Midnight Garden at Dunham Massey

We can’t think of many better places to while away a summer’s day than in Dunham Massey‘s fine garden.  It’s a spectacular time of year to visit with features such as the Rose Garden in full bloom and huge swathes of colour wherever you look. It’s the perfect size for litte legs, curious minds and big imaginations with winding paths, large trees, babbling streams with bridges and stepping stones, lake, pond, enchanting orangery to explore and big lawns to tumble around on.

This summer families can follow the new Midnight Garden trail with the characters of Roger and Jane, Edwardian children who lived at Dunham in idyllic times before the First World War. Challenges include finding the Edwardian bedroom hidden amongst the trees, completing an obstacle course, playing games on the lawn and joining the garden animals for a midnight feast.

Further tales of adventure will be provided through interactive storytelling with an Edwardian style raconteur each day (except 11 and 12 August). Creative craft activities every afternoon will include creating dream catchers, aeroplanes and other flights of the imagination.

Compete in traditional Edwardian games on the lawn including croquet and dominos. Or simply tear around the vast garden on on of Dunham’s handy hobby horses.

For those who want to extend the adventures inside, a new trail in the house features hidden midnight animals to spot.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied for the whole day here. Leave time to let loose further in the ancient deer park with its enchanting log piles ripe for den building, walking on and leaping off.

There’s the chance to tick off plenty of the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 here too.  We also recommend the stunning Ancient Trees Walk around the estate where you can ogle at one of the finest collections of veteran trees in England, as you explore Dunham Massey park.

Events are free however normal Dunham Massey admission applies (free to National Trust members).