From a slow-look at a Rembrandt self-portrait in the historic house, to outdoor summer days of circus and craft, and a formal garden full of seasonal blooms, Dunham Massey has you covered for spring and summer days out.
“Around half a million visitors every year tell us that there’s lots of love for days out at Dunham Massey” said Katie Clayton, Visitor Experience and Programming Manager,
“That’s why we’ve built a bustling and varied programme of events – it’s a wonderful place that should be enjoyed in many ways, by everyone.”
The spring and summer season at Dunham Massey begins this week. Check out The Botanical World of Mary Delany in the Orangery, Easter Adventures arrive in the park and garden from Thursday, and Rembrandt: A slow looking experience opens in the historic house on Friday.
For the full round-up, visit the Dunham Massey website.
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Event Listings
FOR FAMILIES
Easter Adventures at Dunham Massey
26 March – 19 April, park and garden, admission charges apply (+£3.50 per trail)
This Easter, enjoy a family friendly trail filled with fun activities for all ages. Hop around 10 trail points around the park and garden and let the adventure begin.
Includes a chocolate or free-free egg made using cocoa from Rainforest AllianceCertified farms, a trail sheet and bunny ears.
Musical Mondays
4 & 25 May (Bank Holiday Mondays in May), 12noon/1pm/2pm, in the garden, admission charges apply
Set against the backdrop of the Georgian house and surrounded by seasonal flowers, take a moment to relax on the formal lawn and enjoy live music in the garden. Medieval Jukebox bring a fun, calm and uplifting audio, creating memorable moments using the harp and dulcimer.
Summer of Play
10 July – 6 September, North Park, admission charges apply
Join us for a summer season packed with play, creativity and discovery throughout the holidays. Enjoy picnics in the garden, learn circus skills and dance moves, or take a moment to get lost in crafts and stories. Every day is different. Check out
Dunham Massey’s Facebook and Instagram for the schedule of events and activities.
From Here to There: a tour for children
Until 1 November, inside the house, admission charges apply
Step inside the historic house and set off on an adventure with Speechly thePineapple. Grab a Pineapple Passport from the entrance of the house, keep an eye out for stacked suitcases along the way and collect five different stamps.
INSIDE THE HOUSE
Meet Rembrandt: a slow looking experience
27 March – 12 July, 11am – 4pm, limited on-the-day entry, admission charges apply
Spend time with one of the National Trust’s greatest treasures, as Rembrandt’s self- portrait comes to Dunham Massey. What will you see when you slow the pace?
Check available times for viewing on-the-day at the Welcome Desk. Early arrival recommended.
ORIGIN
charges apply
1 May – 1 November (selected dates only), limited on-the-day entry, admission
Explore the powerful themes of life’s cycle and our connection to nature. A deep listening experience that will slow the pace and connect you to the mansion and garden.
Visit the Dunham Massey House
Until 1 November, 11am – 4pm, admission charges apply
Home to the Booth and Grey families for over 400 years, Dunham Massey holds generations of stories. Discover portraits of pets and people, a collection of finesilver, and beautifully decorated rooms – be sure not to miss the ornate library.
Those with children can relax with the kids at the indoor book nook and follow the From Here to There family trail – stamp your Pineapple Passport as you go.
IN THE GARDENThe Botanical World of Mary Delany
Until 1 November, in the Orangery in the garden, admission charges apply.
With just coloured paper, scissors and glue, Mary Delany transformed ordinarymaterials into extraordinary, inspirational artworks. Explore their intricate detail through this new photographic display of her exquisite collages, in partnership with the British Museum.
A garden for all seasons
Open all year, 10am – 4pm (spring and summer times), admission charges apply
Unwind in the natural beauty of the garden. From crocus to bluebells, the garden is alive with bright bulbs and a striking blend of colour throughout the warmer months.
Highlights include a meadow of daffodils, a celebration of tulips across the garden,the Rose Garden in full bloom, and picnics on the lawn.
Garden tours
March – November, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays and dependant on volunteer availability), admission charges apply
Dunham Massey’s Garden is abloom all seasons. From its extensive woodland with its winding paths and seasonal meadows to the formal parterre and beds that accentuate the walls of the 300-year-old Georgian House – there are always new buds to spot and floral displays to enjoy. Presented by a hugely knowledgeable group of dedicated volunteers, all tours are dependent on availability with timings confirmed on the day.
EVERYDAY FAVOURITES
Deer spotting
As you wander through the parkland, you may catch sight of fallow deer grazing beneath ancient trees or resting beside historic walls, surrounded by the rich floraand fauna that thrive here at this time of year. Take a quiet moment to observe them in their natural setting, but remember to admire from a distance – giving the deer plenty of space helps protect their wellbeing and ensures the park remains a peaceful habitat for wildlife to flourish.
Picnic in the garden
Pause for a picnic on the formal lawn and take in the historic backdrop of the house,or settle beneath the shade of ancient trees surrounded by colourful seasonal blooms. With fresh air, open space and the beauty of the garden all around, it’s the ideal setting for relaxed family time and a chance to slow down, connect with natureand enjoy the landscape.
The Log PileHead to the North Park where the Log Pile invites adventurers to explore. Clamber over large fallen trees, balance across stepping-stone stumps and enjoy the freedom of a natural play area designed for discovery and imagination.
Mill tours
March – November, Tuesday to Friday (dependant on volunteer availability),admission charges apply
The Mill at Dunham Massey is the oldest building within the park’s walls. Join our volunteer-led tours, discover how this building changed from a cornmill to a sawmill before coming into the care of the National Trust. Try grinding corn into flour, feel the spray from the water wheel and see the unique surviving frame saw.
Tours are led by our knowledgeable volunteers and run subject to availability, with times confirmed on the day – please check on arrival for details.
Seasonal walks
Walks are a great way for visitors of all ages to explore the parkland and historic surroundings. Follow the trail routes, discover hidden corners and enjoy a fun, self- guided adventure as you make your way around the estate. The ‘Mini park loop’ and‘Get in touch with nature’ walks are a perfect place to start to get to know this 300acre park.
