Nature & Environment

Late Autumn to Christmas 2022  Dunham Massey’s extensive parkland and gardens are full of recognisable and colourful autumnal highlights. Crisp days are made for enjoying fallen leaves along accessible, tree-lined paths. Statement colour from seasonal plants sits bright against autumn skies, and when wet weather comes, the historic buildings hold stories and history every age can enjoy and appreciate.

Children will love seasonal trails with Judith Kerr’s ‘Mog the Forgetful Cat’, adults can join educational deer walks guided by expert Rangers, and there’s plenty of Christmas events to help families enjoy a festive experience in nature.

Bring loved ones together and make lasting memories in the great outdoors.

FAMILY TRAIL

Mog’s Autumnal Adventures at Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey Park and Gardens, until Wed 16^th Nov, 10am – 4pm
Included with admission to the park and gardens, free to National Trust members.
Licensed by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Pull on your boots and button up your jacket – Judith Kerr’s beloved ‘Mog the Forgetful Cat’ is back for an educational journey of autumnal wonder at Dunham Massey. Join Mog to learn about the habitats and homes of Dunham’s special creatures and critters as you follow the family-friendly trail.

Leap like a cat through beautiful autumnal colour in the park, listen out for a special musical moment in the gardens, and curl up in the book nook to enjoy story time and rest busy paws. Don’t forget to spot the fallow deer with your keen cat’s eyes and use your cat-like balance at the North Park’s natural play Log Pile.

IN THE HOUSE

The Textile Trail
Dunham Massey House, until end of October, Sat to Wed, 12noon – 4pm.
Included with admission to the House, free to National Trust members.

From the fragile and delicate 300-year-old Chapel Silk bearing the Booths of Warrington coat of arms, to Lady Jane Grey’s 1920’s tiered evening dress, the varied selection of textiles on display offers a glimpse into historic clothing and soft furnishings.

Some of these items are among the most delicate in the Dunham Massey collection and are exhibited rarely to protect them from the damaging effects of light and dust.

OCTOBER HALF TERM

Storytime with Mog
Dunham Massey Orangery in the Garden, Mon 24^th to Fri 28^th Oct, 11am / 1pm / 2pm.
Included with admission to the park and gardens, free to National Trust members.

This October half term, when the need to rest tired paws calls, join our storytellers on a journey into the world of Mog. Balancing, climbing, purring and prancing, a cat’s adventure in nature can be full of fun, wonder and new experiences.

Curl up cosy in our Orangery to hear a tale of Mog’s adventures with one of our lovely storytellers.

GUIDED WALK

The Rut and the Roar: A Seasonal Deer Walk
Dunham Massey Park, Wed 26^th, Thu 27^th and Fri 28^th Oct, 8am -10am
TICKETS: £20 per person, age 14+ only, The Roar and the Rut: A Seasonal Deer Walk | National Trust

When the early morning October sun rises, before the Dunham Massey gates open, the fallow deer make their presence known…  In this very special event, you’re invited to walk in the boots of those that care for Dunham’s deer every day – the Dunham Massey rangers.

Find out why Dunham’s deer are ecosystem engineers of a landscape they have been part of for almost 1,000 years. Discover why sustainable management and protection of the herd is integral to the conservation of this special place. And, if you‘re lucky, uncover the marks of rival bucks and hear seasonal rutting bellows.

This two-hour immersive experience is concluded with a breakfast sandwich (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available) and a hot drink of tea or coffee.
Please note: Sturdy, weather appropriate clothing and footwear are essential. The route will cross rugged land which is not accessible via wheelchair or mobility scooters. For an accessible tour that includes facts about the fallow deer, find out more about Dunham’s Park Tours on 0161 941 1025.

CHRISTMAS EVENT: ILLUMINATED TRAIL

Christmas at Dunham Massey – the magical, after dark, illuminated trail
Dunham Massey Park and Gardens, Fri 18 Nov to Mon 2 Jan, from 4pm onwards.
TICKETS: Christmas at Dunham Massey | National Trust

Christmas at Dunham Massey is an after dark, illuminated and immersive trail through nature that has become an icon of the North West Christmas calendar.

Brand new installations include giant, colour changing lilies and a multi-coloured, wooded laser garden, while the much-loved larger than life sparkly Dunham deer and an inviting tunnel of light return.

Enjoy time together with friends and family alongside dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Watch flames flicker in the fire garden and be sure to watch for a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.

Our crew of talented street food vendors bring delicious tempting treats – complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive spiced winter latte or hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows.

Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.

CHRISTMAS EVENT: FAMILY TRAIL

Mog’s Christmas Trail at Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey Park and Gardens, Sat 19^th Nov to Sun 8^th Jan, 10am – 4pm.
Included with admission to the park and gardens, free to National Trust members.
Licensed by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

This interactive, daytime family trail is based on the antics and escapades from Judith Kerr’s beloved book ‘Mog’s Christmas’ and is ideal for families with younger children.

Mog is confused by Christmas and decides to hide on the roof. There are so many busy people, and trees indoors… Can you deliver Mog safely down the chimney and play your part in helping Mog find Christmas comfort?

This shorter trail encourages little legs with growing imaginations to discover trail points around the Dunham Massey Visitor Centre, historic Stables and nearby, accessible parkland.

CHRISTMAS EVENT: STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE

Seasonal Stories: Mog’s Christmas Experience
Dunham Massey Stables, from 25^th Nov, for dates and times, check the website.
TICKETS: Recommended for children aged 6 and under, and their accompanying adults. Children: £10 (includes gift, children’s hot choc and cookie), Adults: £5, Babes in arms: Free (no gift or refreshments included), Seasonal Stories: Mog’s Christmas Experience | National Trust

Join us in this immersive seasonal story telling of Judith Kerr’s ‘Mog’s Christmas’ in the historic Stables building.

Expect an interactive reading at a beautiful location, a special Mog themed gift, and a hot chocolate and cookie for children, in an event designed especially for little ones. Access to the parkland and parking is included for all who attend.

Combine the festive feels of Christmas with a family day in nature in this literature inspired seasonal experience.

For calmer session dates with reduced capacity, visit the Dunham Massey website.

TOURS

If you’re keen to dig deeper into Dunham Massey’s past and present, learn more about the families who lived here, or want to know how we care for Dunham today, the daily tours are a great place to begin.

All three tours are presented by a hugely knowledgeable group of dedicated volunteers and are dependent on availability, please call 0161 941 1025 for on-the-day timings and further information.

Tours are included with admission to the park and gardens and are free to National Trust members.

Park Tour : Did you know that Dunham’s Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Dunham’s herd of fallow deer have grazed the land for nearly 1000 years? This park tour offers you the opportunity to get to know more about the key facts and histories connected to the parkland, its buildings and seasonal ecology.

Garden Tour (seasonal timings): Dunham Massey’s Gardens are abloom in all seasons. From its woodland areas with winding paths and meadows to the formal parterre and beds that accentuate the walls of the 300-year-old Georgian House – there are always floral displays to enjoy. Garden tours showcase seasonal highlights and give insight into the practicalities of caring for this special place.  From January to March additional tours run each weekday specifically focussing on the Winter Garden – one of the largest in Britain.

Mill Tour (March – October): Dunham Massey’s Mill has a long and varied history. Learn about the building’s historical use during its time as a corn and sawmill, and discover how we care for this working mill building today. A tour for the senses, see the wheel turning and hear the machinery whir.