Last Friday my sister, my niece, my partner and I had a lovely evening of “Christmas at Dunham Massey”. A night time Christmas themed walking trail which gently leads you around the impeccably manicured grounds and gardens of this 300 year old mansion house. On their own, the house and deer park that surround Dunham Massey are pretty stunning anyway. From now until the 30th of December, you have the opportunity to see them in a different light.
“Dunham Massey’s biggest and brightest Christmas event returns for a second year with plenty more surprises. Experience the gardens all aglow for a magical outdoor, after-dark experience.”
As described by the National Trust website.
My niece, my sister and I took five minutes out to rest our legs and admire the illuminated Christmas trees at Dunham Massey
" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" aperture="aperture" />There are ample walking stops for tired little legs along the Christmas at Dunham Massey trailFor Big Kids… And Little Ones
Being the big kid that I am, It was actually me who wanted to go but I kinda used my niece as an excuse. She absolutely loved every bit of it and so did the grown-ups. It’s an event that caters for children and adults of all ages.
At the beginning of the trail there are gourmet street food and drinks vans for the grown ups including the most delightful boozy hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and mulled wine, of course. For the kids, there are a few fairground rides such as a helter-skelter, flying chairs and carousel horses.
On the way to the trail from the fairground rides is an opportunity for children to meet father Christmas… Or at least I think that’s what that was all about. There was a very sweet elf trying to persuade us to meet a very elusive VIP. Although, I’m not actually sure if she was there to entertain children or keep dads interested whilst they waited for the kids. Nudge nudge, wink wink eh dads?
My partner and I surrounded by illuminated Christmas trees in the winter wonderland at Dunham Massey
" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" aperture="aperture" />My partner and I walking in a Christmas winter wonderland at Dunham MasseyA Magical Trail Of Lights
The trail of lights itself really is something quite special. The trail takes about two hours to get around… That is… allowing for ample photo stops and gawking time. You could probably manage it in about 20 minutes at normal walking pace. Along the way, you will find yourself fully immersed in the most astonishing displays of Christmas lights and music.
One of the many surreal photo opportunities along the trail of Christmas at Dunham Massey
" data-orig-size="1000,801" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" aperture="aperture" />Picture yourself in a frame in a garden, with gigantic reindeer and dark starry skies… No it’s not Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, it’s Rachael at Christmas in Dunham Massey… Although the whole experience was a little surreal!Not All About The Lights
Of course, the lights along the trail are truly dazzling but the thing that really finishes the whole thing off beautifully is the music. As you walk from one installation to another, the music changes to suit the mood. The most magical part for me was a whole field full of softly lit orbs which changed colour, as though they were dancing, to the ‘Carol of The Bells’ by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych. We were all so mesmerised by it that I think we could have stayed rooted to the spot watching it for hours!
Can you get more romantic than a tunnel made from Christmas lights and roses? Find them at Dunnham Massey
" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" aperture="aperture" />My partner and I in a tunnel of light and roses. Aww… how romantic? See, it’s not just for the kids.A Sticky, Sweet Ending
At the end of the trail, in the centre of the rose garden, we found marshmallow heaven! Yes, a gourmet marshmallow stall with open fires for toasting one’s own marshmallows, exactly to one’s liking. When we first joined the queue, we thought we were just going along to humour my niece. But then… Hello! We saw the menu… The grown ups were suckered by the blueberry and gin and raspberry and prosecco marshmallows whilst my niece went for the chocolate one. At £1.50 per marshmallow, they didn’t sound cheap but they were worth every gooey, sticky, delicious mouthful!
A deliciously sticky end to a lovely evening at Dunham Massey – toasted Christmas gourmet marshmallows.
" data-orig-size="1000,750" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" aperture="aperture" />Mmm… toasted Christmas gourmet marshmallows! A deliciously sticky end to a lovely evening at Dunham Massey.Booking Details
Booking is absolutely essential for this fabulous family night out and it’s only on until the 30th of December. Kids go for £10 each, adults £16.50 and it’s £7 to park but free if you’re a National Trust member. Family discounts are available, you can find more details on their website.
