Days Out: The Yorkshire Dales Explorer

My son adores trains and train journeys, and I like to indulge him, so when we have the time, we like to go on a trip somewhere exciting. This month we took a long anticipated train journey from Manchester Victoria to the Ribblehead Viaduct in Carnforth, Yorkshire, otherwise known as the Yorkshire Dales Explorer.

The train runs twice on a Saturday, so it’s worth planning ahead for. I was keen to avoid the early morning train, mostly because it was a weekend and a girl needs a lie in sometimes, so we got the 3.15pm from Manchester Victoria Station.

Putting aside hopes of a glamorous steam train, we boarded a Class 150 Northern train and settled in for the two and a half hour long journey (well, if you do the whole route it’s two and a half hours, ours was a smidge under). Originating from Rochdale, for ease we joined the train at Manchester Victoria. It was very much a stopping service, which takes in the urban sprawl of Manchester, Salford and Bolton, eventually rewarding us with wide countryside views and stopping at ever prettier and smaller stations.

The twenty stops on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer are; Rochdale, Castleton, Mills Hill, Moston, Manchester Victoria, Salford Central, Salford Crescent, Bolton, Hall I’ Th’ Wood, Bromley Cross, Darwen, Blackburn, Ramsgreave and Wilpshire, Langho, Whalley, Clitheroe, Hellifield, Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Ribblehead.

Days Out: The Yorkshire Dales Explorer

As I mentioned earlier, this train runs only on Saturdays, and the train times are below –

Rochdale to Ribblehead

Departs 07:52 – Arrives 10:19

Departs 14:52 – Arrives 17:26

Ribblehead to Rochdale

Departs 11:08 – Arrives 13:29

Departs 18:05 – Arrives 20:29

The two carriage train filled up at Manchester Victoria, but we shed a lot of the Saturday shoppers as we went along. It was a fairly quiet journey, and whilst the Class 150 Northern train isn’t known for its luxury or comfort, it was comfortable enough, and the conductors were happy to chat.

We brought along with us my partner, Simon, who is from Whalley, so we were treated to some pointing at distant landmarks and stories about Clitheroe Market, Whalley Viaduct and various pubs he’s been to in many of the places we passed through. He’s also keen on trains, so there was a lot of technical train chat, which delighted Ben and possibly some of the other passengers too.

My son is a huge fan of viaducts, so going over the Whalley Viaduct was a dream come true, and our ultimate destination, the Ribblehead Viaduct was something he’d been fizzing with excitement about for months.

Days Out: The Yorkshire Dales Explorer

Once we alighted at Ribblehead, we had just half an hour before the return journey, so we raced down the short track to the pub, The Station Inn for a quick drink, an excellent sausage roll and some beer garden views of the viaduct. If I were to do the journey again, I would have got the earlier train and then we would have had more time to walk to the viaduct itself, but the beer garden views were worth the trip.

There were a handful of other people, who like us were doing the journey in full, or more or less in full, so we all scrambled back on the train to begin the journey home. I have to say, nearly five hours of train travel was more tiring than I thought it would be, and we all managed a bit of a nap on the way home.

Days Out: The Yorkshire Dales Explorer

It’s the kind of trip we will most likely do again, but next time we will take a proper picnic, we will get the earlier train and we will hike up to the Ribblehead Viaduct and have a proper look at it. We might even squeeze in a pub lunch at The Station Inn, which looked great, but time did not allow us to linger.

Apparently the Yorkshire Dales Explorer started running on 8th June 2024, and in the last year it has transported 2,500 people from Rochdale to Ribblehead. It’s perhaps not the most popular service Northern run, but it’s definitely beautiful, unique and one off the bucket list for train enthusiasts.

Days Out: The Yorkshire Dales Explorer

In terms of cost, a return ticket costs about £26 each, but we have a family railcard which cut our costs by a third. We all felt that around five hours of travel, through some very beautiful countryside was worth the ticket price. And it’s a journey which attracts all kinds of people, families, train enthusiasts, keen walkers and dog walkers. So if you’re looking for a bit of an interesting day out, maybe slightly off the beaten track, then the Yorkshire Dales Explorer is well worth looking at.

For more information or to book tickets, visit the Northern Trains website.

