After a three-week sleep, Lyme’s grand mansion reopens to the public on Friday 29 November with a raucous winter experience for all ages.
This year, Lyme transforms into festive winter playground for all ages from November 29th as the interactive Animal Crackers exhibition returns for another year. This year the animals are exploring winter traditions with firm favourites and new animals joining the fun too. Nearly all the animals in the exhibit can be found at Lyme: most notably the red deer, which were inspired by Lyme’s medieval deer herd and can be seen on a walk throughout the estate.
As visitors pass through the different rooms, they will see Lyme like never before – with larger-than-life animals exploring winter traditions. Find a turkey sitting at the table for dinner or brown bear hibernating in bed, ready for Christmas to start.
The house is filled with interactive fun and games for all ages too. Visitors can pick up a microphone and sing their hearts out in the clock room or play pin the tail on the hare and other parlour games in the Library.
These wild creations are conceived and created by local Stockport-based artist Sophie Tyrrell, whose signature style incorporates bold colour and recycled materials. She says “I have brought a circus of creatures who, in the tradition of carnival and masquerade, bring my own form of creative mischief. I encourage visitors to celebrate the handmade, joy in the imperfect, laugh, play and sing together!”
Many of the decorations which deck the halls are handmade by Lyme’s staff, volunteers, and community groups from every day recycled or donated materials. Outside of the house, Crow Wood near the Timberyard will feature a collection of community trees, decorated by local primary schools and organisations across Disley and the surrounding area.
Meghan MacGabhann, Lyme’s Experiences and Visitor Programming Manager said, “At Lyme, Christmas has always been a time for traditions. Many of our visitors come here every year for family gatherings, walks, and to enjoy Lyme’s beautiful landscape in winter. This year with Animal Crackers the whole family can experience winter traditions in a new and interactive way. We’re also looking forward to welcoming community choirs – who will be giving carol concerts throughout December – and, of course, our popular afternoon teas – which will also be taking on a festive twist.”
Festive afternoon teas will include a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches made from local produce, and there are limited tables available to book online.
Lyme’s Animal Crackers II opens Friday 29 November and is open every day of the week until 24 December. Standard admission charges apply, National Trust Members are free. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme or call 01663 762023.
Some last minute December events for you, including some from our friends at The Nose Coffee, in this last email newsletter of 2024 from the Ranger Service.
As we approach the festive season, Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service would like to wish a very Merry Christmas, to everyone who celebrates it, & a Happy New Year to all!
All our countryside sites will be open to visitors on Christmas Day but the visitor centres will remain closed. See the bottom of the email for The Nose Coffee Festive opening hours.
Scroll right to the bottom to see December’s last minute events and get your tickets booked ASAP so you don’t miss out!
Saturday 7 December to Sunday 29 December – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt
The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.
Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 7th of December and 29th December but not available on Christmas Day. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU (SJ794653) Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service Information: 01477 534115
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Easy walking grade / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments).
Saturday 7 December to Sunday 29 December – Poppy’s Elf Hunt at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names?
Purchase a map from The Nose Coffee, inside the Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, for 50p, and get searching around the top of the park. Once you’ve completed the trail come back to The Nose Coffee for 50p off your food and / or drink order.
Maps available to buy between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 7th of December and 29th December but not available from 3pm on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day afternoon. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm (see above) Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service and The Nose Coffee Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Partnership event / There is a charge for this event)
Tuesday 10 December – Festive Card Making with Pink Tiger Design
Unleash your creativity at our Card Making Workshop, hosted by Pink Tiger Design! Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this hands-on experience will guide you in designing and creating personalized cards for any occasion.
What’s included:
Expert guidance on essential card-making techniques.
Tips for adding unique designs, textures, and embellishments.
All materials to craft stunning handmade cards.
A complimentary hot drink from The Nose Coffee to keep you inspired!
Join us for a relaxing and creative session where you’ll leave with beautiful cards and memories to treasure.
Booking in advance is essential. Cost £20 plus Eventbrite fee.
