Discover the estate at Lyme

Nordic walking on the estate at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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.

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.

Dog walking on the lead with its owner during Winter at Lyme, Cheshire — Enjoy a walk at Lyme | © National Trust Images/Mike King

Winter walks

With acres of woodland, moorland and meadows, Lyme is the perfect place to explore on a walk as the colours start to change. 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 walk 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 or'the Deer Rut' in Autumn.

Walks have finished for 2024, but click here to see what's happening at Lyme this season.

Highland Cows

Lyme is home to a 'fold' of highland cattle. These docile animals are perfectly suited to harsh conditions at Lyme during the winter and happily graze outside throughout the year without the need for additional feeding.

The fold move around and graze different areas of the estate at different times of the year. Through the summer they eat and trample the more dominant grass species which gives other more delicate species the opportunity to thrive.

During winter, they eat the dead grass which not only improves the habitat but also reduces the risk of moorland fires in spring.

Find out how conservation grazing helps the estate at Lyme

Red deer

There have been deer at Lyme for over 600 years and their presence has played a pivotal role in the history of the estate. In the parkland they can be surprisingly hard to spot amongst trees and it's possible to pass very close to them without seeing them. Deer are naturally cautious animals that move in small groups and avoid humans. We recommend walking quietly and slowly on paths and well-used tracks to give the deer plenty of space. Dogs can scare off the deer so, for the best chance of spotting them, leave your four-legged friend at home. If you are bringing your dog, keep them on a short lead.

Stags (males) weigh in at up to 240kg and stand 1.3m high at the shoulder. Mature males in peak breeding condition are around eight years old and can have a crown of antlers with up to 16 points, known as a ‘monarch’. Hinds (females) are smaller and don’t have antlers.

The sexes only mix during the rut and the winter period. Over the summer stags live in their own groups. Hinds will be single before calving, then come together in small family groups or bigger single sex groups after calving.

Lyme's deer throughout the year

Winter

December to February

In November the deer will be at their lowest weights as stags often stop eating all together during the rut. During the colder temperatures, the deer aren't looking their best.

People often think they look hungry or undernourished, but they’re still getting a good balanced diet. The deer get all the food they need from the grass, but during winter Lyme’s rangers monitor the conditions in the estate and give the deer additional food if needed. This ensures they are getting all the nutrients and minerals they need.

Help give the deer the best chance for survival during the winter by following these tips:

Give them space - approaching the deer will cause them alarm and may make them use their energy reserves to move.
Use that zoom - if you’re taking pictures don’t get close.
Keep your dog on a lead - take particular care around The Cage and the Knott. There are off-lead areas where your dog can roam under close control at Lyme. Look out for information on our website and at the gates across the estate.

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