Tatton Park not set to mirror Lyme ticket offer due to 'very different' ownership

Stockport Borough Council has offered families in its borough a one-off ticket to Lyme Park, now called Lyme, which, like Tatton Park, is owned by the National Trust.

While both parks are owned by the National Trust – who has teamed up with Stockport Borough Council to offer the deal – they differ in terms of management and financing.

The free of charge, single use pass will allow free entry to the Lyme house and garden for two adults and children, as well as free entry for one vehicle.

It can be used at any time throughout the year excluding bank holiday weekends, and will be delivered to every household through Stockport Borough Council’s free magazine, The Review.

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: “The relationship between the National Trust and Stockport Council at Lyme is very different to Cheshire East Council’s with Tatton.

“Tatton Park already offers discounted car entry passes throughout the year that benefit local residents using the park regularly.”

A National Trust spokesperson explained: “Lyme is owned, managed and run by the National Trust with a financial contribution towards the long term management and conservation of the estate from Stockport Borough Council.

“Tatton Park is owned by the National Trust, but is leased to Cheshire East Council which is responsible for the entire financial and operational management of the site.”

The Trust added that the Lyme ticket scheme was proposed by Stockport Borough Council, and that a similar scheme was never considered for Tatton Park by either party.

A family ticket to the Tatton Park mansion, gardens and farm costs £27.50, with car entry charged at £6.

Attractions include 1000 acres of deer park, 50 acres of landscaped garden, a neo-classical mansion and a hall built at the end of the 15th century.

Prices at Lyme peak at £22.50 for a family pass including entry to the house and garden, while car parking costs £7.