National Trust Dunham Massey: Georgian Elegance Amidst Expansive Deer Park and Gardens
Explore Dunham Massey’s elegant Georgian mansion, vast deer park, and seasonal gardens, where history and nature blend in tranquil harmony.
Dunham Massey is a grand Georgian estate near Altrincham, Cheshire, featuring a Grade I listed mansion, 300 acres of deer park, and extensive seasonal gardens. Managed by the National Trust, it offers visitors historic interiors, accessible grounds, and a rich natural setting with roaming fallow deer. Seasonal highlights include formal gardens, a winter garden, and family-friendly tours and events, making it a perfect blend of heritage, nature, and tranquility.
A brief summary to National Trust - Dunham Massey
- Altrincham, Dunham Massey, WA14 4SJ, GB
- +441619411025
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Prebook a wheelchair or powered mobility scooter by calling ahead to ensure availability during your visit.
- Take advantage of the volunteer-run shuttle buggy from the car park to the house and gardens, especially if mobility is a concern.
- Visit the gardens in different seasons to experience the Winter Garden’s blooms or the vibrant Rose Garden in summer.
- Bring a picnic mat to enjoy the lawns in the gardens but avoid picnicking in the deer park to protect wildlife.
- Check for seasonal tours and events, including historic mill tours and immersive art installations, which may require advance booking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Bus
From Manchester Piccadilly station, take a train to Altrincham (approx. 25 minutes). From Altrincham bus station, catch bus service 286 or 281 toward Dunham Massey (approx. 15 minutes). Buses run hourly; tickets cost around £4-£6 GBP. Note that the final walk from the bus stop to the estate entrance is about 1.5 km on mostly flat terrain.
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Car
Driving from central Manchester takes about 30-40 minutes via the A56 and local roads. The estate offers a large car park open from 9:00 to 17:15, with designated disabled parking spaces. Parking is free for National Trust members; otherwise, expect a moderate parking fee around £5-£8 GBP. The approach roads are well maintained and suitable for all vehicles.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis or rideshares from Altrincham town center to Dunham Massey take approximately 10 minutes, costing around £10-£15 GBP. This option is convenient for visitors with mobility concerns or those traveling in groups.
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Walking
For local walkers staying nearby, the estate is accessible via flat, well-maintained paths. Walking times vary depending on your starting point but expect at least a 20-minute walk from Altrincham town center. Paths are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
National Trust - Dunham Massey location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Trust - Dunham Massey
Historic Grandeur and Architectural Heritage
Dunham Massey is anchored by its magnificent Grade I listed Georgian mansion, a symbol of 18th-century elegance and aristocratic life. The house holds an extensive collection of silver, furniture, and paintings that reflect the estate’s storied past, including remarkable handcrafted Huguenot silverware and finely crafted wooden furniture dating back to the 1680s. Visitors can explore ornate rooms and servants' quarters, gaining insight into the lives of the Booth family and other residents. The mansion also served as a military hospital during World War I, a poignant chapter highlighted through exhibitions that reveal its wartime role.Vast Deer Park and Natural Landscapes
Surrounding the house is a sprawling 300-acre deer park, home to a herd of approximately 150 fallow deer. The park’s leafy avenues and wide vistas offer peaceful walks where visitors can observe deer in a natural sanctuary. The parkland is characterized by ancient trees and historic structures, creating a serene environment for nature lovers and photographers alike. Dogs are welcome on leads, ensuring protection of wildlife and ground-nesting birds.Seasonal Gardens and Floral Displays
Dunham Massey’s gardens are a highlight throughout the year, featuring a diverse range of landscapes from formal parterres to wildflower meadows. The Winter Garden is renowned for its winding paths and seasonal blooms, while the Rose Garden bursts into color during summer. Garden tours are available, led by knowledgeable volunteers, offering deeper appreciation of the horticultural heritage and unique features such as the historic bark house and well house. The gardens also provide picturesque picnic spots with views of the Georgian house and moat.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
The estate is highly accessible, with flat, wide paths suitable for wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters. A volunteer-supported shuttle buggy operates seasonally, transporting visitors from the car park to the garden and house entrances. Facilities include accessible toilets with hoists and showers, baby changing areas, and multiple dining options such as the Stamford Café and Stables Restaurant, catering to a variety of dietary needs. The National Trust shop and a second-hand bookshop offer souvenirs and treasures.Cultural Events and Immersive Installations
Dunham Massey hosts a range of events including family activities, outdoor concerts, and seasonal celebrations like the Christmas winter wonderland. Recent immersive art installations have enriched the visitor experience, inviting contemplation through sound and light. The estate’s rich history and natural beauty provide a backdrop for mindfulness, cultural heritage exploration, and engaging photowalks.Planning Your Visit and Practical Details
The house is open from March to October, while the gardens and park are accessible year-round during daylight hours. Admission prices vary, with National Trust members enjoying free entry. Typical visits last 3 to 4 hours, allowing ample time to explore the house, gardens, and deer park. Visitors are encouraged to prebook wheelchairs and check shuttle buggy availability. The estate’s location near Altrincham makes it a convenient day trip for those exploring Greater Manchester and Cheshire.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sussex Road
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Stretford Weir
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St Clement's Parish Church
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Knutsford Obelisk
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Barton Swing Aqueduct
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5 Sir Matt Busby Way
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Sky Hook Statue 1
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LS Lowry birthplace
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The Golden Gates
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Salford Lads Club
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Warrington Transporter Bridge
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Rochdale Canal Lock 92
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Castlefield historical zone
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Bahnhof Manchester
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Unmissable attractions to see
Spud Wood
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Lymm Village
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Lymm Cross
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Lymm Heritage Centre (Legh St)
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Tatton Hall
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National Trust - Tatton Park
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Tatton Park Country Park
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Gauntlet Birds of Prey – Eagle & Vulture Park, Knutsford
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Risley Moss
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Knutsford Heritage Centre
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Arley Hall & Gardens
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Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve
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Chorlton Water Park
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The Tabley House Stately Home
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iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving
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Essential places to dine
La Boheme
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Dun Cow
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Spirit Restaurant & Lounge
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No 4 Dine & Wine
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Turtle Bay Salford Quays
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Bella Italia - Salford Quays
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Unagi
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Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk
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Lime
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Nando's Salford Quays
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The Alchemist MediaCity UK
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The Botanist Media City
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Quay House Beefeater
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Cock O’ Budworth
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Bells of Peover
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Cocaranti I Premium Womenswear Cheshire
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The Body Shop
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Flock and Gaggle
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Next Outlet
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The Works
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M&S Outlet
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The Sweet Emporium
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SPAR Salford Quays
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A Curious Collection
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Assortment Boutique Fashion and Home
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Salford Shopping Centre
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INFINITE RUNNING
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ItsFetch
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Deansgate Square General Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Lost & Found Knutsford
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Craftbrew
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11 Central
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The Dockyard
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SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City
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Matchstick Man
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Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha
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Bold Street House
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Bar Eight
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The Wharf
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Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
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The Botanist Alderley Edge
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Atlas Bar
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Lock 91
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Reflex & Babylon
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Babylon Retro Bar
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Ark Manchester
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Popworld Manchester
14.3 km
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Bliss Club Manchester
14.4 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Royal Vida Night Club
14.4 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
History Nightclub
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Viva Manchester
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Kable
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42's
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Venue Nightclub
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Club Tropicana
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Mindfulness
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
