A perfect parkland

Deer grazing on the grass outside Dunham Massey in Cheshire.

Dunham Massey has all the elements of a great medieval deer park. On a walk through the grounds you'll see fine avenues, wide vistas, ancient trees, roaming deer and open grassland.

An ancient oak tree in the grounds of Dunham Massey

Ancient Tree Walk 

Although the parkland we see has been designed, many of the ancient elements were incorporated into the design creating layers of history going back a thousand years. You’ll see many trees with lots of dead branches and hollow trunks. These trees are going through a natural process. It is said that oaks grow for three hundred years, rest for three hundred years and slowly die for another three hundred years. The decay of heartwood in old trees is now thought to be beneficial for the tree. Fungi decay the wood allowing the tree to reabsorb nutrients which have been stored there for hundreds of years.

The 400 year old mill at Dunham Massey

The Mill

Dating back to 1616, visit the oldest building in the park and see the water wheel and Dunham Ripper in action.

A group of people take part in a guided walk

Take a walk with us 

Themed guided walks take place on the first Saturday and last Friday of the month at 11am, as well as a daily guided walk at 1.30pm. Whether rain or shine, discover the wildlife that call Dunham home or go beyond the park walls and explore Dunham Town and Little Bollington. Keep an eye on the What's On page for details.

Doe sticking her tongue out during feeding time

A week in the life of Dunham Massey’s rangers 

Ever wondered what working life is like for the rangers at Dunham Massey?