A walk around Lindow Common, Wilmslow

We quite often visit Wilmslow in Cheshire and go out for a meal or look around the shops, but one of my most favourite things to do when I’m in Wilmslow is to take a walk around Lindow Common.

Lindow Common is on the outer fringes of Wilmslow, off Racecourse Road, and it’s a site of special scientific interest. It’s also home to Black Lake, which is probably the main attraction for me. Come rain or shine, if we are in the area, we will take a turn around the lake, sometimes if it’s cold, wet and miserable, it’s a very speedy walk. Sometimes, like over the weekend when the sun was shining, it was very much worth a lingering visit.

Lindow Common

This pocket-sized nature reserve is popular with dog walkers and nature lovers alike. Hundreds of years ago it was the village common, where locals would graze their animals, but the trees have rather taken over these days. The common is classed as lowland heath, so there’s a management programme in place where they’re selectively removing some of the birch trees to allow the native heathers to grow.

If you’re driving, there’s a small free car park opposite Hickory’s where you can park if you need to. It’s about a ten minute walk from the town centre, so it feels pretty accessible to me.

Lindow Common

There are information displays throughout Lindow Common, highlighting some of the rare or interesting plants, amphibians, birds and insects you might encounter on your visit. There are any number of things to spy on your walk around this man-made lake, but keep your eyes peeled for water voles, dragonflies, damselflies and a number of aquatic species. Beyond the water, the habitats provide cover for early migrating bird species including the chiffchaff, willow warbler and blackcap.

We don’t always walk through the heath areas, but over the weekend we took a short path through the wooded pathways. We walked through the heather filled heath and back to the familiar territory of Black Lake. The footpaths around the lake are generally well maintained and easy to walk on, and probably fine for wheelchairs and buggies, though parts can get a bit churned up after a prolonged period of wet weather.

Duck

In all the years we’ve been visiting Lindow Common, I’m pretty sure the weather this weekend was about the most perfect it’s been. There was not a cloud in the sky and the water shimmered and sparkled in the light. We spotted a number of birds including a rather handsome heron, some baby coots, moorhens, regular ducks and we heard that someone spotted a grebe on the other side of the lake. There was clearly a lot going on.

For those who like to linger, there are plenty of benches around the common where you can stop and enjoy the surroundings and possibly fuss a passing dog. It’s quite a small nature reserve, so there are no refreshment stalls or cafes within the reserve. If you want a drink or snack, you’ll need to bring your own, or pop across to a local café or restaurant. There are bins available, but you’re encouraged to take your litter back home with you if you can.

Lindow Common

Black Lake has a sturdy wire fence around it, presumably to protect the wildlife from excitable dogs wanting a swim, so it would be a disappointing visit if I took my water loving spaniel. The lack of swimming opportunities for dogs does mean that the lake is very peaceful and a real haven for birds and wildlife.

Growing up in South Manchester in the 1980s, we heard all about the discovery of The Lindow Man, in 1984. Pete Marsh, as he was known as was discovered in a peat marsh close to Lindow Common. It is thought he could date back to the Iron Age or though to Roman Britain. Pete Marsh is now being cared for by the British Museum, though I did see him once many years ago when he was exhibited at The Manchester Museum. He may yet return north in the future, and if he does it’s worth visiting this fascinating chap, wherever he ends up.

Lindow Common

Visiting info:

Lindow Common SSSI, Racecourse Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5NQ

At least 44 fabulous things to do in Stockport

Growing up in South Manchester, I spent a lot of time in Stockport. I suppose it was easier for my family to drive and park there to go shopping and such like. I’ve always felt at home there. It’s a small town, with a compact shopping centre and the more I visit and explore in my adulthood, the more I love it.

In more recent years, I’ve been excited by the food and drink scene, spending time up near the famous Victorian market, enjoying the hospitality of many of the bars and restaurants in the area. I could cheerfully list a whole heap of places where I’ve wined and dined well in recent years, but with half term approaching, I thought I’d put together a list of fine things to do in Stockport. As ever, if I’ve missed something important, please do comment below and I’ll add it in.

Things to do in Stockport

If you’re new to Stockport and fancy a bit of family fun on a dry day, one thing we did a couple of years ago was download a Treasure Trail map, which is a really excellent way of getting to know somewhere. We did it with a couple of other families, and despite visiting Stockport regularly for over 40 years, I discovered so much I’ve never seen before. So that’s well worth looking at.

