Be sure of a big surprise at Dunham Massey

If you go down to the garden at Dunham Massey on the last weekend of May, you’re sure of a big surprise… as hundreds of Teddy Bears’ gather for a fun-filled day out.

Take along your favourite teddy and a picnic, and enjoy games, a circus workshop, and performances from Lydgate Brass Band.

Dunham’s garden is the perfect setting for a picnic – and spotting the first signs of summer. Head Gardener Emily Chandler says ‘It’s an exciting time in the garden, with flower beds around the Hall a mass of colour, and the rose garden beginning to bloom.’

Another surprise is the newly opened Ice Cream Parlour in the Stables, where you can be adventurous choosing from a variety of flavours – for your teddy of course! ‘I recommend the Cherry Blizzard flavour – it’s definitely a favourite of my teddy’, says Andy Chrimes, Assistant Catering Manager.

There’ll be celebrations of the May half-term with exciting family activities each day from 12pm – 4pm, starting with ‘Rose Art in the Garden’ on Bank Holiday Monday, where you can make your very own rose to coincide with Dunham’s rose garden springing back to life for its third year.

On 26 & 27 May there are tales for all the family with ‘Storytelling’ in the dairy, and on 28 & 29 May it’s back outside making ‘Journey Sticks’ in the garden.

On Wednesdays and Fridays in June the garden will open till 8pm so you can relax with a picnic and discover the delights of the garden as the night draws in.

With hand massages for garden-weary hands on Wednesday evenings and live bands each Friday night, there’s something for everyone.

For full details of Dunham’s events this half-term go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey