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A family day out at Dunham Massey

A family walks along a garden path lined with orange tulips. A child runs ahead on the gravel path, while two adults follow. Trees and shrubs surround the walkway.
Family enjoying a day out at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

From adventures outdoors, to history and wildlife, plan a family day out at Dunham Massey. A short drive from Manchester and on the edge of rural Cheshire, find out about family friendly activities and seasonal events .

Planning your family visit

  • Arrive ready for the weather -  enjoy a walk amongst fallow deer and ancient trees.
  • Find out about the fallow deer and medieval park before you arrive. Become a nature champion and help us keep our deer wild.  
  • The vast majority of the paths in Dunham Massey are flat and accessible for buggys and pushchairs.
  • Toilet and baby-changing facilities are available at the Stables and Visitor Centre.
  • Bike riding is only for children aged under five inside the park. Older cyclists may want to take advantage of the bike park areas in the car park and by the North Park. The Trans Pennine Trail is under a mile from Dunham Massey.
  • The Cafe in the Visitor Centre and Stables Restaurant in the Stables building carry child-friendly meals and snacks, catering to a variety of dietary requirements. Check specifics via phone 0161 941 1025 or email dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
  • Don't miss the Dunham Massey shop - one of the National Trust's largest with a great selection of children's books, toys and treats.

 

 

Two girls wearing bunny ears walking among the daffodils on an Easter Trail
Enjoy Easter Adventures at Dunham Massey | © Annapurna Mellor

Easter egg hunts at Dunham Massey

3 to 27 April | 10am — 4pm

Designed with children of all ages in mind, Dunham Massey's Easter Adventures trail features ten activity stations which explore the fascinating world of pollinators. From bees to butterflies, and from wasps to beetles, join the fun discovering the busy lives of these mini beasts.

Normal admission plus £3.50 per trail, which includes bunny ears, a trail pack and a *chocolate egg, or vegan 'Free-From' chocolate egg, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

What else is on for families at Dunham Massey?

10 March to 2 November | 12noon — 4pm

Family trail

Children are invited to take a journey through the historic house, accompanied by Speechly the Pineapple. Grab a Pineapple Passport from the entrance of the house, spot the suitcase stacks and collect a stamp for your passport. 

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From Here to There, a tour for children at Dunham Massey | © National Trust Images/ Paul Harris

Visiting with younger children

Top tips

Great picnic spots can be found in the gardens on the lawn or in the North Park. No picnics in the parkland please as leftover food and wrappers can harm the deer herd.

A girl jumping on logs and surrounded by foliage and sunlight
Girl playing in the Log Pile area at Dunham Massey, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/ Annapurna Mellor

A day out with teens

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Here are some recommendations to have a go while visiting Dunham Massey:

Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Discover more at Dunham Massey

Find out when Dunham Massey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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