Christmas at Dunham Massey: A Magical 2024 Experience

Christmas at Dunham Massey: A Magical 2024 Experience

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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. 

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Christmas at Dunham Massey and make sure you check out our thoughts below for our honest opinion of the event. 

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 our fourth year visiting Dunham Massey’s Christmas light trail, and each year, it seems to get better and better. 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 we made it a family outing.

Like I said Christmas at Dunham Massey just gets better and better each year. The choice of music this year was definitely my favourite. The light installations this year were also amazing and the light installation on the house at the end is not to be missed and a highlight for me.   

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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Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure

Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure

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We have just experienced our first Christmas light trail of 2024 and it was our first visit to Yuletide at Tatton Park. We absolutely love a Christmas light trail. it’s become a tradition for our family to visit at least one or two every year however this year we have three already booked. We will also squeeze a visit to view 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 festive season, and now Christmas light trails are one of our must-do family activities each December. 

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Yuletide and make sure you check out

our thoughts below for our honest opinion of the event. 

Step into an incredible glittering adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this season. Fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life!

Enjoy live music and fire juggling, storytelling and performance at a winter experience like no other! Roast marshmallows around the fire and warm up with a hot chocolate as you are enchanted by a traditional storyteller weaving tall tales to delight and enthral the whole family.

When Can You Visit?

Yuletide - A Glittering Winter Adventure runs on weekends from 16th November to 23rd December 2024, with time slots starting from 3pm to 7:15pm. Be sure to book in advance as slots fill up quickly!

Ticket Prices

Adults - £20

Children - £12 

Under 2's - Free

Book Tickets Online

How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is roughly 1km long, but how long you spend exploring depends on you. We like to take our time, stopping to admire every twinkling light. There is also entertainment including storytelling, music and fire dancers. You can even toast marshmallows if you want to add an extra cosy touch to your night!

Food, Drink and Rides

There are some food and drink options available at the start and end of the trail (the same place) so you can enjoy hot chocolates, cookie pies, pizza and other festive treats. A Carousel is 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 is included when purchasing your tickets. 

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 our first ever visit to Tatton Park during Christmas. As we visited mid November I was a little nervous that it wouldn't feel as magical as it would visiting closer to Christmas. I was wrong. Once we reached the main courtyard it felt like Christmas! The carousel was lit up and the music was playing and we couldn't wait to start our Yuletide adventure. Yuletide is in the gardens of Tatton Park which are spacious and magical during the day so we couldn't wait to step inside at night and see how they are transformed. 

There are 5 main parts to Yuletide and you can experience them all if you get your timing right. 

Fire Dancers / Juggling

We started with the fire dancers as the show was just about to begin when we entered. It was just what we expected, men with fire, dancing and juggling. Unfortunately one performer was better than the other who kept dropping his fire and actually made me want to move the kids away from the rope as it came a little too close at times. The boys enjoyed it though and we stayed and watched for 10-15 minutes. I think it was a 30 minute show but very repetitive as I guess theres only so much you can do with an open flame!

Glittering Trail

The Glittering Trail was not what we expected at all. It was different. We were expecting a Christmas light trail similar to what we have visited before however The Glittering Trail took us on a journey through the world of folklore and their festive traditions. There was so much interaction with the characters and the lights themselves as they brought us in to their world. As for Christmas twinkling lights, we didn't see much of that however I think that's what I enjoyed. It was unique, fun and the boys loved it! The highlight was Rainbow road at the end.

There were short gaps in the trail where there were no lights or characters and it got quite dark in places however there was always a member of staff to help you stay on the right path. 

Toasting Marshmallows

This has become a 'must do' when we visit a light trail of Christmas experience. I'm not sure any of us actually like the marshmallow but it's just the fun of toasting it in the open flame. The smell is amazing. Marshmallows are chargeable, however we saw a family who had brought their own and the member of staff happily let them toast their marshmallows in the fire pit.

Live Music

Unfortunately we didn't get to see any live music as it had finished by the time we got to the tent so make sure you check times if this is something you want to experience. 

Storytelling

I think this was my favourite part. Inside a tent filled with layer seating a man told folklore stories and had the whole audience engrossed. His story about the sun, moon and cockerel brought a tear to my eye. His storytelling lasted about 30 minutes and is not to be missed. 

