when visiting Tatton Park by  clicking here.

Quarry Bank Mill  – Learn about the history of one of the best preserved textile factories of the Industrial Revolution. Walk around the beautiful garden, explore Styal Country Park and spot planes at Manchester Airport. You can read about 7 things to do to get the most out of your visit by  clicking here.

Final Thoughts on Lyme Park

There are a few places around us that we constantly return to and Lyme Park is definitely one of those places. This visit in August 2020 was probably our fourth visit to this beautiful National Trust site. There’s just so much to do and see and every season offers something different for you. 

Have you ever been to Lyme Park before? Which season did you visit it in and how much of the area did you manage to explore? Let me know in the comments below. 

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

Similar Posts

7 Things to See on the Isle of Portland Walk, Jurassic Coast, England

Dovedale Stepping Stones Walk in the Peak District

Biddulph Grange Garden – A Trip Around the World at a National Trust Garden

7 Picturesque Villages to Visit in the Cotswolds

Padley Gorge – A Mystical Woodland Walk in the Peak District

Halloween Ghost Hunting at Bolsover Castle

18 comments.

Omg Lyme Park House looks beautiful! Every time I read one of your posts I add somewhere to my list to visit as soon as we’re out of lockdown! I especially love The Cage…I love unique buildings like the! The orangery looks beautiful too! I can’t wait until we’re able to visit! Thanks for the fab guide!

I’m so happy that my posts make you want to visit these places! I know for sure that you won’t be disappointed since I often re-visit these places and can’t get bored of them. I hope the restrictions will ease soon so you can explore the Peaks!!

I thought I recognized it from the movies! Thanks for this, I’ll put it on the list for next visit.

Yes, it’s an iconic spot isn’t it? I hope you can come and see it soon!

Oh wow. This place looks incredible. The stained glass?! Just, wow.

Yes the house is stunning inside out! Hope you can explore it too in the future 🙂

Wow how stunning! Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I would absolutely love to take a tour of Lyme House and the gardens. The decor and furniture look so pretty!

Thank you so much Kate, I’m so happy you loved my blog and photos. It’s indeed a gorgeous place and definitely worth a visit.

What an amazing estate! A visit to this site would make for the perfect day trip especially on a clear day when one can enjoy strolling along the beautiful gardens and trails in addition to marveling at the stunning interiors of the historic building. We usually rely on public transportation during our travels so I especially appreciate the details on how to get to Lyme Park using public transport. Adding this to our bucket list and pinning this informative post for future reference – thanks for the details.

Thank you for your lovely comment! I’m so pleased to know that my ‘how to get there’ guide is useful. Not everyone has a car and I believe that it’s good to use public transport especially if a place like Lyme Park has a great connectivity. Hope you can come and visit soon I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

Wow! Thanks for this in-depth guide… I am in love with all the photos you took of the scenery, especially at the Cage. It looks stunning! Thanks for all the wonderful tips

Thank you for your lovely comment Ellie, I’m glad you enjoyed both my guide and my photos. I love taking them, especially at a place as beautiful as Lyme Park. Hope you can come and enjoy the view of the Cage too!

This looks amazing! I absolutely love all your photos

Thank you so much. I’m so happy you loved my photos.

Lyme Park is so beautiful with so many things to do. I’d love to catch a glimpse of the red deer. I’ve never seen one so it would be so special.

Yes this place is definitely perfect for a full day trip! Oh yes the deer are absolutely stunning at the park I can’t wait to come back in the summer and see the baby ones!

My family and I lived on the Lyme Park estate from 2005-2008 while I was working in Manchester. We have since moved back to America, but Lyme Park will always hold a special place in our heart. It was fun to watch your video and once again be reminded of the beauty that is Lyme Park.

Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your story Joshua. So happy to hear that our video brought back some lovely memories of your time on the estate. We visit Lyme Park a few times a year and never get bored of it. I bet it was amazing to actually live there.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Holiday Cottages
• Bed & Breakfast
• Hotels & Spas
• Caravan & Camp
• Glamping, Pods, Lodges & Shepherds Huts
• Campervan Hire
• Pet Friendly
• Pub Accommodation
• Group Accommodation
• Youth Hostels (YHA)
• Property Services
• Late Availability & Deals
• Join Our Newsletter
• LIST WITH US
• Ancient Sites
• Art, Culture & Attractions
• Brewers & Vineyards
• Country Houses
• The Great Outdoors
• Peak District Events
• Indie High Street
• Towns & Villages
• Walks, Trails & Cycling
• Pubs & Restaurants
• Cafés & Tearooms
• Hotel Dining
• Photography Days
• Experiences
• All Walks (Map View)
• Wedding & Celebration Venues
• Wedding & Event Services
• Show Me 10 Facts
• Peak District Blog
• Peak District Voices
• Peak Ambassadors
• Press Releases
• Peak District Gateways
• Peak District Videos
• Weather Webcams
• Meet the Team
• All Other Experiences
• Accessible Accommodation
• Ancient Sites and Monuments
• Attractions
• Bar & Restaurants
• Campervan hire
• Caravans and Camping
• Catering for accommodation owners
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Country Houses & Estates
• Cyclist Friendly Accommodation
• Discounts and Offers
• Glamping, Shepherds Huts and Lodges
• Large Group Accommodation
• Lets Go Peak District Friends
• Motorhome Hire
• Outdoor Adventures
• Pet Boarding

• Services for Property Owners
• Towns and Villages
• Weddings and Celebrations
• Youth Hostels
• Let's Visit Peak District Country Houses and Estates
• Peak District Country Houses and Estates
• No Comments
• 15th October 2018

Nestling on the edge of the Peak District in Disley in Cheshire, Lyme Park was originally a hunting lodge and modest family home, owned by the Legh family for just under 600 years. The house underwent extensive alterations in the 15th Century, with notable architects employed to transform it into a glorious Regency mansion.

Lyme Park today is a feast for the senses. It boasts lavish interiors, fascinating collections of art and a magnificent 1,400 acre estate, complete with a medieval herd of red deer. There is something here for the whole family to enjoy. Try out the billiards table in the Long Gallery, read a book in the library, or visit the Dressing Room to try on the finest Regency regalia.

Outside, explore the elegant Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

Children can let off steam in Crow Wood Playscape with its giant slide, badger den and rope walks. The nearby Timberyard Cafe offers delicious hot and cold snacks, soups and range of cakes.

Lyme Park is owned and managed by the National Trust .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation

• Historic Connections
• Nearby attractions

Accommodation

More photos.

Lyme Park was begun in the Tudor period but the present house was transformed by the architect Leoni into an ornate Italian palace in the 1720s. Within the house traces of the Elizabethan core remain, providing a contrast with Leoni's work.

Lyme Park was the home of the Legh family, generations of whom served as soldiers, fighting in some of the most famous battles in British history, from the Hundred Years War to the Battle of Flodden.

There was a Legh at Agincourt, and he brought with him a Lyme mastiff, a breed of dog whose reputation spread around Europe. Lyme mastiffs were given as gifts to monarchs across Europe, but the breed finally died out in the early 20th century.

The Legh's had a family tradition of naming the male heir Peter, or Piers. So each successive head of the house gained a Roman numeral after his name. It fell to Peter X to create the Lyme Park we see today, transforming the earlier Tudor house into a neo-classical stately home in the Italian style.

Legh called in Giacomo Leoni, one of the most fashionable architects of the day, to create a palatial Palladian residence on the very edge of the Peak District. Leoni began in 1725, and over the next few years, he created an elegant residence that became copied throughout the century at innumerably country houses in England.

Rather than incorporate the Elizabethan long gallery into his new house, Leoni simply left it as it was, and created a new Bright Gallery, running around three sides of a courtyard at first-floor level.

In 1898 the second Lord Newton decided to remove many of Leoni's Palladian features and return the house to its Elizabethan roots. The 18th-century colours on walls and doors were painted over, and chimneypieces removed.

The 3rd Lord Newton tried to keep the house together as the 20th century rumbled on, but in 1946 he gave up and granted the house and estate to the National Trust. The trust, thankfully, restored the Palladian decor, so that now Lyme Park is a very pleasing mix of Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian.

What to See

The showpiece staterooms are festooned with tapestries, a fine collection of English clocks, and carvings by Grinling Gibbons, yet the interior is really a mix of styles. The Elizabethan long gallery has retained much of its original character, and the royal coat of arms stands over the fireplace in the drawing room.

Some fine period furnishings are scattered throughout, though little remains to commemorate the Legh family, who owned the house from the 14th century to 1946. In the library are 3 ancient Greek tombstones brought here by archaeologist Thomas Legh in the 19th century.

Around the house are 17 acres of enjoyable Victorian gardens, including a sunken parterre, rose garden, ravine garden, and a conservatory designed by James Wyatt.

