National Trust - Lyme — Attraction in Kettleshulme and Lyme Handley

Children NOT welcome. Rude volunteers in house! on entering the dining room, my children were taking a look at all the different meals on the plates, the lady told my children that if we went to another room, they would be able to try on some period clothing. The same lady then apologised to a lady who was by herself and she said "not the best time to visit when the kids are off' my children were being very polite, and calm, so I can found her comment un called for. We decided to go to the other room where the children could try on the clothes. The lady in the room ignored us at first. Then I said "hello, we were told the children.. before I could finish my sentence, the lady shouted "I stopped at 3" in a very nasty manner, I said "excuse me, we were just told to come here by a member of staff", the lady then looks us all up and down and says "well I'm done, this part is closed". At this point I was actually upset. I had been shouted at Infront of my children, for walking into a room, that another NT volunteer/staff has told me to go into. So we go to the room with pirate ships and crocodiles, I thought oh this is nice for the children, again my children were playing nicely. No one was being loud, a group of people walk in to look at the room, the volunteer runs over to them and says "This is usually a lovely calm room, obviously not today". So we left that room, and went to the room with the tents, where a gentleman stood, completely ignored us. Why call it the summer of play when all your volunteers in the house don't like children? not to be biased but my children are genuinely really well behaved and have good manners. My 11 year old daughter even turned around to me today and said "a lot of the staff here seem very rude". If you have children go to another NT site. No one deserves to be spoken to and looked at like we were today. The volunteers/staff on the house today had a wonderful opportunity to talk to children who are genuinely interested in the history of the house. Yet they didn't they stood back and made rude comments to other members of public about how they can't wait for the holidays to be finished so that the house goes back to normal. The only lady who was nice, was the lady in the office who gave us the token for the house. She was polite and spoke to us about our...

Lovely NT Hall nestling on the edge of the Peak District. Road in is narrow in places. Lyme Park, House and Gardens were once home to the Legh family. Lyme is now managed by the National Trust and if you enjoyed the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth.... This was Mr Darcy's place! There's a take away Cafe by the large car park, idea for walkers who aren't visiting the House. There's a steepish slope up to the house- but there's a minibus shuttle available. Shop and cafe are off a central forecourt, also a book shop and toilets including disabled. Steps go up to entrance hall, not sure if there's a disabled entrance/lift but there were stairs at end of house too.

House was lovely! Decorated for an Edwardian Christmas it gave the house a different look and story - echos of the Tudor hall can be seen and when you enter the entrance hall do be sure to look up on the L at the painting that pulls out so the family could watch the servants party from the drawing room while having refreshments!

Currently there's a Harpist playing on Lyme’s beautiful golden Erad Harp bought by Thomas Legh in 1829 (interesting story so do ask!) it's played tentatively but very nicely in the drawing room on the hour 12, 1 and 2pm but do check which day Vol is there. I visited Friday. It felt v atmospheric and a lovely touch!

Do visit the Orangeary it's v atmospeheric!

The 1,300 acre estate has a medieval herd of red and fallow deer (so take care with dogs off lead!) and offers a fantastic range of diverse walks, runs and stunning views like the 360° view from the Cage (Tower-like bldg on top of hill)

Free walk leaflets are available from Hall- including a Pride and Prejudice route which takes in the famous film locations!

Crow Wood Playscape is open 7 days a week- same times as the park. Children will enjoy the exciting rope walks, tree house, giant slide and badger den. There are also lots of fun activities for children to discover as part of the National Trust's "50 things to do before...

Lyme is a National Trust Gem.

First time visiting today, and I really enjoyed it. There is plenty of parking space and disabled parking also.

We start the visit with a picnic just a short distance away by the duck pond. Which was a nice area to eat and watch the wildlife.

The hill to the house is steep, but there is transport available, either mini bus or electric passenger ride, if you have difficulty walking.

Staff were really friendly and helpful and informative throughout.

The first views of the house are impressive with the huge centre statue on the roof and others around the rooftop.

The house itself has a one-way system, which includes climbing stairs. Rooms still have lots of exhibits to see, and it was lovely to see visitors dressing up in period clothing adding to the experience.

Loads of engaging activities for children and adults alike, so keeping everyone involved in the day out.

The cafe was nice and quiet and a relaxing atmosphere. To be fair, the whole house has a lovely warmth about it.

The gardens are well kept with many types of beautiful flowers, including an orangery. Outside, there are more lawn games and picnic areas for families to use and be entertained. It is unfortunate that the Lake has little water in there at the moment with the draught but can imagine it looks idyllic when full.

There are other places on site that we didn't visit this time like the timber yard area but will come back another day and see that also.

Highly recommend for families and anyone interested in British history. Long may the National Trust keep these beautiful places for all to visit...