Overall we really enjoyed our visit to Yuletide and I'm glad we chose to visit this year. 

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

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Michelle

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Scarecrow Pop Star Festival At Tatton Park

Scarecrow Pop Star Festival At Tatton Park

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This half term we headed to Tatton Park to take part in their Scarecrow Festival trail. We have done many Tatton Park Trails over the years and they are always so much fun and we get to see the Tatton Park estate which is so beautiful. The Scarecrow Festival this year offers visitors the chance roam the gardens in search of 21 Pop Star scarecrows.

Scarecrow Pop Star Festival, Tatton Park, WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG)

The Scarecrow Pop Star Festival runs from 10th February till 25th February 2024 and will be the perfect day out this half term with the kids. You will find all the scarecrows inside Tatton Park gardens. There is no map however all scarecrows were easy to find and it was lots of fun guessing who they are. 

This was our first time visiting the Scarecrow Festival however it seems to be an annual event and we are already looking forward to the next one. 

As the Scarecrow Festival is located in the gardens, normal garden and farm opening times and entry prices apply

It is open 10th Feb - 25th Feb however it is closed on Monday 12 February and Monday 19 February.

As well as taking part in the Scarecrow Festival, you can also just enjoy a stroll around the huge gardens. There are 50 acres of gardens to explore offering breathtaking views.

The Japanese garden can only be viewed from the perimeter unless you join one of the special guided tours which take place every Wednesday and Saturday from 23rd March 2024

As well as the gardens you can also have lots of fun on the farm, visit the Mansion or enjoy a bite to eat at the Stables Restaurant. 

For more information on Tatton Park including what's on, opening times and entry costs check out their website.

I don't want to give away any spoilers to who's who however we found some easier than others to guess and you can check the list at the entrance to the gardens. If you are not planning to visit and would like to have a guess at all 21 Scarecrows then you can check out our photos on Instagram.

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Michelle

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Tatton Park Farm

Tatton Park Farm

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Another planned visit for us this month to Tatton Park but it was the first time that we’ve been able to visit the farm. The farm reopened on the 17th of May and is another reason why we love Tatton Park. The farm which is setback away from the main courtyard and gardens has its own pathway leading to the farm entrance. You can reach the farm by walking, taking the land train or by car if you wish to park in the disabled bays. The land train is chargeable each way and stops at the farm and children's playground, every 20 minutes. 

Booking is preferred when visiting as it allows the farm to control the amount of visitors per day however we did see a family allowed entry as numbers were low at the time of our visit.  Entrance to the farm is via the shop and once inside you’ll be greeted by donkeys and an introduction video showing what to expect on your visit. 

Once on the farm you can explore the area including a visit to the horses, goats and chickens. The horses will be the first to greet you on your visit to the farm including 21-year-old Blossom.

As always the goats provide lots of entertainment. They love to come up close for a stroke and it is fun watching them play on their climbing frame. You will spot some cheeky ones poking their heads through the fences and jumping up too. You will also find some cows and pigs on the farm too.

Once you’ve made your way past the animals you can head towards the playground area. It's a woodland playground that has lots of different climbing obstacles for the children to complete. It's set out like a trail from start to finish and has balance beams and rope climbing areas to complete.

Cost onto the farm for all visitors including National Trust members is a  £8 for adults and £6 per child. Concessions and family tickets are also available at a discounted rate.

There are lots of picnic benches around for you to enjoy a picnic and there are snacks available in the gift shop. There are two sets of toilets one by the main entrance and one just before you head to the children’s playground.

Most of the ground is cobbled stones and I did see a few people struggling to push a pram around however when we left I noticed some people had left their prams near the shop. 

Estimated time on the farm does depend on how long you spend in each area but I would think no more than an hour and a half.

We recently visited Tatton Park to complete the Percy the Park Keeper Trail in the gardens which finishes on June 13th. We will be heading back to the farm soon when the new Percy the Park Keeper Treasure Trail lands on 20th of June 2021.

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Comments - I love reading your opinions and thoughts - Have you visited Tatton Park farm or planning a trip?  Leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought or what you have planned. 

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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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