Less than 40 minutes drive away from Manchester City Centre is the wonderful Dunham Massey. This National Trust site is one of my most favourite woodland areas to explore. I love to visit throughout the year as the seasons change, Dunham Massey always looks completely different on each visit.
Wildlife
Throughout the grounds you’ll be treated to an abundance of wildlife. The grounds are extremely well taken care of and an abundance of colourful plants and flowers, whatever the season brighten up the landscape.
Deer roam freely through the majority of the grounds. Visitors are asked not to picnic in these areas as the deer are prone to stealing food. These animals are incredibly tame and although you are asked not to touch them, they will allow you to get rather close to them. Rarely will you see deer this close up in their natural habitat.
Every time we have visited Dunham Massey, we have spotted the deer. They are numerous and you will not be disappointed!
Picnic Area
My daughter loves the designated picnic area. Not only are the plenty of benches but there is a children’s play area which keeps her entertained. Children can climb the fallen trees and complete the obstacle courses. We have spent many happy hours playing amongst the trees here.
Events aimed to entertain younger school children are held in the picnic area throughout the school holidays and on weekends throughout the year. This summer, we had lots of fun putting on a puppet show (the dogs especially loved it!)
Facilities
Dunham Massey has a huge carpark which I have never before seen full. When entering the carpark, visitors produce their National Trust Card for entry or pay the entrance fee. Disabled parking and parent parking is located close to the main entrance.
There are two on site restaurants at Dunham Massey. The first is located in the main entrance area and another in the stable area. Located in the main entrance area you’ll also find a shop selling souvenirs and gifts as well as a plants and flowers. There are plenty of toilets here and facilities for disabled visitors.
Heading out towards the stable area, you’ll find an ice-cream parlour. It’s a bit of a family tradition to head here straight away because the ice-cream is delicious.
Dunham Massey House
The 17th Century Dunham Massey House dominates the landscape and forms the central feature of the park. Visitors can explore the house between the months of March and October. Because we always have our dogs with us, we have yet to venture inside the house. Yet I always admire its stunning architecture from the outside.
The Grounds and Gardens
We always spend a full day at Dunham Massey and never tire of it simply because it is so vast. Dunham Massey boasts one of the UK’s largest winter gardens. But there’s so much more to explore. The rose garden is simply beautiful but I prefer to embark on a long stroll throughout the parkland.
There are several different paths you can take and there is always something new and interesting to see along the path and through the woodland areas.
If I had to recommend just one National Trust site close to Manchester it would be Dunham Massey. We enjoy our autumn and winter strolls through the parkland and love to bask in the gardens in the spring and summer months.
