Discover more at Lyme Park
Find out when Lyme Park is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
A family-friendly day out at Lyme
Whether you're looking for rainy day indoor activities or running, skipping and jumping around Crow Wood play area, or looking for things to do with the kids there’s something to occupy all ages here at Lyme. Find out what's on offer and the details you need to plan your visit.
Planning your family visit
If you're planning a day out at Lyme with the family, here is some useful information
May Half Term
25 May – 16 June 10.30am – 4pm
Garden Guardians
This half term, learn how to be a Garden Guardian and earn your first Looking after Lyme Badge. Pick up your Guardian Guide from the Ticket Office or Lyme shops which is buzzing with activities and games for both the young and young at heart. Follow the trail for imaginative play, sensory activities
Will you…
- Join the Bug Ball? Dress up as your favourite pollinator to join in the fun!
- Find all the sensory bugs in the garden? Just like in real life, some are spiky, some are smooth and can be touched with care.
- Take a Bug's Eye View? Lots of bugs come to life in spring, change your perspective to see what they’re all about.
- Win the game of I-Spy? Use your Guardian Guide – what can you see?
The Hive
What’s the buzz in Crow Wood? Welcome to The Hive to learn all about our VIPs – Very Important Pollinators – challenge your friends and family with waggle dances, races, and pollinator games!
Hive highlights:
- Meet the bees – Who lives in a house like this, who’s in charge?
- Bee in the moment – close your eyes and see what you can hear.
- Honeycomb hive – who will make all their matches first?
Bogtastic Van is back
29rd May: 9am - 4pm. No need to book - just turn up on the day.
Join Moors for the Future and the Bogtastic Van at Lyme.
The first ever 'moor in a van' – the Bogtastic mobile exhibition vehicle – travels the Peak District and South Pennines welcoming visitors to experience the sights and sounds of our iconic uplands. The van is full of interesting and exciting games, videos and interactive experiences to educate and inspire everyone about the mysterious world of blanket bogs; where bizarre plants live alongside magical animals. It’s a great way to get a hands-on understanding of the landscape on your doorstep!
Inclusive play
Quiet times
If you’re looking for a quieter time we would recommend visiting in the week. Weekends can by busy, but there is plenty of space at Lyme to find a calmer space. If you need help, please ask a member of the team who can guide you on the day.
Activities
Busy bee boards in the outdoors
Throughout the garden interact with the sensory pollinator-themed boards. Perfect for Baby and Toddler play or children who like to experience the world with their hands.
In the house
- Pick up a little book of Lyme for bite-sized information around the house
- Collect a sensory bag from the house complete with ear defenders, fidget toys, and a feelings fan available to borrow
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 suitable for buggys or little legs. Looking for longer or more challenging walks? Look at our top trails or just pick up a map and lose yourself in the estate.
Discover Crow Wood Play Area
Let off some steam and unleash your wild ones in newly refurbished Crow Wood play area. The perfect place for younger adventurers to run, skip and slide. Get closer to nature on a walk through Crow Wood and see what you can spot on 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.
Rainy Day Activities
Even the best laid plans can be ruined by a sudden downpour. Never fear, we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeves with our top indoor adventures for rainy days at Lyme. From dressing up at little Leghs to playing billards in the Long Gallery, there's plenty of interactive fun indoors. Here's some ideas for your visit:
1) Dress up!
Visit the Dressing Room between 11am and 2pm to step into the shoes, bonnets and tophats of Regency England and what life was like for the people that lived at Lyme. Suitable for the whole family with children's sizes, mens sizes from XS to XXL and from women's size 6 to size 24.
2) Pick up a free Animal spotter trail in the Entrance Hall
From Ram's heads to red dragons, there are dozens of animals to spot in Lyme's house in this new family trail for 2024. See how many you can find hidden on objects, walls and ceilings throughout the house. Pick up a free trail from the entrance hall to find out about Lyme's history and see how many you can spot!
3) Play billiards in the Long Gallery
Looking for a fun and relaxing activity for the whole family? Why not try your hand at billiards in the Long Gallery at Lyme? Billiards is a classic game of skill and strategy that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and abilities.
4) Play with toys of a bygone era in the Nursery Bedroom
Look and touch in the Nursery Bedroom and play with Victorian-style toys. Who will win at dominos or get the most balls in the cup?
What's Next?
Looking for more events for the whole family? Have a look at our highlights for the next few months.
50 Things to do before you're 11¾
Want your kids to run free in the fresh air and trying exciting new things? What better way to spend your day than trying new family-friendly activities from the list of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'?
Here's just a few ideas to get you started:
- No. 1 Get to know a tree: With so many to choose from, which will you get up close and personal to? Look out for leaf shapes, textures on the bark and tiny creatures that might live on the tree.
- No. 12 Have fun with sticks: Let your imagination run wild. Build a den, make a trail or create your own game...they make perfect wands.
- No. 44 Watch a bird: To be a successful bird watcher, you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. What will you spot?
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