An Autumnal look for Dunham Massey

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, 2 September – 15 November

With the autumnal season fast approaching, Dunham Massey is kicking off A Taste of Autumn season with a Beer, Bangers & Cider event on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September which showcases some award winning local produce.

Over the coming weeks there will be a whole host of events and activities for foodies, wildlife lovers and walkers.

‘We are celebrating all things autumn with wildlife spotting and autumnal colour making this a very special time of year.’ says Jessica Webb, Dunham’s Visitor Experience Manager. ‘A Taste of Autumn will showcase local produce on the wider estate and reveal some autumn rituals visitors may not know about. Personally, I am looking forward to trying this year’s honey!’

The Dunham Massey estate isn’t only made up of the deer park but extends to a much wider 3000 acre estate that produces food and drink sold by local suppliers, including Dunham’s shop. You can treat your taste buds on our ‘A Taste of the Estate Guided Walk’, stopping at three locations for free samples of locally produced apple juice, beer and farm produce from Little Heath Farm Shop.

The garden is still full of colour in September including the rose garden which continues to bloom.  Eagled-eyed visitors who have strolled through the rose garden might have spotted the bee hives. On Monday 4 and Monday 11 September, the beekeepers will be on hand to chat about beekeeping in the garden and will have an observation hive on show. Later on that month they will be harvesting the honey and spinning it in front of visitors ready for jarring, which will then go on to be sold in the shop.

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For wildlife watchers you can pick up a ‘Deer Discovery Trail’ to discover the herds autumn rituals and for those wanting to get a closer look, the Ranger led ‘Rut Walks’ offer the perfect opportunity. One of Dunham’s rangers, Jon Lucas says, “The rut is all about a show of strength – it’s so competitive! The sound of clashing antlers and the distinctive bellowing never fails to impress’. If an early morning walk isn’t for you, come along to ‘Park after Dark’ to see what stirs after we’ve all gone home.

To get a taste of autumn at Dunham Massey go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey.

A Taste of Autumn runs from 2 September – 15 November. See our website for details.

Rut Walks take place on Saturday 14 & 28 and Wednesday 18 & 25 October. Booking essential and are priced at £13.50 (including a bacon butty (or veggie option) and a hot drink!).

Park after Dark takes place on Thursday 7 & 14 and Tuesday 12 September. Booking essential and priced at £12.50 (included a hot drink and cake).

Normal admission applies at all events. Free for National Trust members. Additional charges and pre-booking applies for some events. For full details of Dunham Massey’s events this autumn, including timings, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey