Christmas Light Trail At Dunham Massey

Christmas Light Trail At Dunham Massey

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Updated October 2024

We absolutely love a good Christmas light trail, and it’s become a tradition for our family to visit at least one or two every year. Our fascination with festive lights began with the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a place I’ve visited since I was little. Over the years, light trails have grown in popularity, becoming a magical way to kick off the holiday season, and now Christmas light trails are one of our must-do family activities each December. 

What To Expect at Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

Prepare to be dazzled by an incredible after-dark illuminated trail through Dunham Massey’s beautifully festive gardens. This light trail is a firm favourite on the UK’s Christmas calendar, and it’s easy to see why. Over a million twinkling lights shine across the gardens, while festive tunes fill the air. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Walk through sparkling tunnels of light, see stunning reflections on the lakes, and be amazed by larger-than-life illuminations. The fire garden is an absolute must-see, with its flickering flames adding a warm, cosy glow to the chilly evening air. And of course, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way—it’s the perfect opportunity for a family photo!

When Can You Visit?

Dunham Massey's Christmas light trail runs on selected dates from 15th November to 1st January 2025, with time slots starting from 4:30 pm to 8:15 pm. Be sure to book in advance as slots fill up quickly!

Ticket Prices

Off-peak: £19 for adults, £12.50 for children

Standard: £22.50 for adults, £14.50 for children

Peak: £24.50 for adults, £17 for children  

Family tickets are available, and carers go free with a valid proof of status.

Book Tickets Online

How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is roughly one mile long, but how long you spend exploring depends on you. We like to take our time, stopping to admire every twinkling light and grabbing a hot drink at the halfway point. You can even toast marshmallows if you want to add an extra cosy touch to your night!

Food, Drink and Rides

There are plenty of food and drink options available at the start, midpoint, and end of the trail, so you can enjoy hot chocolates, mulled wine, and festive treats throughout. Fairground rides are also available, adding an extra layer of fun for the little ones. Just note that additional charges apply for food, drinks, and rides.

Parking Information

Parking is available onsite and must be pre-booked when purchasing your tickets. If you're a National Trust member, parking is free with a valid membership card, as long as you book it in advance. Non-members will need to pay an additional charge for parking.

What Should I Wear?

Since the event is entirely outdoors, be sure to dress for the weather! Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as some parts of the trail can get muddy.

Our Thoughts

This was will be our fourth year visiting Dunham Massey’s Christmas light trail, and each year, it seems to get better and better so we cannot wait to experience it for 2024. Last year, John and I went on our own, which was a different experience from our usual family outing. While it was lovely to wander through the lights at our own pace and enjoy the festive atmosphere, we did miss having the boys with us. So this year it will definitely be a family outing.

For families, couples, or groups of friends, a Christmas light trail is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. If you haven’t experienced one yet, make sure to add it to your 2024 Christmas bucket list!

Book Tickets Online

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Christmas light trails have quickly become a beloved part of our festive season, and they offer a truly magical way to create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning to visit Dunham Massey or another light trail across the UK, make sure to book your tickets early and wrap up warm! 

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Michelle

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Dunham Massey, Altrincham Greater Manchester

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Greater Manchester

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We have visited Dunham Massey twice over the past few months and it has quickly become one of our favourite National Trust properties.

What To Expect At Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester WA14 4SJ.

Dunham Massey boasts a garden for all seasons, ancient deer park and a house that is filled with treasures and stories.

On arrival at Dunham Massey your tickets will be checked as you drive in to the car park area. Pre Booking tickets is advised and guarantees entry. Once your tickets are checked you are shown to the car park area and ready to start your day out.

The reception area is just as you enter the estate and has a cafe, toilets, gift shop and an ice cream kiosk. It is probably the largest reception area we have seen in the National Trust places we have been to, and its really modern and fresh. 

When you are ready to enter the main estate you can head up the steps or the accessible route which leads you to the courtyard. There is a large lake which you walk past here which has fountain sprays which fire up from time to time and are really nice to look at.  In the courtyard you have access to toilets, ice cream parlour, the gardens and the deer park.  The courtyard also has some pop up stands with freshly cooked pizza, coffee, and cakes to choose from. 

The house, mill and stables are closed at the moment but there is still plenty to explore.  The house itself looks really impressive, and well preserved so we are looking forward to being able to have a look around when it opens.  

From the courtyard you can choose to head out onto the deer trail, or into the gardens. Both are different experiences and I would recommend you visit both when you go. 

The Gardens are a lovely walk through brightly coloured plants and flowers and large open spaces too. There are plenty of benches dotted around for a break or just to take in the views.  The open spaces are really flat which makes it a great place for a picnic, or to play some games. We played frisbee and the area was perfect for that.  As with most National Trust areas a lot of the trees and flowers are labelled so if you want to have a look and see what everything is you will be able to. 

The Deer park is a much larger and open spaced part of the property. You can choose to wander across some of the more open wooded areas, or you can walk the deer park paths, which in places you can't go off as you have the Deer Sanctuary areas which are left alone for the Deer.  There is so much space to explore and the wide areas reminded us of Tatton Park.  If you follow the defined path you will be able to walk all the way to the end of the estate and come back along another path where we did see some deer from a distance.  There is lots to explore and plenty to climb over, run through and generally enjoy the outdoors. 

All paths will lead you back to the Courtyard area, which is a good idea as you can get refreshed and have an Ice Cream before you head back to the reception area and have a look in the shop if you like. 

Anything Else?

The car park at Dunham Massey is free and has lots of parking spaces. It's open daily from 9am-5:15pm (weekends) and 9:30am - 5:15pm. (weekdays)

Please check the individual opening times for the gardens, cafe, shop before you visit.

Well behaved dogs are welcome in the parkland (9.30am – 5pm) and gardens (12 noon – 5pm), but must be kept on a short lead at all times to protect the herd of deer.

Pre Booking tickets is essential. 

Prices are 

£8 per adult

£4 per child

£20 per family

There is plenty to see and do at Dunham Massey to keep you busy and makes a lovely day out. 

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Michelle

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