The estate surrounding the house stretches to an enormous 1400 acres, with a deer park that existed in the medieval period, moorland, and park. On the crest of a hill in the park, overlooking the house, is The Cage, a Gothic hunting tower built in the 18th century.

Lyme Park was featured in the BBC production of Jane Austen 's novel Pride and Prejudice.

I must comment on the setting; it truly is spectacular. We came to Lyme from Macclesfield, over the rugged hills around Park Moor and Bakestonedale, and it felt like the edge of the known universe, it was so bleak and utterly compelling. The house sits down in a dell, as if cowering against the hillside.

The front facade is elegant, though not the most welcoming, but once you get inside the house the mood changes. There is so much to see, and from so many different time periods. Then there are the formal gardens behind the house; these are simply stunning, and the view of the house reflected in the nearby pool is one of the most beautiful you will ever see at any stately home.

About Lyme Park Address: Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, England, SK12 2NR Attraction Type: Historic House Location: on the A6, 6 miles SE of Stockport Website: Lyme Park Email: [email protected] National Trust - see also: National Trust memberships (official website link) Location map OS: SJ965 824 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

POPULAR POSTS

• 18 Historic London Pubs
• 10 Fairytale Scottish Castles

Historic Time Periods:

Find other attractions tagged with:

14th century (Time Period) - 19th century (Time Period) - Elizabethan (Architecture) - Tudor (Time Period) -

NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

Nearest Holiday Cottages to Lyme Park:

  More self catering near Lyme Park

• Chester Index
• Roman Amphitheatre
• Chester Cathedral
• Eastgate Clock
• Roman Garden
• Chester Tourism

Attractions

• All attractions
• Attractions map
• Historic Buildings
• Historic Churches
• Historic Houses
• Roman sites
• Towns & Villages

Featured attractions

• Beeston Castle
• Cholmondeley Castle Garden
• Adlington Hall
• Bramall Hall
• Capesthorne Hall
• Dunham Massey
• Little Moreton Hall
• Tatton Park
• Self Catering

Stunning UK prints for sale by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of Britain Express, the UK Travel and Heritage Guide.

National Trust membership

Free entry to National Trust properties throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus discounted admission to National Trust for Scotland properties.

Membership details

About the National Trust

Top Historic Attractions in Cheshire

Towns / villages, self catering near disley.

The Lodge Disley Sleeps 2, from £346

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Family Friendly

Restaurants, buy the visit manchester pass.

Discover Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass - Entry into 13 of Manchester's top attractions plus over 30 discounts and offers.

Ratings Powered by

Spend the day playing at Lyme Park, House and Garden

Disley, cheshire.

Get transported back to Edwardian times, at the mansion and extensive grounds of Lyme Park.

If you’re a Pride and Prejudice fan, Lyme Park will have a deeper significance to you than most: that’s right, this is the location of that lake – out of which Mr. Darcy emerged, dripping, from the water. Phew. If that’s not enough to tempt you here, perhaps the herd of red- and fallow deer found grazing on the 1,300 acre sporting estate will – and that’s before you go into the mansion itself. This isn’t one of those stuffy stately places for adults either; kids can take to the stage and play dress up in the house, while outside, the rope bridges and slides in Crow Park should keep any cries of “I’m bored” firmly away. 

• Find out more about Lyme Park, House and Garden and plan your visit
• Find more gardens and parks in the Peak District & Derbyshire

Refine your search:

You may be interested in...

July events: Bluedot festival

Go stargazing while being star struck by an out-of-this-world line-up of musical talent at bluedot festival.

Location: Blackden, Cheshire

December events: Start off your Christmas season in Chester

Visit Santa, sip on mulled wine and spend the weekend celebrating all things festive in the beautiful city of Chester.

Location: Chester, Cheshire

A weekend of champagne and romance at The Chester Grosvenor

Spend a romantic break at The Chester Grosvenor in the heart of the ancient city of Chester. Enjoy a couple’s massage, drink champagne and eat spectacular food in this beautiful hotel.

Enjoy a boat trip on Canal River Trust's Waterways

Spend your weekend exploring Cheshire’s incredible waterways, at Anderton Boat Lift and the National Waterways Museum.

Location: Anderton, Cheshire

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

A Fabulous Day Out At Lyme Hall Park & Gardens!

Situated on the edge of the Peak District close to the town of Disley in Cheshire, you’ll find the magnificent  Lyme Hall Park & Gardens.  The National Trust now manages this wonderful grade-I listed building and estate   and makes a wonderful day out!