Additionally, Stockport has its own heritage trail, which if you’re a fan of historical buildings and such like, it’s also worth looking at. Keep an eye out for the plaques on the buildings around Stockport, and I believe you can pick up a trail map at the Stockport Visitors Centre.

Things to do in Stockport

Here is my big list of things to do in Stockport. Some indoor fun and outdoor things to explore, some in the town centre and some a little further out. There’s lots to see, do and explore in Stockport!

Things to do in Stockport

Museums & Galleries

Bramall Hall and Gardens
Chadkirk Chapel Museum
Old Rectory House
Old Town Dungeon & Court House
Robinsons Brewery Visitors Centre
Staircase House Museum
Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Stockport Art Gallery
The Stockport Museum
Stockport Town Hall
Strawberry Studios
The Avro Heritage Museum
The Hat Museum – currently closed, but reopening in March 2024!
The Underbanks & Underbank Hall
Visit Crowther Street, which LS Lowry once painted

Days Out: Visiting Stockport Air Raid Shelters

The Great Outdoors

Abney Hall Country Park
Alexandra Park
Brabyns Park
Cale Green Park
Dragon Miniature Railway
Etherow Country Park
Marple Locks
Reddish Vale Country Park
Reddish Vale Farm
Stockport Viaduct – the UK’s largest brick build structure
The Garden House (farm)
The Roman Lakes, Marple
Vernon Park
Woodbank Memorial Park

Winter in Abney Hall. PLUS Save Abney Cafe!

Indoor fun

Awesome Walls Climbing Centre
Brooklyn Pottery
Jump Heaven trampoline centre
Kids Go Karting
Merseyway Shopping Centre
Ropes Race Climbing Centre
Savoy Cinema, Heaton Moor
Stockport Garrick Theatre
Stockport Victorian Market Hall
The Light Cinema
The Produce Hall
The Stockport Plaza – theatre and period style cafe
Tramp2Lean trampoline centre
X-GENVR – virtual reality experience

Things to do in Stockport

Other fun things…

Stockport Foodie Friday – once a month head up to the Victorian Market to enjoy an evening of good food, good music and good fun!

Days Out: Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

This week, we travelled the short journey to Liverpool to visit the World Museum. We were there to take a look at their Return of the Gods exhibition, which is open until February 2024, but it felt rude not to have a look around the rest of the museum, because we do love a good museum.

World Museum is just 4 minutes walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station. It has five floors of exhibits and things to do, including; the worlds second oldest aquarium; the bug house; the Clore Natural History Centre; World Cultures; Ancient Egypt; Dinosaurs and the Natural World; Space and Time and they even have their own planetarium! It’s well thought out for families and there’s a large café, several indoor picnic areas if you bring your own food, a buggy park, lockers and toilets on every floor. The World Museum is free to enter and is open every day during the school holidays.

Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

We decided to start at the top and work our way down, which seemed fairly logical. There are two lifts available, if you want to avoid the stairs, so that’s what we did. The fifth floor is home to the Space and Time exhibitions, as well as the planetarium. The planetarium hosts several shows a day, which you can book tickets to free of charge. Alas on the day we visited, the planetarium was out of action. The Space and Time floor is home to rockets, telescopes, Moon rock and models of the solar system, as well as examples of clock and watch craftsmanship from 1500s to the 1960s. There was also a film of Astronaut, Tim Peak which we sat and watched for a while. My son was excited to hold part of a meteorite and was surprised at how heavy it was.

Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

We walked down to the fourth floor which is home to the dinosaurs and the natural world exhibition. Discover full size dinosaur skeletons and learn how these immense animals lived and died. There’s the Dino Diner display, which investigates dinosaur teeth, their food and even what they left behind as droppings. In the gallery are models of the very different dinosaurs which lived in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, together with dinosaur bones, dinosaur droppings and rare dinosaur eggs. This was understandably a very popular part of the World Museum.

Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

On the third floor we discovered the Ancient Egypt gallery, which is something every school child learns about, so my son had lots to say about this. I always find it a bit eerie, so we didn’t linger for too long around the mummies. The gallery showcases 1200 objects from their ancient Egyptian and Nubian collection of around 20,000 items. The displays tell the story of Liverpool’s connections with excavations carried out in Egypt and Sudan, and how thousands of artefacts became part of the World Museum collection. You can also see objects which were damaged when the museum was wrecked by bombs in May 1941, which are now on display for the first time since the Second World War.

Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

Moving on from Ancient Egypt, we explored the World Cultures Gallery, which was filled with artefacts from Africa, The Americas, Asia and Oceania. There’s an awful lot to see in this gallery, and I don’t feel we spent long enough here. There were some interesting displays about representation and how the gallery might evolve over the next few years to better represent cultures around the world. Certainly, a lot of museums need to look at their World Cultures content and review the provenance of their artefacts and how they are displayed. It was good to see World Museum taking the lead in this.

On that note, with legs tiring, we decided it was time for lunch. So we headed down to the café for something hearty to eat. My son, he of the newly giant appetite went for freshly cooked fish and chips (£9.95) and I opted for a bowl of rather delicious tomato and lentil soup and a bread roll. The café was large, with plenty of seating and the queue moved briskly. The food was good value and tasty, and set us up for another few hours of exploring.

Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

After lunch, we headed back up to the second floor to explore the Bug House and the Clore Natural History Centre. The bug house was quite small and very popular, so we had a very quick look at some of the bugs in tanks and moved swiftly on to the Clore Natural History Centre. This was a real highlight for us. My son is very keen on the natural sciences and was very excited by the geology exhibits. He was also fascinated by some of the skeletons on display. They’re currently refreshing the exhibition, but there’s plenty to see, and we would go back just for this!

The first floor is home to the aquarium. Here you can meet sea creatures from around the world, from warm tropical seas, to the colder waters around Liverpool. The aquarium is home to fish, amphibians, terrapins and invertebrates, including octopus, crustaceans and coral. It’s the second oldest aquarium n the world, there’s been an aquarium at World Museum since 1857! The aquarium is fairly small, but there is lots to see. The octopus is very shy, but the terrapins, who are rescue pets make up for that and are a very popular addition to the aquarium.

Visiting the World Museum, Liverpool

We had such a lovely day out. We spent almost 4 hours exploring the World Museum, so it’s a great day out. Of course, we couldn’t leave without a visit to the shop. My geology loving boy came home with lots of rocks to learn more about at home. I have been conditioned from childhood to never leave a museum without buying a branded pencil, so that’s what I did.

It’s such a great museum. I am really pleased we visited Liverpool and took the time to have a proper look around. We both agreed on the way home that our favourite bit was the Clore Natural History Centre, but the whole museum is worth exploring, whatever your interest, there’s bound to be something you find exciting.

The World Museum is on William Brown St, Liverpool, United Kingdom, L3 8EN. For more information, visit their website.

Days Out: Return of the Gods, World Museum, Liverpool

Despite only being 39 minutes away on the train, Liverpool is a city I have only taken my son to once or twice. This week I decided to remedy that and together we visited the World Museum in Liverpool. We were mainly going to see their Return of the Gods special exhibition, but it was an excellent excuse to spend some time exploring the whole museum.

Return of the Gods, World Museum, Liverpool

We visited the World Museum specifically to take in their Return of the Gods exhibition, so when we arrived, we headed straight there. It’s located on their second floor and you have to buy tickets (£8 adults, under 18’s free), which you can buy at the Information Desk, or if you’re more organised than me, online before you arrive.

The exhibition is based around the collections of 18th century antiquarian Henry Blundell of Sefton. Henry amassed a large collection of sculptures depicting the Greek Gods, and a great many of them are featured here. The exhibition is really accessible in terms of how it is presented and the language used. The information is in small, bite-sized chunks, with illustrations which help you get a better idea of the Gods. There’s also quite a helpful family tree style illustration at the start, so that’s worth taking a quick photo of to refer to as you go around.

Return of the Gods, World Museum, Liverpool

Zeus, King of the Gods

Interspersed around the sculptures, there are other small artefacts from archaeological digs; including urns, small trinkets and sarcophagus panels. Towards the end, you enter a Roman Villa and you can find out more about villa life and the Gods and Emperors. The final room takes you through to the underworld to meet Hades.

