Discover the estate at Lyme

Grandparents swinging a child by the arms and legs in the parkland at Lyme Park, Cheshire — Walking in the parkland at Lyme Park, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

If you are in need of some fresh air this spring, come and explore over 1,400 acres of historic parkland. Head out to the wider estate for walks through woodland and across the moor for far-reaching views. Seek out the built structures dotted through the landscape for some of the best views. There’s plenty of wildlife and nature to see along the way.

Help us protect nature between April and July

Spring and early summer is a time when birds travel near and far to nest at Lyme and deer and highland cows are calving. Help us to protect the wildlife who call Lyme home by keeping to paths and designated cycle trails and keeping your dog on a lead everywhere in the parkland, aside from the 6km of dedicated off lead space.

Find historic buildings in the Landscape

The Cage

Structures were built at strategic spots around the park to draw the eye across the landscape. An iconic view at Lyme, the original Cage was built by the warrior priest, Sir Piers V, in 1524.

It's had many uses over the centuries its name reportedly comes from its use in the 17th century as a holding prison for poachers awaiting trial.

It was rebuilt in the 1730s as part of Giacomo Leoni’s works to the house. Leoni played up its fortress-like appearance but also made it more hospitable, possibly so that it could be used as a banqueting room.

Later still, the Cage became a home for estate workers, though it must have been a hard experience living at the top of this windswept hill.

The Lantern

The Lantern is another Lyme landmark. The top part of the sandstone tower is believed to originally have sat above the north archway of the house and was probably placed on the hill next to the woods in the 1720s. The view from the Lantern looks out over the park and the Cheshire plain.

It also creates a line of sight that leads the eye from the Dining Room windows, over the gardens and to the east. It is said that if Lord Newton could see the Lantern clearly from the Dining Room, it was good enough weather for hunting.

Paddock Cottage

Built from stone quarried on the estate, Paddock Cottage sits high in the south of the park. The interior is plain apart from a decorative heraldic panel, Sir Piers Legh IX's coat of arms. Paddock Cottage’s position, with direct sight line to the Cage, and ornate overmantel implies the building was used for ‘showing off’ to guests – possibly used for dining after the hunt. It was later used as a dwelling for estate workers.

Visitors walking past the Lantern at Lyme Park, Cheshire — Enjoy a walk at Lyme this summer | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Summer walks

With acres of woodland, moorland and meadows, Lyme is the perfect place to explore on a walk this summer. Take in glorious views in a quieter area of the park on the Lantern walk, or follow the Paddock Cottage walk to find Knightslow Wood, Pursfield Wood and Drinkwater Meadow. Dogs on leads are welcome and downloadable maps and step-by-step guides are available for each walk.

Guided walks

Join a guided walks to find out what makes Lyme's estate so special. Book a space on free walks throughout the year such as 'Water Divining' or 'Walk the Walls at Lyme', and our knowledgeable volunteers will show you some of the best bits of the estate or buy tickets to discover 'the Dawn Chorus' in Spring and 'the Deer Rut' and 'fantastic fungi' in Autumn.

More information can be found under the 'What's on' section in the 'Things to see and do' tab on this website.

Small tortoiseshell butterfly on marsh thistle flowers in a meadow after conservation work to restore a diverse and wildlife rich habitat at Holnicote Estate, Somerset — A small Tortoiseshell butterfly in the estate at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton

Wildlife at Lyme

Nothing says summer better than a walk in the sunshine with beautiful butterflies darting among the flowers and foliage. Here's some of favourites picked by Lyme’s Ranger team:

White letter Hairstreak, Satyrium w-album

Look high when walking in the woodland at Lyme. The white-letter hairstreak gets its name from the white lines that form a 'W' shape on its underside. It is an elusive butterfly, spending much of its time in the treetops.

Small Skipper, Thymelicus sylvestris

Often found between June and August basking on tall grasses, or buzzing between stems, the small skipper is a small, orange butterfly between June to August. The upper side of its wings is bright orange with a thin dark brown border, and the undersides of the hindwings are a pale yellowish-brown. The Small Skipper has a distinctive rapid, darting flight pattern. They are often seen flying low among the grasses where they breed and feed.

Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina

Meadow Brown butterflies are a familiar sight during the summer months. The Meadow Brown's adaptability and widespread presence make it an important species for ecological studies and a key indicator of the health of grassland habitats. Its understated beauty and ecological role underscore the importance of grassland conservation efforts. The upper side of the wings is predominantly brown with an orange patch on the forewings, each containing a single black eye spot with a white center.

Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae

A vibrant and widespread butterfly found between July and September. Recognizable by its distinctive colours, it has orange and black wings with blue spots along the edges, making it easily recognisable. Unlike many other butterfly species, the Small Tortoiseshell does not undertake long migrations. Often featured in European folklore and art, symbolizing transformation, and resilience.

Lyme's deer throughout the year

Spring and Early Summer

April to July

Casting begins

In April and May the deer start the process of casting. This is where their old antlers fall off. You’ll probably see some bucks with just one antler as they often don’t lose both at the same time.

Calves are born

The new calves are born between April and July – they're able to stand up within minutes of being born. The natural instinct of the deer is to protect their young, so it’s even more important at this time that you give them space, especially if you have dogs with you.

Calves are rarely seen in the first few weeks of their life. Female deer will give birth to their young in the long grass and will leave them alone in the grass, only returning to feed them. This is to reduce the risk of predators becoming aware of their whereabouts. If you do see a calf on its own please don’t get too close or try to touch the fawn, as there’s a risk that the mother may then reject it.

A red deer stag with large antlers looing head on at the camera while standing on the moors at Longshaw — In spring, the process of casting begins where the deer shed their antlers | © National Trust / Kev Dunnington

Veteran trees

Lyme is home to a number of veteran trees of different species. The oldest oak tree is around 550 years old. They are vital because they support so many animals, insects and fungi – sometimes up to 260 species.

Be tick aware

Whether you're in your garden or in the outdoors be tick aware. Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals, including people. They don't fly or jump, rather wait on vegetation for something to pass by.

Avoid ticks by walking on clearly defined paths to avoid brushing against vegetation, wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be spotted and brushed off, and use repellents such as DEET. It's always good practice to carry out a tick check when you get home.

Find out more on the UK gov website