Skip to content
back to Dunham Massey

A family day out at Dunham Massey

A group visitors having a picnic on the lawn and playing games.
Visitors having a picnic and playing in the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images / Paul Harris

From adventures outdoors, to history and wildlife, plan a family day out at Dunham Massey. A short drive from Manchester and on the edge of rural Cheshire, find out about family friendly activities and seasonal events.

Planning your family visit

  • Arrive ready for the weather -  enjoy a walk amongst fallow deer and ancient trees.
  • Find out about the fallow deer and medieval park before you arrive. Become a nature champion and help us keep our deer wild.  
  • The vast majority of the paths in Dunham Massey are flat and accessible for buggys and pushchairs.
  • Toilet and baby-changing facilities are available at the Stables and Visitor Centre.
  • Bike riding is only for children aged under five inside the park. Older cyclists may want to take advantage of the bike park areas in the car park and by the North Park. The Trans Pennine Trail is under a mile from Dunham Massey.
  • The Cafe in the Visitor Centre and Stables Restaurant in the Stables building carry child-friendly meals and snacks, catering to a variety of dietary requirements. Check specifics via phone 0161 941 1025 or email dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
  • Don't miss the Dunham Massey shop - one of the National Trust's largest with a great selection of children's books, toys and treats.

Family events and activities

See all events at Dunham Massey
A family sat on giant deck chairs and enjoying the sunshine while being photographed.
A family enjoying the North Park during Summer of Play at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Visiting with younger children

A day out with teens

Top tips

Great picnic spots can be found in the gardens on the lawn or in the North Park. Accessible picnic benches and proximity to toilets in the visitor centre. No picnics in the parkland please as leftover food and wrappers can harm the deer herd.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Here are some recommendations to have a go while visiting Dunham Massey:

Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Discover more at Dunham Massey

Find out when Dunham Massey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

You might also be interested in

Family climbing on a Summer of Play activity wall at Dunham Massey in Cheshire

Family-friendly places in Cheshire and Greater Manchester 

Plan your a family day out in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We've got play areas, activities for kids, wildlife to spot and plenty of things to do when it rains.

Exploring the low ropes course in the Strawberry Castle play area at Gibside

Family-friendly places in Liverpool and Lancashire 

Plan your family day out in Liverpool and Lancashire. From the beauty of the great outdoors and amazing histories to play areas, balance bikes and even a maze, there's something for the whole family to enjoy rain or shine.

Visitor enjoying a scone at a National Trust cafe
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Dunham Massey 

There's a great choice of food and drink at Dunham Massey, with options to sit inside or outside. Afterwards, visit the shop and discover a treasure trove of goodies, ideal for a gift or souvenir.

n/a
Article
Article

Visiting the deer park at Dunham Massey 

Dunham Massey's deer park is an historic parkland and naturally spacious place to visit. Walk along the leafy avenues and admire the far-reaching views while getting a breath of fresh air.

Two visitors walking in the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire.
Article
Article

Things to do in the garden at Dunham Massey 

The garden provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the beauty of summer days. Surround yourself with stunning shades as brightly coloured foliage floods the garden. Connect with nature and beauty while you immerse in the joys of the season.

Servants bells, above the door to the study, for Lord Grey's room and dressing rooms at Dunham Massey
Article
Article

Discover the house at Dunham Massey 

Explore the Georgian house at Dunham Massey, see the extensive collection, and uncover the stories of those who lived and worked here.

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.