The statues of the Greek Gods are a sight to behold. They are all around 2 metres in height and it’s well worth spending time looking at all the details picked out in marble. My son, who is 12 has been studying the Greek Gods at school, so he came with some prior knowledge and was able to tell me some of the stories of the Gods. He’s usually quick to tell me if he’s bored and we need to move on, but he was really interested in the content of the exhibition, took his time to look at the sculptures and was really engaged in the content of the displays.

Return of the Gods, World Museum, Liverpool

Artemis looks at Apollo

Return of the Gods is a multi-sensory exhibition, with flashing lights and effects. You can dash through in five minutes, but we really took our time to read and learn and reflect on what was being said. We really liked how the information was presented and there was plenty of space to stand back and take in the statues. We liked learning more about the myths surrounding these Gods, and about their relationships with each other. From Zeus, Hera, Hercules, Demeter, Athena and my own favourite, Artemis, almost all of the Gods are represented.

Return of the Gods, World Museum, Liverpool

Learning about Hercules and the Nemean lion

The tickets are timed entry, so you’re very unlikely to hit a bottleneck of people. This worked really well for us as there was no jostling to see exhibits. There were a few families there as well as us, all with at least one child who really knew their Greek mythology! It’s a really stunning exhibition, and one I am really pleased we made the 39 minute train journey to see! It’s made us both come home and dig out some of our books on Greek mythology to find out even more about the lives and loves of these incredible characters.

Return of the Gods, World Museum, Liverpool

Tickets: Adults £8. Members and children under 17 go free. Optional guided tours are £5 plus your entry ticket (subject to availability) Visit the World Museum website to find out more about the exhibition. The Exhibition runs until 20th February 2024.

Days Out: Deva Roman Discovery Centre, Chester

Over Easter, the boy and I had a couple of days in Chester. Keen to fill our boots with some history, we visited the Deva Roman Discovery Centre. The Deva Roman Discovery Centre is an interactive museum showcasing life in Roman Chester. It’s aimed at families and is filled with stories from across the empire.

Days Out: Dewa Roman Discovery Centre, Chester

Deva is tucked away down a side street, just off the main shopping area in Chester. It took us a couple of minutes to find it, but google maps is your friend here. We arrived mid-morning and had just missed the start of a tour, so we bought our tickets and nipped off for a quick coffee with instructions to return at 11am for the next tour. The tours are really regular, so if you can either take a chance, or book your slot in advance.

You are taken around the discovery centre by a Roman soldier, and in small groups you’re led around this experience. You begin by setting sail on a Roman ship, heading to the shores of Britain, and you’re soon embarking on your new life as a Roman soldier.

Days Out: Dewa Roman Discovery Centre, Chester

Learning about Roman life at the Deva Roman Discovery Centre

Once you’re off the boat, you get to walk through the recreated Roman streets of Chester. As well as finding out about Roman life, you also learn about the food they ate and how they prepared it. Roasted dormouse, anyone?

The Romans were famous for their bath houses and cleaning rituals, and at Deva Roman Discovery Centre, you learn about Roman baths and their communal toilets, and their toilet sponges! All of the information it pitched to a family audience and riddled with facts and information they can delight (or horrify) their teacher with when they are back at school. I am a bit of a domestic history geek, so I loved learning about everyday Roman life.

trying on a gladiator helmet

Trying on a Gladiator style helmet!

Once you’ve visited the baths, your Roman soldier tour guide takes you to the armoury where you can learn more about armour and Roman weapons. You end up in a colosseum, where if you’re lucky, you can dress as a gladiator and learn about how the Romans enjoyed these brutal entertainments.

Moving on, you’re invited to watch a short film about Roman Chester. Learning how archaeologists dug and discovered the history beneath your feet. You can then take your time to explore the hands on exhibits, trying Roman clothes on and learning more about archaeology. It’s a small, but interesting museum. We really liked the tour with the Roman soldier guide, who was brimming with knowledge. It was a great way for both my son and me to absorb the information. Once the official tour was over, we were able to try on costumes and have a go at archaeology, as well as looking at and reading about Roman finds in our own time was great.

Days Out: Dewa Roman Discovery Centre, Chester

Dusting down his archaeology skills.

I did wonder if my 12 year old might have found it a bit young, but he loved every second. They got him grinding wheat to make flour, wielding swords and finally dressing up as a fearsome gladiator. He really enjoyed it and in the days since our visit has spent time reading more about the Romans in Chester.

