Join Percy the Park Keeper this Easter

Dunham Massey, Altrincham – from Saturday 30 March – Monday 22 April, 10.30-4pm

A very special guest has arrived at Dunham Massey and this Easter you can be part of his celebrations. Much-loved children’s character, Percy the Park Keeper, will be marking the 30th anniversary of his stories with activities in one of Cheshire’s very own favourite parks.

Families can explore the garden, deer park and house this Easter as part of the first of a series of interactive trails inspired by the popular books. The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will bring to life author Nick Butterworth’s brand new Percy book, One Springy Day, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, which is released on Thursday 4 April. The gardeners and rangers at the National Trust attraction are missing some tools they need to look after their green spaces, and suspect that a cheeky fox may be playing hide and seek with them. Families are needed to help solve the mystery and earn themselves a Cadbury chocolate prize!

Author of Percy the Park Keeper, Nick Butterworth says, ‘Percy the Park Keeper at Dunham Massey? I don’t know who’s most pleased, Percy or me! I’m really looking forward to coming along myself and following the trail around this wonderful National Trust property. I hope to bump into you there soon!’ 

Assistant Visitor Experience Manager, Katie Clayton says, ‘We’re delighted to be working with Nick to bring a series of special trails and events to Dunham Massey this year. Many families have grown up with Percy the Park Keeper and it’s great  to be bringing the much-loved character and his friends to a special place like Dunham Massey.’

Dunham Massey ranger, Sophie Bray adds, ‘A lot of the work we do here at Dunham Massey to care for the parkland is no doubt similar to the work Percy would be doing to care for his park. Much of our work happens out of view of our visitors, but we hope that having Percy with us this year will be a great opportunity for us to engage with families to get them excited about the work we do, and perhaps even inspire some future park keepers.’

In addition to the interactive Easter trail, families can join Percy and hear about his adventures in nature’s playground with his woodland friends. Dress up and become part of the story with interactive storytelling sessions all through the Easter holidays.

Keep an eye out for more trails throughout the year; all inspired by different Percy the Park Keeper books including The Treasure Hunt in summer, After the Storm in autumn, and One Snowy Night in winter. Nick Butterworth will be visiting Dunham Massey later in the year to continue the Percy at 30 celebrations.

The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt: One Springy Day runs from Saturday 30 March – Monday 22 April, 10.30-4pm. £2.50 per trail and normal admission applies. All visitors need a garden ticket from visitor reception. For more details about the Percy at 30 celebrations, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/features/percy-at-30-at-dunham-massey.