What’s On at Dunham Massey: Enjoy the magic of the Midnight Garden this summer

Families can dream big this summer with the magic of the Midnight Garden at Dunham Massey.

Join in with exciting family activities throughout the summer holidays – perfect for families looking to make the most of the long summer break and keep their little ones busy all summer long.

“Step back in time to 1906 when after a long time away the family have finally returned to Dunham,” said Katie Clayton, Assistant Visitor Experience Manager.

“Escape every day with Edwardian children Roger and Jane on the Midnight Garden trail, play games on the lawn or create a giant picnic for midnight animals. There’ll be tales of adventure with interactive storytelling, creative craft activities and a chance to explore the house on a spotter trail.”

Discover the magic of the Midnight Garden on an interactive garden trail every day from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Find the Edwardian bedroom hidden amongst the trees, complete the obstacle course and join the garden animals for a midnight feast.

Meet an Edwardian storyteller every day (apart from Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August) at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm and join in with tales of adventure and escape with fun-filled interactive storytelling for all ages.

Get creative with crafty activities on weekdays between 12 noon and 4pm. From making aeroplanes to creating dream catchers, let your imagination run wild!

Enjoy traditional Edwardian games on the lawn every day from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Challenge family and friends to croquet or dominoes, try your hand at hula hooping and race around the garden on a hobby horse.

Explore the house Saturday to Wednesday, 11am-4pm, and spot the midnight animals as you go. They’re hiding in each room and we need your help to find them!

Younger visitors can also go wild with Ranger Fest – meet Dunham Massey’s ranger team who will host an array of different outdoor adventures from 6-10 August, 11am-3pm. Learn some essential conservation skills for looking after Dunham’s park and the creatures that call Dunham home.

Full list of What’s On at Dunham Massey this summer

Friday 20 July-Wednesday 5 September

Escape every day with Edwardian children Roger and Jane on the Midnight Garden trail, play games on the lawn and create a giant picnic for midnight animals. There’ll be tales of adventure in interactive storytelling, a creative feast for the senses with weekday crafts and a chance to explore the house on a spotter trail. Get ready for a fun-filled summer… the Midnight Garden awaits!

The Midnight Garden will have three different themes which will change over the summer. ‘Escape’ will run from Friday 20 July to Friday 3rd August, ‘Adventure’ from Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th August, and ‘Feast’ from August 20th to September 5th. If a child visits three times (once in each theme) then they will collect three different stickers and can claim a prize!

All visitors (including National Trust members) require a house and garden ticket to take part in the Midnight Garden activities. Tickets are free for National Trust members. Collect your tickets from Visitor Reception on arrival.

First Saturday of every month

11am–1pm
With a different theme each month, these special guided walks take you around the park or wider estate to find out more about nature and history.

Saturday 4 August

6.30pm – 8.30pm
Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Adult £16, child £10, family (2 adults & 2 children) £46
Booking Essential

Friday 31 August

QUAD’s Outdoor Film Festival returns to Dunham Massey this summer. Spend the evening under the stars and watch Moulin Rouge in a spectacular setting.*
Adult £15.50, child (under 12s) £10.50
Booking Essential

Saturday 1 September

QUAD’s Outdoor Film Festival returns to Dunham Massey this summer. Spend the evening under the stars and watch 80’s classic Top Gun in a spectacular setting.*
Adult £15.50, child (under 12s) £10.50
Booking Essential

Weekdays until Sunday 2 September

At various times
From tulips and azaleas to roses and rhododendrons, experience the summer highlights of Dunham’s 30-acre Gardens on an hour long guided tour.*

Daily until Sunday 2 September

1:30pm
Join the park guides for a summer’s stroll around the deer park and find out what makes Dunham special this season.

Sunday 2 September

QUAD’s Outdoor Film Festival returns to Dunham Massey this summer. Spend the evening under the stars and watch popular musical The Greatest Showman in a spectacular setting.*
Adult £15.50, child (under 12s) £10.50
Booking Essential

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September

11am–4pm
Join us for a powerful poetry weekend with performances, discussions and workshops. Poets include Malika Booker, Jean Sprackland, Kate Fox ad Helen Mort, as well as Ella Duffy and company performing Wife, based on Carol Ann Duffy’s acclaimed collection The World’s Wife.
Booking Essential