I believe that during school holidays on certain days you can also book a place at the Soldier School. This is where the Roman soldiers teach you how to wield a weapon and drill you in the art of marching like a true Roman soldier. Something we will be booking to do over the summer!

Days Out: Dewa Roman Discovery Centre, Chester

Tickets to Deva Roman Discovery Centre are currently £8 per adult and £4 per child. They are bookable in advance on the website. We spent just under two hours there, and we learned a lot!

DEVA Roman Discovery Centre is on Pierpoint Lane Chester CH1 1NL

Days Out: Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens

Every year, we meet up with family and spend an evening, wrapped up against the cold, enjoying one of the Christmas light trails in the North West. This year, because we’d heard good things, we visited Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens near Warrington.

We arrived on the first very cold evening of the winter, there was a sprinkling of snow on the ground and we were all well bundled up against the cold. Entry is timed, and the trail takes around 90 minutes to walk around. Although the car park is small, there was a brisk turnaround and we managed to find a couple of spaces and parking is free.

Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens

The Walton Hall Gardens Christmas light trail – Luminate Cheshire is approximately 1.4km long. The trail isn’t entirely flat, it is pretty even and was suitable for buggy pushers and people who aren’t always so great on their feet, like me. There are stewards around every corner, so if you get stuck, you’re never far from help if you need it. It feels very accessible and there is matting down at potentially muddy points. It’s always best to wrap up warm for these things and wear sensible boots of shoes.

You begin the trail at the riding stables, which was a lovely start. There were some refreshment stalls and a couple of little Christmassy shops to look around. Since it was very cold, we decided to fortify ourselves with some mulled wine to drink on our walk, which was the very best idea.

Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens

This beautiful illuminated trail has new and exciting displays around every corner. I’ve been to a fair few Christmas light trails over the years. I thought I’d seen everything, but Luminate managed to have so many surprising and lovely elements, we loved it. From the enchanted fairy garden, with little cages with a dancing Tinkerbell inside. To the drum pavilion where you and your family can drum away and watch a giant rabbit on a big screen mirror your musical rhythms.

We stopped approximately half way for a toasted marshmallow break. We all huddled around the fire pits, toasting giant marshmallows and gobbling them down greedily. Beyond the fire pits was a “Make a Wish” wall, where you were invited to write your wish on a tag and hang it up. I hope at least some of those wishes come true!

Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens

My lad really liked the searchlights which you can control with a joystick. I had a go too and enjoyed making the light dance in the sky. There were several Instagramable light tunnels to walk through, and there was a glitterball forest which we all loved. The talking tree which told terrible jokes and the field of rainbow lights. The Hall was the backdrop to a breath-taking Christmas projection and it just felt like there were so many wow moments and amazing displays to enjoy.

Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens

Our group ranged from some giddy 4 year olds, to some equally giddy retirees. Every one of us was dazzled by the displays and impressed with how innovative and interesting some of them were. We really loved it and although there’s no Father Christmas, there is an awful lot to impress and astonish. We were lucky with the weather, though whilst cold, it was clear and bright, with my son pointing out constellations in the night sky!

Luminate Cheshire at Walton Hall Gardens

There is limited availability, and early booking is advised. Admission tickets cost: Adult £19.50, Child £14.50 (age 3-16). Family £62 (2 adults and 2 children). Parking is free. You can book via the Luminate Cheshire website.

Luminate Cheshire at Walton Gardens will run nightly from Thursday 24th November 2022 until Friday 24th December 2022. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance.

Walton Hall Luminate

If you enjoyed this, you might like to read our round up of Christmas Light Trails in the North West.

Note: We paid for our tickets in full.

Days Out: Christmas at Dunham Massey 2022

We were invited guests of Christmas at Dunham Massey. All images and opinions are our own.

Spending an evening enjoying a Christmas light trail is something of a tradition now in our family. There’s something lovely about wrapping up warm and going for a walk in the dark, marvelling at the lights together. We went to the first Christmas at Dunham Massey event six years ago, and it’s been one of our favourite trails ever since. We decided it was time to make a return, so this week, we did indeed bundle ourselves up, and headed to Dunham Massey near Altrincham to take in the sights and the lovely festive lights.