The British summertime has well and truly arrived in Manchester. Here at Large we don’t like to waste a single second of those glorious rays. BeingLyme Park Mancunians we are well aware that they can vanish without a trace just as suddenly as they appear. We thus decided to head over to the Peak District in attempt to rid ourselves of city stress and become at one with the great outdoors. Where best to seduce our zen? Lyme Park of course.

Lyme Park is now owned by the National Trust but was once property of the Leigh family who would house grand lawn parties there. The house is a grade 1 listed building and is steeped with history. Take a look inside the restored library and admire the beautiful tapestries, clocks and furniture. You may indeed recognise the house if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice as it provides the backdrop to where Darcy meets Elizabeth.

The gardens are a wonder in themselves. Perfectly maintained they encourage a real appreciation for British countryside. A large pond and fountain decorates the vast lawn. Now is the perfect time to dip your toes in and watch the playful tadpoles. Nature is everywhere. Butterflies and bees skip from flower to flower and the greenhouse boasts luxurious smells of tropical foliage. The surrounding hills are great for long walks where you can spot deer grazing and on a clear day, see as far as Liverpool. It’s definitely worth a visit and at only £5 per car to enter the park it’s an absolute bargain.

Visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lymepark/ for opening times, price breakdown and more details.