A Taste of Autumn

Celebrate the autumn season and all its colours, tastes, smells and sounds with a calendar of walks, tastings and workshops as we highlight the things that are special about Dunham at this time of year.

Spot the deer during their annual rut and experience the house before it closes for conservation over the winter months. Enjoy crisp walks surrounded by bright autumn colours and retreat indoors for cosy meals and sweet treats. Return for exciting events throughout the season from Dunham’s first poetry festival to guided walks and tours.

Ella Duffy

Women in Words 

Join seven contemporary female poets for a feast of powerful poetry on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September. Take part in creative writing workshops, hear poetry performed live and meet poets at the festival brunch or tea.

Dunham deer rut

Battle for supremacy… 

Autumn sees Dunham Massey’s herd of fallow deer compete for supremacy during their annual rut which reaches its height in October. See if you can spot the bucks use their impressive antlers to battle for their pick of the does. Fighting can be merciless when two dominant bucks refuse to back down…Join the rangers for an early morning rut walk on 13, 16 or 18 October. Booking essential.

Couple on a bench in the garden in Dunham Massey looking at a map

Autumn in the garden

Surround yourself with autumn shades as brightly coloured foliage floods the garden. See the acers as they start turning colour and spot autumnal bulbs such as the cyclamen as they begin to bloom. Autumn also sees the popular katsura tree fill the garden with its candy floss aroma as its bright yellow leaves begin to drop.

Beer from Dunham Massey Brewery

A Taste of the Estate 

Treat your taste buds on this autumnal guided walk as you discover the food and drink producers on the Dunham Massey estate. Visit the orchard for a taste of Dunham Massey apple juice, try a tipple from Dunham Massey Brewery, and enjoy home grown fare from Little Heath Farm Shop. 15 and 29 September, 11am–2pm. Booking essential.

Visitors taking part in a guided walk

From Ice Pit to Parlour 

Weekends from 6 October to 4 November at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm Ever wondered how ice cream was made in the past? Discover the ice pit in the park (not normally on show), take a look at the shippon in the stables, and find out more about the dairy in this guided walk. There’s even a visit to the Ice Cream Parlour for a Snugbury’s ice cream or sorbet. Yum! Booking essential.

A mother and daughter watch the deer in the park at Dunham Massey in autumn

Thank you! 

When you enjoy autumn colour you help look after Dunham for future generations.