Dunham Park
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/visitor-information
Open all year, free to NT members
Adequate parking within the grounds.
Limited free parking on nearby roads with pedestrian access over stiles into the park
An enjoyable walk at any time of year in this historic walled estate.
Many routes are flat and surfaced, good access for wheelchair users
These caches are placed with the generous assistance and permission of The National Trust, the Head Ranger and staff at Dunham Park
Dunham Park covers an area of 192 acres, with a roaming herd of about 150 Fallow deer plus many birds, bats and insects. It has the largest number of ancient oak trees in the North West of England, many dating back to the 17th century, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Dunham Massey was a locally important area during the medieval period but by the Elizabethan period Dunham Massey Castle had been demolished. The present hall was built in 1616, remodelled at various times since and was used as a military hospital during the First World War. The Mill was first documented in 1353, although the present structure dates to the 1860s.
Dunham Massey Park has been owned by the National Trust since 1976 when it was donated by the last Earl of Stamford. There are a number of listed structures in the grounds including the slaughterhouse, the deer house, the orangery, the ornamental sundial and the 18th-century sandstone obelisk which is traditionally thought to mark the burial site of a race horse.
The house has interesting collections and displays on its history. Dunham's formal gardens, next to the lake, are a particular attractive feature, certainly not just for summer. The Winter Garden is the largest in Britain with striking white-stemmed silver birches, bright dogwood barks, colourful berries and flowers, making it a pleasure to see at that time of year. A new rose garden is scheduled to open in May this year.
There is a large picnic area and a nearby play area for children including a Log –pile and den building.
In the courtyard there is an excellent restaurant or The Groom’s Pantry for snacks, drinks and ice-cream. Also clean toilet facilities including accessible toilets and baby change.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the deer park. There is an area in the North Park to allow dogs off lead. Dogs are not allowed in the formal garden, shop or restaurant.
Within the park are a mixture of different sizes of caches, some should be relatively easy to find, others a little more of a challenge.
Not all contain pen/pencil – please bring your own
Please note that the caches are placed so the deer cannot reach them; please ensure they are replaced carefully. No caches are placed in areas indicated as Deer Sanctuary.