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders:Pink Tiger Design
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
Sunday 15 December – Meet Poppy the Elf at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
🎄Meet Poppy the Elf & Join the Fun at The Nose Coffee🎄
Get ready for a magical, FREE Christmas adventure at Tegg’s Nose Country Park ✨
What’s Happening:
Meet Poppy the Elf: Post your letters to Santa.
Make Magical Reindeer Treats: Help Poppy prepare snacks for Santa’s reindeer.
Poppy’s Elf Hunt: Join the search for Poppy’s lost friends around the park!
This one-day-only event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Come along for festive fun, adventure, and Christmas spirit! 🎁🦌
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: The Nose Coffee
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partial accessibility – level or ramped access / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)
Saturday 21 December – Gingerbread Decorating Delight with Festive Foodies at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Gingerbread Decorating with The Nose Coffee
✨We have two time slots to let your artistic flare shine.
All ages welcome, gingerbread decorating isn’t just for the kids !! Book now via the link below or visit the coffee shop 🧡
Time: 3.30pm to 6.00pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: The Nose Coffee
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
The award-winning Buxton International Festival is an annual celebration of world-class opera, music, books and jazz with over 160 events to choose from every summer.
Here are five reasons to make Buxton your ‘go-to’ summer festival for 2025 (10-27 July).
1. Buxton – the beautiful spa town sits in heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, worth a visit in itself. All the festival’s events are within easy walking distance of each other.
2. Operas Galore – In 2024, Buxton staged five new operas in four days and was nominated for an International Opera Award. 2025 sees a yet more impressive plans:
Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet, conducted by Adrian Kelly with the Orchestra of Opera North
A double bill of Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Taihiti and Francis Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, a Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre production
Opera Zuid production of Mozart’s The Impresario
La Descente d’Orphée aux Enfers, a Vache Baroque production
Shorts – four brand new 20-minute operas by composers
Jasper Dommett, Martin Green and Carmel Smickersgill
3. Jazz Weekender Tickets – Jazz Weekender tickets for just £175 offering 12 world-class gigs varying from jazz, blues, funk and Latin, plus an Oscar Peterson extravaganza. Stand-out artists include Ineza, Graham Clark Quartet, Emily Masser Quartet, Trio JDM, Baiana, Alan Barnes with an all-star band, Dean Stockdale Quartet, Emma Rawicz Quartet and Xhosa Cole Quartet.
4. Books – 33 book talks including Diane Abbott MP, Baroness Lola Young, Petroc Trelawny, Ben Macintyre and Jonathan Sumption.
5. Classical Music – World-class concerts every day from artists including Steven Hough, Imogen Cooper, Benjamin Grosvenor, Tallis Scholars, English Concert, Simon Keenlyside and Sarah Connolly.
Box Office – Tel 01298 2072190
Booking office opens at 10am on Tuesday 15 April 2025
Become a BIF Friend for Priority Booking, from just £36 per year.
Website – http://buxtonfestival.co.uk
Anson Engine Museum
Every Friday,Saturday & Sunday from 13 May – 29 October 2006 Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Details: In his book, Horst O Hardenberg describes how the Otto-Langen engine displayed at the 1867 Paris Universal Exposition was called a Rattling monster or Devil s machine. Despite this, the engine went on to take the prestigious gold medal, beating the French built Hugon and Lenoir engines. Later that same year, Crossley Brothers in Manchester became the licensed manufacturer for Otto-Langen engines in the UK & Colonies. It is hailed as the first commercially successful engine The ?Rattling Monsters? exhibition tells the history and development of these engines as well allowing you the chance to see many exhibits never before made public. This exhibition is a World First! Museum Entry Fees Adults £3.50 Children under 14 £2.50 Children under 5 s free Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £10.00 No additional charge for Rattling Monsters Exhibition! Date: 29/10/2005 Time: To: 30/10/2005 Time: Location: Anson Road
Poynton
Cheshire
SK12 1TD