Celebrate Christmas in style with animal extravaganzas, afternoon tea and more at Lyme

This Christmas, historic National Trust destination Lyme transforms the Cheshire countryside into a winter wonderland with a dazzling programme of festive fun, from choir performances and afternoon tea to mercifully pleasant shopping and a mesmerising animal-themed activity experience in the main house.

Running from Fri 29 Nov until Christmas Eve, Animal Crackers returns to Lyme with another dose of daily interactive entertainment, as a wondrous assortment of majestic creatures take over the house to explore the magic of winter traditions. Included in the price of admission, the wondrous yuletide experience invites you to monkey around in the grand staircase or learn to wassail, sing carols with birds and join the Lord of Misrule for a festive feast, set amidst breathtaking festive decorations.

Over in the Servants’ Hall, Lyme’s Christmas afternoon tea offers a warming weekday reprieve from the chilly rolling hills with a glass of fizz, seasonal soup, a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats and scones with tea or coffee and, of course, a healthy helping of mince pies for just £24.95 per person. Book your table HERE.

Throughout December, visitors at Lyme can enjoy a series of soaring vocal performances from talented community choirs at noon and 1.30pm on selected dates. Featuring a selection of beloved Christmas carols, the courtyard sing-a-long special brings the spirit of Christmas to life with free-flowing hot chocolate on sale in the nearby cafe. Find out more HERE.

Elsewhere, you can escape the high street chaos and pick up a unique festive gift for your loved ones at Lyme’s wide array of shopping spots, whether it’s sumptuous locally sourced produce, last-minute Christmas cards or even environmentally friendly swaps.

For more information and details on visiting Lyme, click below.