We visited the spectacular winter light trail at Dunham Massey
17.11.2023 - 15:13
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Magical is a word that's often over-used in reviews. But, in this case, it applies to the winter trail at Dunham Massey stately home.
Nestling on the border of Trafford and Cheshire, the National Trust property is a popular landmark year-round, famous for its Georgian home, formal gardens and extensive deer park.
But the Christmas elves have gone to considerable effort transforming the site into an immersive winter venue boasting an array of installations and dispalys.
The mile-long walk was billed as a 40-minute experience. And, in truth, it took slightly close to an hour for us to make our way around the trail (although this included multiple stop-offs for pictures and a brief hiatus at the hot drinks and snacks stalls at the halfway point.
Interspersed through the woodland - are colour changing batons, fire trails, and a mesmerising floorshow of lights.
The National Trust property has teamed up with Sony Music and each installation featues a unique sound design, with lights syncronised in real time with the music.
You can take a host selfies in the obligatory fairy light tunnel, get the chance to meet Santa Claus (quite a spirited performance), and marvel at the floating illuminated water display, which forms the trails spectacular finale.
We also greatly enjoyed the funfair and food stalls at the start/end of the circular trail. In particular, the magnificent 120-year-old carousel and its card-fed Gavioli organ (built in a Victorian Manchester factory).
If you need a break from the cold, the visitor centre is open into the evening -allowing you to visit its store, cafeteria and browse second hand books.
Staff expect 3,000 to 4,000 through the venue every evening - with each carefully staggered at 15 minute