Dunham Massey Illuminated Christmas Trail

In Brief.

Quite a few National Trust properties run festive lighting events, and at Dunham Massey this is on a grand scale. We visited the Dunham Massey trail several years ago, and my recollection is that it was quite a low-key affair; think illuminated trees in the gardens. However, for 2022 there is a much more substantial event, with a series of installations, timed entry slots, on-trail catering and crowds. There has been significant effort put into making a spectacle of walking through a garden in the dark and cold, but if you learn anything from this blog for a visit in 2023, it should be wrap up warm!

The hall from the gardens.

What's Here?

This is a book-ahead event, with ticket prices that would pay for a trip to Pizza Express if you fancy something more predictable and inside. The carpark was largely full when we arrived for our 7:30 slot, and visitors are channelled along a path past larger-than-life illuminated deer to the largest of several Christmas Market style catering areas.


The Fire Garden.

From there, it's off on the trail. This winds through the garden, from installation to installation; there are thirteen in all, between which are the illuminated trees and bushes of old.  The installations include a Fire Garden with a collection of flames and flame-effect bulbs covering the lawn in front of the Orangery, a tunnel of illuminated Gladioli, and our favourite, the Laser Garden, with lots of moving lasers illuminating passers by, clouds of smoke and everything around. These displays come with musical accompaniments, to provide a son et lumière style experience, with assorted Christmas standards, carols and ambient music assigned to different exhibits. 

What is one to make of all this? Overall, it is quite a spectacle, but in my case not enough of a spectacle to distract from the cold. Perhaps it's worth a visit every now and then, as the format evolves, but for me it doesn't hold a candle to a walk round the gardens themselves in a pleasant Spring day.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 13 miles

Drive Time: 35 minutes.

Price: $$

Parking: Included.

Food and Drink: There are assorted Christmas-market style stalls throughout the trail.

Child Friendly: This seems like an all-ages activity.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 90 minutes (you may be frozen by then).

Inside-Outside: 0:100

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