Read on to find out the history of Lyme Hall Park, how to get there, entrance fees and facilities, and all the wonderful things to do whilst there!

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and purchase something I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps keep my website up and running and is very appreciated. Thank you for your support! You can read my  full disclosure policy here.

History Of Lyme Hall Park:

The Legh family owned Lyme Hall Estate for over 600 years. They first came into possession in the 14th century when the land was given to Margaret Legh by her father, Sir Thomas Danyers. 

Sir Thomas Danyers was given Lyme estate by the Black Prince (King Edwards III’s son) for his help in rescuing the Prince’s standard during the Battle of Crécy in 1346.  

Margaret Legh married the first Piers Legh in 1388. Sir Piers was favoured by King Richard II, who granted his family a coat of arms in 1397. However, this loyalty resulted in his execution two years later by the king’s rival, Henry Bolingbroke (King Henry IV). His head was thought to have been put on a spike, displayed on the Chester city walls and remained there until the Carmelites of Chester (monks) took it down and interned it with his body in their church.

During the early years, there were another four knights within the Legh dynasty. Sir Peter II died from wounds sustained in the Battle of Agincourt. Sir Peter III was knighted in 1460 by the Duke of York following the Battle of Wakefield (War of the Roses). Sir Piers V was another warrior who later became a priest. Then, finally, Sir Piers VI was wounded at the battle of Flodden Field in 1513.

The first record of a house on the estate dates back to a manuscript from 1465. However, this was demolished to make way for the house you see today. Sir Piers VII was the first to make Lyme a home; he was knighted for his efforts in England’s last attempt to conquer Scotland and later became the High Sheriff of Lancashire. 

The Elizabethan house that Sir Piers VII built during the 1570s was L-shaped by design and built using Lyme’s pinkish-grey stone from quarries on the estate. This impressive home was undoubtedly viewed with sheer amazement by its many illustrious and distinguished guests of the time.

The house was then extended and refurbished in the 1720s by Peter XII and Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni, who remodelled the Elizabethan house in an Italian Renaissance style. They added the impressive south front with its giant pilasters set between 15 bays. The building felt more dramatic than similar buildings of the time. However, it did resemble the nearby  Chatsworth House,  from which Peter may have drawn influence. 

During the early 1800s, Thomas Legh and architect Lewis Watt made further additions to the house. They extended the dining room, added the library and further developed the entrance hall. One of their more interesting additions was the addition of the ‘squint’. A massive portrait of the Black Prince could be swung out from the dining room, allowing people to peer down into the entrance hall below. 

Although further decoration and alterations were added in the early 1900s by the Newtons and the Jouberts, only some were happy with the result, and much of it has since been reversed. Therefore, the house you see today is very much the way it would have been seen back in the 1800s.

In 1946 the estate was given to the National Trust by the 3rd Lord Newton to ensure the future of Lyme Park and the estate. However, it was managed by Stockport Council until 1994 when the National Trust took back full control.

Read more: 30 Fabulous things to see & do in Cheshire!

How To Get To Lyme Hall Park:

Address:  Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR

What 3 words : Entrance gate –  awaiting.amps.fatter

The entrance to Lyme Hall can be found directly off the A6 from Disley. As you enter the estate, you will find the admissions hut; it’s here that you can buy tickets or show your pre-paid tickets or National Trust membership .

The car park can be found 1 mile further down the road, close to the hall’s main entrance.

By public transport:

Bus: The 199 bus service stops on the A6 and runs from Manchester Airport to Buxton. If travelling by bus, please check the  TFGM website for up-to-date bus times.

Train: Disley Train Station ½ mile from the entrance. Please check the  Trainline for up-to-date train times.

By foot or bicycle: Entrance by foot or bicycle can also be made at the main entrance on the A6. A minibus operates seven days a week and can collect pedestrians from the admissions hut and bring them to the house and gardens.

Lyme Hall Park Entrance Costs:

The site is free for those with a   National Trust membership,   which I definitely recommend buying. Membership gives members free access to over 500 sites throughout England and only costs individuals £6 and couples £10 a month. You can even buy a family pass with either 1 or 2 adults for an extra 50p, with each adult free to include up to five children.

If you don’t have a National Trust membership, then the entrance to Lyme Hall House, Park & Gardens will cost adults £14.30, children £7.15.

Facilities At Lyme Hall Park:

Cafe and picnic spots:.

