Winter trees in the deer park at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester

Where to go · Greater Manchester

Forest bathing at Dunham Massey

A medieval deer park of ancient trees on the edge of Altrincham, with fallow deer wandering freely.

Dunham Massey is a National Trust estate on the south-west edge of Greater Manchester, near Altrincham. Its heart is a medieval deer park of more than 300 acres, full of ancient trees and historic buildings, where a herd of fallow deer roams freely. Next to the hall, the garden includes one of the largest winter gardens in the UK, so there is something to see among trees in every season.

Most people walk the short loop of just under two miles round the deer park, starting near the visitor centre. The Trust also has a two mile wellbeing walk focused on the senses, and the old trees away from the hall are where it is quietest. Paths across the park are mostly flat and easy. The deer are wild, so give them room, especially in autumn and in early summer when the young are born. The estate charges for entry unless you are a member.

Practical

Managed by
National Trust
Parking
Visitor centre car park; parking included with an entry ticket
Terrain
Mostly flat parkland paths and grass
Nearest station
Altrincham or Hale, about 3 miles
Facilities
Cafés, shop, accessible toilets, wheelchairs and mobility vehicles to book
Opening and entry
Admission charge for park and garden, free for National Trust members; park open daily, hours vary by season
Official page
nationaltrust.org.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Three guides within 15 miles of Dunham Massey

More woodlands in Greater Manchester

All venues in Greater Manchester
Etherow Country Park, Compstall, Greater ManchesterEtherow Country ParkWoods, river and an old mill pond in the Etherow valley at Compstall, near MarpleFootpath through trees in Bottling Wood, Haigh Woodland Park, WiganHaigh Woodland ParkBeech woods and old plantations around Haigh Hall, on the edge of WiganThe River Spodden running through woodland in Healey Dell, RochdaleHealey Dell Nature ReserveWooded gorge of the River Spodden near Rochdale, with waterfalls, mill ruins and a viaduct

Photos: Etherow Country Park, Stephen Burton (CC BY-SA 2.0); Haigh Woodland Park, Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA 2.0); Healey Dell Nature Reserve, Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA 2.0).