Skip to content

back to Dunham Massey

Cheshire & Greater Manchester

Get in touch with nature: a wellbeing walk at Dunham Massey

N/A — Daffodils at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images/ John Miller

You’re invited to immerse yourself in Dunham Massey’s deer park and take a moment to reflect away from the fast-paced world beyond the park walls. A wellbeing walk for the senses, soak in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. The route is circular so you will start and end at the same point.

Near to

Start point

Visitor centre entrance

Trail information

Difficulty

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Duration 40 mins to 1 hour

Dog friendly

Wildlife and admission

The route avoids entering the deer sanctuary, this area is off limits to visitors. Normal admissions apply for entry to Dunham Massey, please see website for details.

The route follows flat, hard standing paths around the park. There is an alternative accessible start and end point utilising the accessible path around the outside of the visitor centre, this information is listed in steps 1 and 10.
Accessible toilet
In the Visitor Centre, accessible toilet facilities include a ceiling track hoist, wash and dry shower and changing bench. A standard accessible toilet can be found in the Stables building.
Seating available
Benches and seats are available throughout the walk.
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Visitor centre entrance
Stage 1
Start your journey today inside the visitor centre. Exit the building using the sliding doors closest to the shop and café terrace. Follow the path leading over the bridge towards the moat, before heading right, through the set of white deer gates that lead into the park. If you require an accessible route, start your journey at the front of the visitor centre, and head left. Go through the small black gate and follow the path directly in front of you, winding around to follow it along the edge of the moat. Go through the set of white deer gates.
Stage 2
You have entered the Dunham Massey deer park, created by the 2nd Earl of Warrington to escape the bustle of life - and yet it is full of life and has been for hundreds of years. Follow the path straight ahead of you.
Dunham Massey ancient oak | © Dunham Massey
Stage 3
Continue straight ahead, following the path along the edge of the water, winding past the mill, heading towards the lion statue in front of you.
Lion statue
Look up and notice the statue of a lion standing tall and proud in the parkland, one paw raised, mouth open. Take a moment to notice the textures of the stone and the small details like the lion’s flowing mane and pointy tail. Lions are known to symbolize strength, courage and bravery – what do these words mean to you? You will pass another lion statue as you continue straight along this path.
Lion statue | © Dunham Massey
Stage 4
Carry on following the path straight ahead, past the second lion statue and along Smithy Drive.
Dunham Massey avenue of trees, Smithy drive | © Dunham Massey
Stage 5
When you come to the end of the avenue of trees, you will see a path on your right, head in this direction.
Dunham Massey Smithy pond | © Dunham Massey
Stage 6
Continue following the path straight ahead, you may notice sections of the park wall on your left as you travel through this section of the deer park.
Dunham Massey ‘Stumpy’ tree plantation | © Dunham Massey
Stage 7
As you reach the end of this path, you will approach a section where the path you are travelling along crosses over another. Continue straight ahead at this intersection, following the path towards the bench, and along the top edge of the park. Look out for a break in the wall where a fence looks out across a field. At this point you will see a long hard standing path on your right, turn right and follow this path.
Dunham Massey fence | © Dunham Massey
Stage 8
Continue straight down this path (called Main drive). As you move towards the end of the path you will start to see the house in the distance.
Dunham Massey Island Pool viewed from main drive | © Dunham Massey
Stage 9
At the end of the path, go left, moving back past the lion statue and now passing the mill on your left this time as you head in the same direction you started from.
The mill at Dunham Massey | © Dunham Massey
Stage 10
Continue following the path leading back towards the white deer gates, you will pass the ancient oak again on your right. Head through the deer gates and either make a left, following the path towards the visitor centre, or for the accessible route, carry on straight ahead, following the path along the edge of the moat. Look out for a moment to pause, the Rose Fountain could be an ideal spot for this.
Dunham Massey Rose Fountain | © Dunham Massey
End point
Visitor centre entrance. Follow the path over the little bridge back to the visitor centre. For the accessible route, head back towards the little black gate you entered from at the beginning of your journey and finish at the front of the visitor centre.
Trail map
Get in touch with nature map | © Dunham Massey
You made it
Share your experience

Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ

dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk

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.