• You’ll find the Timber Yard cafe by the lake near the car park serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, lunches and delicious cakes.
• The Servants Hall call cafe in the courtyard also sells various snacks, delicious cakes and lunches.
• A kiosk at the car park also serves hot drinks and snacks.
• Throughout the grounds, you’ll also find picnic benches and lots of grassy places to lay a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

Hall Shop:  Filled with gifts, souvenirs and other items, including beautiful scarves and bags, books, Pride and Prejudice trinkets and everything for the kitchen. There are many edible treats, from jams and biscuits to fruit wines and local beers.

Timber Yard shop:  The place to go for all your outdoor needs. They stock many kids’ toys and adventure kits to inspire young visitors to explore Lyme and beyond, including bug boxes, fishing nets and binoculars. You’ll also find a range of plants, outdoor decorations and gardening tools to peruse.

Pre-loved book shop:  Find a hidden gem in this quaint, second-hand book shop.

Toilets: 

There are toilet facilities, including accessible toilets, available at Timber Yard or Lyme House

Things To Do At Lyme Hall Park:

Explore the house:.

You enter the house via the main entrance in the courtyard. As you enter the grand entrance hall, you will be asked to listen to a short video about the history of the house and estate. Once finished, you are free to wander around the house at your own pace.

Inside the house, you find many beautiful rooms, all decorated as they would have been in the 1800s. Some of my favourites include the dining room, with its stunning views across the formal gardens, and the drawing room, which dates back to around 1580.

Don’t forget to look up as well. Some of the ceilings are stunning!

The Caxton Missal:

The Caxton Missal is the earliest known printed book that bears the stamp of William Caxton, the father of British printing. It was printed in Paris in 1487 and is unique in having belonged to one family for over five centuries. It represents the changing religious views of the country during that period.

Although you can not touch the Missal, you can turn its pages thanks to a digital touch screen version and listen to the pages as they would have been sung 500 years ago!

You will find the Caxton Missal in the newly restored Library.

Take A Walk Through The Formal Gardens:

This 17-acre garden holds a beautiful lake, woodland and a variety of smaller gardens, including The Stables and The Orangery. You will find many formal flower beds, herbaceous borders, rose gardens and rolling lawns. 

Originally, these gardens started life as an Elizabethan Knot garden and then gradually grew into the beautiful pleasure grounds you see today.

Over 25,000 bulbs flower every spring, and gorgeous summer blooms may still be seen in October on the east terrace and Italian garden. 

Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit Lyme Hall and Gardens; the blooms may have gone, but the beautiful autumn colours showcase the gardens in a completely different light!

Take A Walk To The Cage:

The Cage is usually the first landmark people see when approaching Lyme Hall and Gardens. This unique building sits on top of Cage Hill and was originally built by the warrior priest Sir Piers V in 1524.

The Cage was thought to be used as a hunting lodge or watch tower. However, it was reported that it was also used as a holding prison for poachers awaiting trial in the 17th Century. 

The Cage was rebuilt in the 1700s, making it more hospitable and later becoming the home to estate workers.

The walk out to the cage can be a challenge, especially on windy days. However, the views from the top are spectacular! You can see across Manchester and The Peak District on a clear day.

The Cage is usually shut to visitors, but occasionally, it is open to the public. Dates can be found on the  website.

Check Out The Deer Park:

Lyme Hall and Gardens has a long hunting history and the red deer you see in the park today are part of the ancient heard. 

The deer roam freely around the park. However, they usually stay within the deer sanctuary, where visitors are prohibited. Occasionally, you will find them roaming around other parts of the grounds. If you come across them, give them space and take care not to spook them out. Hinds have been known to lose their calves when stressed, so please treat them respectfully.

You will also find Highland Cattle within the park from April to late autumn. The best places to spot them are Park Moor, Close Hay, Turfhouse Meadow and around Paddock Cottage.

Other Places To Visit Nearby:

• Dunham Massey  – Another beautiful country house where the deer are as friendly as the staff!
• Tatton Park  – Tatton Park is one of my favourite country houses in Cheshire. Explore this beautiful house, its 50 acres of gardens, deer park and animal farm.
• Quarry Bank Mill  – Learn about the history of one of the best-preserved textile factories of the Industrial Revolution.

Final Thoughts

Lyme Hall Park is worth a visit! With beautiful scenery, fascinating historical features and many things to do, it’s the perfect place to spend a day (or afternoon) exploring. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your picnic basket and head on over to Lyme Hall Park!

Thanks so much for stopping by; I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and make it to the end! I have lots of exciting new content in the next few weeks, so make sure you pop back to catch up! 

