National Trust Lyme Park Review

National Trust Lyme Park
Cheshire

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Reviewed by Sarah-Kate Cantlie

On Sunday I took my family to Lyme Park Estate run by the National Trust, living relatively locally for over 7 years, I feel this shouldn’t have been my first visit, however as happens all too often, this was indeed the case. I realise now that I’ve have been missing out on something quite special, the staff, from gatehouse, information and ticket office are all extremely welcoming and friendly, I couldn’t have felt more looked after. The estate itself was beautiful, with stunning lawns and the beginnings of what I can only imagine will be a spectacularly colourful flower display come later in spring.

During our visit my father had a senior moment and forgot his National Trust card, not a problem, the lady in information quickly confirmed his membership and away we went. There are steps from the car park to the estate, however there is a shuttle bus that can accommodate prams and wheelchairs, so this was not an issue at all, Terry the shuttle bus driver very helpfully assisted us on and up to the house.

Once at the house we walked round the gardens, which were lovely, there are games on the lawn to play and several paths around the reflection lake including disabled routes, which are useful when you have a buggy. I personally wouldn’t recommend taking a buggy unless strictly necessary, as you’ll be free to explore much more easily with a carrier. The estate does offer a secure room to store the buggy, which cannot go round the house and a ticket is given as a receipt, so it is perfectly safe. Part of this service also offers a baby carrier in exchange for the buggy if you require, which is more than I expected and extremely accommodating. There are facilities dotted around the site that include baby changing and disabled toilets, so everyone is catered for.

The house itself is stunning and brimming with friendly volunteers to answer any and every question you may have about the rooms in the house and the family that once lived there. There are several rooms that are interactive, which is a real bonus for the children. There are books to read in the library, where we also found some cosy seats to sit and relax in. The house also offers a nursery and school room that the children can play in and a stage to perform on; as well as offering a wardrobe department for those who like to get into character and feel at home in the house, clothes and belongings are stored in a locker safely, whilst further exploration of the house is offered.

There is so much to do at Lyme Park, I am disappointed not to have been previously, I feel I’ve been missing out on the opportunity to picnic or even BBQ here, that’s right, they even offer BBQ facilities despite having a perfectly lovely and reasonably priced restaurant, cafe and tea room. There was a lovely walk on today visiting Mr Darcy’s lake and there are a number of great play areas for the children.

In summary, one day is simply not enough to take in all there is to see and do at Lyme Park, so I’ll be back for the Easter Egg Trail on over Easter weekend and I fully intend to visit and see the Gruffalo this summer!!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets for the whole property (house and gardens) cost £5.50 (child), £11 (adult) and £25 (family). These prices include Gift Aid (you can purchase without Gift Aid included).

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park.

Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR | 01663 762023