Me, Noemi and the kids I absolutely love visiting Lyme Park on the outskirts of Stockport. The vast grounds and scenic nature trails make for the ultimate family day out with Sam and Mila. They could – and do – spend hours running wild across the grassy fields, climbing rocks and looking out for deer and other wildlife. Though Sam does have to watch his step to avoid any cow patties along the way, he has an incredible ability to not only find them, but lose his balance and fall in them!

Keep reading our guide to discover everything this beautiful National Trust estate has to offer for active families like ours.

Where is Lyme Park?

Lyme Park is located on the western edge of the Peak District National Park in Cheshire, about 13 miles south of Manchester city centre and not far from Hazel Grove in Stockport or Poynton. The Peak District has some amazing gems nearby to Lyme Park such as the Blue John Cavern as well as Speedwell Cavern – the caves with an underwater boat.

Here are some key facts about its location:

• Situated in the civil parish of Disley in Stockport
• Straddles the boundary between Cheshire and Derbyshire
• The house is in Cheshire while the park crosses into Derbyshire
• Postcode: SK12 2NR
• Driving from Manchester: Takes around 35 mins via the M60 and A6

Even though it seems really remote tucked amongst the rolling hills and moorland, it’s very easy for us to reach Lyme Park from our home in Bramhall. The kids love that feeling of escaping the city for the day and being immersed in the countryside. It’s also got even easier with the relatively recent opening of the A555 extension connecting Manchester Airport to the London Road (A6) which takes you to Lyme Park.

How Big is Lyme Park?

At 1,400 acres, Lyme Park offers so much space for the kids to burn off energy as we explore the estate. Here are some of the key landscapes and features. It’s also great for adults wishing to burn off calories either chasing kids around, or joining the weekly Parkrun organised on a Saturday.

The Park includes:

• Lyme Hall – an impressive Elizabethan country house surrounded by formal gardens
• Rose gardens – beautifully maintained close to the house
• Cage Hill – evergreen woodlands with beech, oak and birch trees. Great for kids to climb over the rocky outcrops!
• Moorland – open expanses of bracken and heather, perfect for running around
• Deer park – 550 acres of grazing land for the 300 deer that roam here

With so much ground to cover, we’re always kept busy for a full day of exploring!

Is Lyme Park Run by the National Trust?

Yes! The National Trust has cared for Lyme Park since 1946 when they acquired it from the Legh family who owned it for over 600 years.

• As a conservation charity, they protect the estate’s heritage and landscapes
• The Trust carries out vital preservation work like:
• Woodland management
• Habitat restoration
• Repairing historic estate features
• Our entrance fees help support their conservation efforts

It’s great knowing that this special place is so well looked after for generations to enjoy.

How Much Does it Cost to Enter Lyme Park?

We are National Trust members so obviously don’t pay for admission. However, we always look at Lyme Park and think it offers really good value for money for what you pay for. Current admission prices for the House, Park and Gardens are:

• Adult Ticket – £13
• Child Ticket – £6.5
• Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) – £32.50
• National Trust members enter for free
• You can pre-book tickets online for fast entry on the day
• Annual Passes are available from £55 per person

Considering how much there is to see and do, it’s fantastic value for families like ours.

What Refreshments Are Available?

The National Trust has a range of refreshment options available to visitors of Lyme Park including an ice cream parlour, a cafe near the children’s play area which serves a range of lighter options along with a tea room near the house serving more substantial meals.

And What Is There to Do?

Here is that section rewritten in a more conversational, family-friendly tone with consistent formatting:

What is there to do at the House and Gardens?

While the kids love roaming the vast natural areas, there’s plenty for us to enjoy as a family at the stately Lyme Hall and its pristine gardens.

• Lyme Hall – This impressive Elizabethan country house is full of history. We love exploring the historic chambers, intricate wood carvings and artefacts on a guided tour.
• Formal Gardens – The house is surrounded by elegant gardens separated into different areas like the Rose Garden, the Secret Garden, the Sunken Garden and the Herbaceous Border. They are beautiful to slowly wander around and take in the scenery.
• South Lawn – There’s a 300 year old apple tree here underplanted with wildflowers.
• Water Features – The Serpentine, Octagon Pond and Cascade provide peaceful spots to pause and who knows, you may see Mr Darcy appearing from the pond in a wet and see through white shirt!
• Adventure Play Area – The kids’ favourite part, with towers, tunnels, slides and obstacles. A brilliant place for them to burn off energy!
• Seasonal Events – Throughout the year, the hall and gardens host special events like outdoor theatre productions, craft fairs, food festivals and Christmas experiences. Last time we went there, they were providing the kids with a range of outfits to dress up and pretend they were Georgian children from the Estate – Mila loved this!

While the house and gardens offer beauty and history, it’s the fresh air and freedom of the wider parkland that our kids really adore!

When and Where is the Lyme Park Parkrun?

Every Saturday at 9am, Lyme Park hosts its own parkrun within the deer park near the Visitor Centre. It’s a beautiful 5km route and great community event.

• Takes place in the deer park with a looped course offering scenery across Cheshire and Derbyshire
• Suitable for new runners, families and seasoned athletes – a friendly atmosphere awaits
• Free to enter but register online before your first run
• Usually attracts around 600 runners each week

Our daughter Lucy loves being able to join in and do her own mini 1km run while dad completes the full 5km. Something for all abilities!

Is Lyme Park Open to Walkers?

With 15 miles of scenic walking trails, Lyme Park is a haven for walkers. The routes cater to all abilities:

• Easy rambles around the gardens
• More challenging hikes over steep, rugged moorland
• Some of the best walks head to viewpoints like Lord’s Seat and Lyme Cage
• Most routes start from the Visitor Centre where you can grab a map

As long as you have appropriate footwear and clothing, you can enjoy walking at Lyme Park year-round except Christmas Eve – Boxing Day when it is closed.

Can You Take Dogs to Lyme Park?

Luckily our family dog Pippa is welcome to join us when we visit Lyme Park too. Here are the key dog rules:

✅ Dogs allowed in the deer park, woods and moorland if kept on a short lead

✅ Dogs permitted in the courtyard if on a short lead

❌ Dogs are not allowed in the formal gardens or play area

❌ Dogs must be kept away from livestock

💩 Owners must pick up all dog poo

So dogs can enjoy exploring the natural landscapes, they just need to be controlled carefully in areas where children play or deer graze. It’s the perfect place for Pippa to run free.

Are There Hotels Near Lyme Park?

Lyme Park makes for an easy day trip from Manchester, but there are some lovely places to stay nearby if you want to make a weekend of it. Here are some options less than a 10 minute drive from the estate:

• The Albert Hotel – Historic inn with rooms from £75 per night
• Frankies Wine Bar & Loft – Rated #1 on Tripadvisor in Disley, rooms start from £80 per night

With these comfortable and convenient accommodation choices, Lyme Park can be part of a longer family break exploring the Peak District.

So Come And Check It Out!

For active families like ours, Lyme Park is simply the best place to enjoy fresh air, scenic nature and the great outdoors. Sam and Lucy will happily spend hours adventuring across the vast 1,300 acre estate. From the rocky woodlands of Cage Hill to the rolling expanses of the deer park, there’s so much for kids to explore.

And with fascinating heritage, beautiful gardens and peaceful scenery, parents can relax and recharge too. We always have an incredible family day out that feels world’s away from the city. But Lyme Park is so easy to reach from Manchester for those looking to embrace country life for the day.

Just come prepared for a full day of adventure and activity in the Peak District countryside. We can’t wait to return again soon. It’s our favorite outdoor space for making magical memories together as a family.