Remember to follow our social media accounts for more travel inspiration and updates. 

Happy travels!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

12 Fabulous Things To Do In York, England!

Discover the best things to do in York, from beautiful architecture, cute cobbled streets, museums and galleries to pubs, cafes and restaurants.

9 Fabulous Things To Do In Ambleside!

9 Fabulous things to do in Ambleside! From hotel spa’s to rambling, Ambleside has something for everyone!

Edinburgh On A Budget, A Backpacker Guide!

Dreaming of exploring the city of Edinburgh but worried about blowing your budget? If so, check out this Edinburgh on a budget guide!

Erddig House, A Unique Country House In North Wales!

If you’re looking for a beautiful country house to visit, with plenty of history and gardens to explore, Erddig House is the perfect place for you!

9 Fabulous Things To Do In Bath, England!

if you’re planning a trip to Somerset anytime soon, don’t miss out on these 9 fabulous things to do in Bath!

13 Wonderful Things To Do In Buxton!

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or relaxation, this guide to 13 things to do in Buxton will provide you with ideas for your perfect staycation!

• Garden Finder
• Garden Tours
• Garden Design
• Garden Products
• Nursery Finder
• The Landscape Guide »
• Accessories
• Sustainability

An essentially eighteenth century house with a nineteenth century 15 acre garden and a 1,359 acre deer park. The design of the garden is in the High Victorian Mixed Style . It has an orangery, elaborate bedding displays, a 'Dutch' garden (described as an 'Italian' garden when it was made but not Dutch or Italian in character). There is also a woodland garden in a ravine, a lake, a lime avenue and a herbaceous border designed by Graham Stuart Thomas for the National Trust. The videos show an aerial view of Lyme Park and its last owners enjoying the garden in the Roaring Twenties

Address Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, England, SK12 2NX

Opening times Late March to October. Garden open daily 11am to 5pm. Also open weekends November to mid December and March 12 noon to 3pm. Opening times for house differ - please check website.

Entrance fee Adult House & Garden £7.00, Garden only £3.80

Website Visit the Lyme Park website

Nearby gardens

Nearby hotels

• The Palace (12.7 km away)
• Eleven Didsbury Park (14.1 km away)

Nearby nurseries

• Phedar Nursery (8.3 km away)
• One House Nursery (8.5 km away)
• Ian and Deborah Coppack (11.1 km away)
• Primrose Cottage Nursery (13.2 km away)
• Ward Fuchsias (18.7 km away)
• The Vicarage Garden (25.7 km away)
• Arley Hall Nursery (29.0 km away)

Designers and Influences

What a prickle…

We're sorry – it looks like something's gone wrong

The Cheshire home featured in Pride and Prejudice that's an hour from Manchester

L yme Hall in Chesire will certainly be recognisable to any Pride and Prejudice fans, with the stately home serving as the exterior of Pemberley in the 1995 BBC miniseries.

The gardens on Lyme Hall, known as Lyme Park, were also used in the series as Pemberley's gardens.

With Lyme Hall just one hour away from Manchester it's the perfect place for a day trip, to wander the grounds and see the lake from the iconic scene with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy.

And while you can go inside the mansion, if you're hoping to see Pemberley's interior you'll be disappointed, as these scenes were filmed at Derbyshire's Sudbury Hall.

But there is still plenty to see within the walls of Lyme Hall, which remained the home of the Leghs of Lyme from 1388 until 1946, when it was given to the National Trust.

There is a 'Lyme through the Ages' exhibition with a collection of items from the last 600 years. There also collections of toys for children to play with, and a Regency dressing room where you dress up as Elizabeth Bennet or Mr Darcy.

And either before or after your trip into the house there is the grounds to explore, including the aforementioned lake.

When first arriving at Lyme you may think that the large lake at the front of the house was the location at which the series's most famous scene, that of Mr Darcy going for a swim before heading home to Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley, was filmed, but you would be wrong.

The lake in question is actually deeper in the grounds of Lyme Hall's 1,400 acres. There's plenty else to explore within this land too, including a rose garden, ancient woodlands, rugged moors, and a play area for children.

Pride and Prejudice's lake scene was notoriously difficult to film, despite its relative simplicity. Colin Firth was not allowed to dive into the lake due to an increased risk of infection with Weil's disease in the water.

A stuntman was instead hired to film this scene, which then had to be done in one take due to insurance costs. The underwater scenes were then filmed in a water tank in Ealing Studios at a later date.