Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, south east of Stockport is the beautiful Lyme Park. A National Trust property, with a 1,400-estate steeped in history which was once home to the Legh family, Lyme Park offers so many activities for a day out.
Access to Lyme Park
There are plenty of cycle routes which take you into the park, you can also access on foot on the northern end of the Gritstone trail, or via the main entrance on the A6. The park is also situated half a mile from Disley train station, and there are plenty of bus routes which run along the A6.
We decided to drive to the Park, and wow what an experience! You enter the park through a main gate then you travel down a stunning driveway where you get amazing views of the whole estate and come down into a large car park. There are lots of spaces and an overflow car park is available, with plenty of disabled parking too.
Lyme Park – The House and Gardens
On arrival you really don’t know where to explore first! We decided that we would walk up towards the main house and visit the gardens. The house really is beautiful and as we stood close to it, I wondered where I had seen it before… in 1995 it was featured in Price and Prejudice and then in 2002-2203 The Forsyth Saga…unfortunately despite waiting outside my Mr Darcy didn’t arrive…just my husband with our two children! The House was closed on our visit due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the gardens were open. It was lovely to see all the bulbs peeping out with a glimmer of spring in the air, in the summer months the gardens are beautiful and filled with colour. We will definitely return later on in the year to visit the house as the photos online look pretty spectacular.
Climbing to the Cage
After the House, the children spotted the Cage on the top of a big hill. Originally the hunting lodge to the Park, the structure was first built in 1580, it was then taken down and rebuilt in 1737. Off we set across the park land with one goal to reach the Cage and climb the very big hill! Let’s just say the climb got our hearts racing and the only thing which stopped my youngest complaining of aching legs was the promise of a snack at the top! When we got to the top the views were amazing, you can see Manchester city centre and across Disley and Stockport – it’s a great spot for family selfies too!
Lyme Park Deer spotting
The Park is home to a large herd of red deer, we were lucky enough to spot them from our walk up to the top of the Cage. Apparently, the deer have been at Lyme for over 600 years and has played a large part in the park’s history. We visited in February, but June is good time to visit as you can see all the baby deer jumping around.
Splashing in the stream and tree climbing
Back near the car park there is a stream and a large duck pond with a small water weir – the kids really enjoyed paddling in the stream in their wellies. We were lucky enough to spot a heron, and some baby chicks all watching the world go by on the other side of the pond. The kids also managed to find a good selection of tree trunks to climb and jump off – they certainly had lots of fun!
Adventure playground
The adventure playground is like no other at Lyme Park, situated in the woods it is a great place for having fun! With tunnels, a huge slide, large climbing areas, sand activities, and swings it is suitable for all ages up to the age of 12 years old. There’s also plenty of places to collect large sticks and build a den on the outskirts of the playground too. *Please note the playground is currently closed due to restrictions, please check website for opening times.
Food and drink facilities
There’s a refreshment kiosk in the car park, and near to the playground and duck pond there’s the Timber Yard café serving a selection of drinks and snacks. In the summer months it’s lovely to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. During our visit take away options were only available. Toilets are situated near the Timber Yard café. Plenty of picnic tables are also available throughout the park.
Other activities around Lyme Park
There are so many different walking trails around the park but one popular walk is a walk to the Lantern https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park-house-and-garden/trails/a-walk-to-the-lantern. The park is also great for mountain biking with its steep hills, grassy verges, and mud it makes quite a bike adventure! We also saw plenty of runners too…the park certainly offers a good running challenge!
Events at Lyme Park
Lyme Park is host to lots of events across the year. Please see the website for more details.
Highly recommend a visit to Lyme Park
Lyme Park has so much to offer for all ages – families, couples, cyclists, runners and dog walkers. With stunning views, rolling hills, steeped in history there is so much to see and do and it’s the perfect way to spend a few hours or a day exploring and having an adventure.
