Lyme (NT)

Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park

Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park was once a great sporting estate and home of the Legh family for over 500 years.

The house is renowned for its elegant interiors and beautiful gardens, against a backdrop of sweeping moorland with extensive views across Manchester and the Cheshire Plain. In 2020, it hosts an exhibition uncovering the history of the Lyme Missal, the most important printed book in the National Trust’s collection.

The 1,400 acre estate with its medieval herd of red deer is a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife spotters, and hosts regular guided walks and running events. For a more tranquil stroll, explore the Edwardian rose garden, ravine garden or orangery next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett in the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'.

There's plenty of room for little ones to let off steam, whilst the Timber Yard Cafe offers hot and cold snacks, soups, and a range of cakes.

Visit the Ale Cellar for a selection of hot meals made with local produce or book into the Salting Room for a luxury afternoon tea. 

Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of Lyme.

Park: Dogs are welcome in all areas of the park. To protect the wildlife that calls Lyme home, we ask that dogs are kept on leads in areas of the park.

We recognise how important it is for dogs to be able to get exercise off the lead, so we offer a secure off-lead dog-walking area in Knightslow Wood all year round as well as a route through Pursefield Wood. To find out more, keep an eye out for signs in the park and use the maps below to plan your visit.

Garden: Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden every day.

Eat: Visitors with dogs are welcome to sit in the Muddy Paws Engine House in the Timber Yard, which follows the same opening hours as the Timber Yard Café. Unfortunately, due to the size and layout of the Timber Yard Café, dogs are not permitted inside. If you’re visiting alone please use the doggy doorbell and one of our team members will pop out to take and bring your order to you.

Shop: Pop into our Timber Yard Shop with your four-legged friend to check out our range of dog treats and accessories.

Crow Wood Playscape: Dogs on a short lead are welcome in to the play area. Help us ensure this is a clean, safe space for children to play by being extra vigilant to prevent dog fouling and not taking dogs near the tunnels or onto the play equipment.

Only assistance dogs are welcome inside the house, café and shops.