A family day out at Dunham Massey

A child begins an adventure, strolling happily through Dunham Massey's Winter Garden along a winding path passing trees and flowers — A child begins an adventure in Dunham Massey's Winter Garden | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

When the need for a family day out calls, Dunham Massey answers with beauty, history and wildlife. A short drive from Manchester and on the edge of rural Cheshire, Dunham is the ideal day out for families living in or visiting the North West.

From the many miles of paths amongst roaming deer that welcome prams and pushchairs of all types, to baby change points and snacky lunch boxes, families love a day out at Dunham Massey.

Planning your family visit

Arrive ready for the weather - families love a walk amongst fallow deer and ancient trees.
Kids become nature champions when you find out about the fallow deer and medieval park before you arrive. Help us keep our deer wild and well by not feeding or touching them.
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.

Family events and activities

Join us for a winter day out and explore, discover and enjoy moments with the whole family.

See the fallow deer in the park.
Experience an enchanted trail through some of the hidden rooms of the Dunham Massey House.
Step into nature and fresh air while following our winter family trail.
Take a break and warm up with a hot drink and cake or visit the shop to check the latest seasonal and festive collections.
For a magical moment, visit Christmas at Dunham Massey. Marvel at dancing lights and make memories with your loved ones.

Family events at Dunham Massey

Visiting with younger children

Dunham is a young explorer’s dream. Waterbirds are often the first wildlife to welcome little ones as they approach the moat, the view of the house across the water is a highlight for parents and carers.

Deer spotting

Inside the parkland, nature is all round and little faces light up in awe as they spot deer in the distance. Dunham’s herd of fallow deer have lived here for almost 1000 years and happily share the park with all ages. Remind your little ones that being a friend to nature means not feeding or stroking these wild animals and set their path towards being a conservation champion early in life!

In the gardens

Displays of intriguing flowers open out to waterways, mini bridges and interesting structures in the gardens. The Orangery offers a moment of rest when little legs tire – grab a book and a bean bag in the Book Nook, overlooking the historic house, or picnic on the lawn to refuel before the next adventure.

Trails and events

Seasonal trails and tailored events for children are frequent at Dunham Massey, as is the tendency for kids to beg to return to this much loved, wildlife-rich landscape. Ask at the Visitor Centre to find out what’s on and coming up.

n/a — Children enjoying an autumn walk at Dunham Massey | © James Beck

A day out with older kids

Older children enjoy sharing space and time with free-roaming deer in the ancient parkland. Bring their history studies to life with a visit to the historic buildings.

A site of special scientific interest

Dunham’s many miles parkland paths weave through this special place, known for its precious deadwood ecology and mass of ancient trees. Most of these wooden giants grow happily, while others have fallen. Fallen trees and branches by the side of well-trodden paths are perfect for amateur climbers and aspiring den builders.

A walk around the parkland reveals mysterious buildings and structures, almost frozen in time. Challenge older kids to take on the pathway around the edge of the parkland and consider what these buildings may once have been?

The Log Pile

The adventure continues in this hidden gem of a place in Dunham’s lesser-frequented North Park. Huge fallen trees are perfect for clambering and carefully placed stumps act as steppingstones.
*Please support your children to recognise their own ability.

The House and Historic Buildings

The Dunham Massey House holds an extensive collection that spans the history of the estate. Open from March through to October, children are encouraged to step into the past, and discover the stories of the Booths and the Greys. Find out more about the history of Dunham Massey before you visit.

Top tips

You may wish to encourage those with very little legs to visit the Stables facilities before entering the gardens or venturing far out into the parkland as there are no facilities in these areas. And perfect 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.