A family-friendly day out at Lyme

Woman and child behind a bed of daffodils with a tree in the background — Enjoy a flower-powered Easter adventure at Lyme | © National Trust/Sarah Harkness

From discovering history in the house, adventures outdoors, or seasonal activities Lyme is a full day out for families in the North West and Peak District. Find out what family-friendly activities are coming up and all the information you need to plan your day out.

Planning your family visit

If you're planning a day out with the family, at Lyme here is some useful information

Getting around Lyme:

It's a long walk across Lyme, so check if the free shuttle bus is running to drive you between the admissions hut, house and main car park area.

The garden is a dog and pram friendly walk, with step free access from the North Front of the house. The Timber Yard, Crow Wood Play Area, and Mill Pond are a popular area for families.

Walk past the house, along East Drive to see views of The Cage and go deer spotting as you pass the deer sanctuary.

Buggy-storage:

Buggy parking and free lockers to store heavy or bulky items can be found at the house. Storing prams are a £1 refundable deposit.

Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats are also available to borrow from the Ticket Office at the house.
Pick n mix children's lunch

There’s a 'pick and mix' style picnic box available for children in each cafe. Choose a sandwich, drink and a selection of three snacks for £5.25. There are highchairs available to use indoors – ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.

High chairs

High chairs are available to borrow at each of the cafés - please ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.

Family activities in Spring

Looking for something to do with the kids? Get closer to nature and discover Lyme in a new light with trails, activity packs, and Easter egg hunts.

4 - 21 April 2025 | 10.30am - 4.30pm

Hunt colourful wooden eggs, big and small in Lyme’s garden trail this Easter. Hop and play along the way with egg-strodinary games, challenges, and activities for all the family to enjoy. Once you’re done collect a chocolate egg* of your own to take home.

Normal admission plus £3.50 per trail, which includes a *chocolate egg, or a vegan 'Free-From' chocolate egg, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Find out more on our events page.
26 April - 8 June 2025 | 10.30am - 4.30pm

Look out for the signs and sights of spring at Lyme with the “Spring Things” family trail. Pick up an activity fan and explore the estate with activities and games to try. Challenge each other to waggle dances, races, and pollinator themed games in the garden and learn about the nature that lives at Lyme in Spring.

Normal admission plus £3 per trail pack, which includes an fun activity fan to guide you around Lyme as well as activities to take home.

See all events at Lyme

A child in a black rain suit jumps enthusiastically into a muddy puddle on the path above the Timber Yard Café. — A child jumps into a puddle at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Popular family walks

Ditch the technology, breathe in the fresh air and get closer to nature on a walk. Here are some favourite walks chosen by families which are pram friendly and suitable for the whole family - including dogs on short lead. Looking for longer or more challenging walks? Look at our top trails or just pick up a map and lose yourself in the estate.

Crow Wood childrens' play area

Let off some steam and unleash your wild ones in Crow Wood play area. The perfect place for younger adventurers to run, skip and slide. To get there look for signs towards the Timber Yard or take the scenic route with a buggy friendly walk around the mill pond.With toilets and a café close by, you're only a hop skip and a jump from all you the facilities you need.