Dunham Massey: Historic Georgian Estate with Expansive Gardens and Deer Park
Explore Dunham Massey’s grand Georgian mansion, vibrant gardens, and peaceful deer park nestled in 300 acres of historic Cheshire parkland.
Dunham Massey is a grand Georgian mansion set within 300 acres of ancient parkland near Altrincham, Cheshire. Managed by the National Trust, it features extensive formal and natural gardens, a serene deer park with roaming fallow deer, and historic buildings including a water-powered mill. The estate offers accessible paths, seasonal floral displays, and a rich history spanning centuries, including its use as a WWI military hospital.
A brief summary to National Trust - Dunham Massey
- Altrincham, Dunham Massey, WA14 4SJ, GB
- +441619411025
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 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
- Visit between March and October to explore the Georgian house and enjoy garden tours; the house closes for winter months.
- Use the volunteer-supported shuttle buggy from the car park to the house and garden entrances for easier access.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas, but avoid feeding wildlife or picnicking in the deer park.
- Check availability of guided tours and special exhibitions on arrival, as some depend on volunteer support.
- Explore the Winter Garden and Rose Garden for seasonal floral displays and sensory experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from central Manchester takes approximately 30-40 minutes via the M56 and A56. Ample parking is available onsite for a fee of around £5.50. Note that the estate can be busy on weekends and holidays.
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Train and Bus
Take a train to Altrincham station from Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria (journey time 20-30 minutes). From Altrincham, bus services 286 or 281 run to Dunham Massey, taking about 15 minutes. Check local timetables for service frequency and weekend schedules.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi from Altrincham station to Dunham Massey takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately £10-£15. This option is convenient if you prefer direct transport without transfers.
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Walking
For active visitors staying nearby, walking to Dunham Massey is possible but involves routes of 3-5 km on varied terrain, including some country lanes. Suitable for those comfortable with moderate walks.
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
A Storied Georgian Mansion and Its Legacy
Dunham Massey is anchored by its magnificent Grade I listed Georgian house, which tells a rich story of aristocratic life and history. The mansion’s interiors showcase an extensive collection of silver, furniture, and paintings, including rare handcrafted Huguenot silverware and finely crafted wooden furnishings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can explore ornate rooms and servants’ quarters that reveal the lives of the Booth family and others who lived and worked here. The house also served as a military hospital during the First World War, a chapter brought to life through exhibitions and immersive displays that give insight into its wartime role.Expansive Gardens and Seasonal Highlights
Surrounding the house are beautifully maintained gardens that bloom year-round with seasonal highlights. The Winter Garden, Rose Garden, and formal parterre offer vibrant floral displays and fragrant scents that change with the seasons. Visitors can wander winding paths through Arts and Crafts landscapes, intimate woodland gardens, and wildflower meadows. Historic landmarks like the unique bark house and well house add character to the garden experience. The gardens invite moments of mindfulness and sensory delight, enhanced by the sounds of nature and the sight of autumnal colors or spring blooms.Ancient Deer Park and Natural Parkland
Dunham Massey’s 300-acre deer park is a tranquil refuge where fallow deer roam freely among ancient trees and wide vistas. This historic medieval parkland features accessible, flat pathways ideal for leisurely walks and wildlife spotting. The park’s natural beauty is complemented by far-reaching views and peaceful picnic spots near the moat and formal gardens. Dogs on short leads are welcome in designated areas, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the resident wildlife.Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
The estate is one of the National Trust’s most accessible properties, with flat, wide paths throughout the park and gardens, plus concrete routes around the visitor centre and historic buildings. A volunteer-supported shuttle buggy operates seasonally to assist visitors from the car park to key entrances. The Georgian house offers lift access to the ground floor, with virtual tours available for upper floors. Accessible toilets, seating areas, picnic tables, and hearing loops enhance the visitor experience. The on-site Stamford Café and Stables Restaurant provide a range of food and drink options, while the large National Trust shop offers gifts and souvenirs.Engaging Experiences and Events
Dunham Massey hosts a variety of events and immersive experiences throughout the year, including guided garden tours, family activities, and art installations such as the deep listening sound and light project "ORIGIN." Seasonal celebrations, particularly at Christmas, transform the gardens into a glowing winter wonderland. The estate’s rich cultural heritage and natural setting make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike.Preserving a National Treasure
Managed by the National Trust, Dunham Massey is a protected site that balances conservation with public enjoyment. Every ticket sold supports ongoing care for the estate’s historic buildings, gardens, and wildlife habitats. The site promotes sustainable tourism practices and encourages visitors to respect its natural environment, ensuring Dunham Massey remains a cherished heritage destination for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Stretford Weir
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Bella Italia - Salford Quays
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Bliss Club Manchester
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
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
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- 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
