Over 400 years of history have unfolded at Dunham Massey. Home to two ancient families, the Booths and the Greys, their stories of international fortune and friendship can still be felt across the estate today.
What to See in Dunham Massey?
1. Dunham Massey Hall
Dunham Massey Hall has seen countless remodels over the years. The original building dates all the way back to 16161 by Sir George Booth, it was altered between the years 1732 and 1740 then again remodelled in 1905. The building was used as a military hospital during world war 1 before the 10th Earl of Stamford donated the estate to the national trust in 1976. An impressive collection of silver, countless gorgeous paintings, beautiful furniture and a library full of original books are all waiting for you if you take the tour, and the interior Hall is simply spectacular!
2. The Gardens of Dunham Massey
When the National Trust took over the area in 1976 the gardens were transformed into an Edwardian style pleasure garden. The gardens cover 7 acres and are considered the largest in the country with many different varieties of flowers in there. And the transformation of the gardens continues to this day with new areas being added including the recent Rose garden and the winter garden. At one point in time during the 19th century the gardens were simply abandoned, a far cry from how they are today!
There are a few historical landmarks you shouldn’t miss when walking around the gardens. One of them is the orangery, growing exotic fruits. But also check out the bark house, with sweeping views of the lawn, the well house and the family dog graves (okay this last one may not be for everyone…)
3. The Deer Park
A visit to Dunham Massey wouldn’t be complete without seeing Dunham’s resident herd of fallow deer. Dunham Massey have been home to these deer since 1748 and they roam freely around the parkland. If you visit the estate I can guarantee that you will be able to see many of them eating and minding their own business in very close proximity to you. As you walk around the 300 acre deer park, you’ll notice their sanctuary which is closed to the public.
Please Note! – Whilst they are super adorable and they can look so friendly and calm around you, this doesn’t mean you should be petting them like you would a puppy who ran up to you! You should never feed them either; let them eat whatever nature provides them with. (Picnics are actually not allowed within the parkland to prevent these deer eating anything that they shouldn’t!) However, you are free to observe them and admire their beauty from a relatively safe distance.
Since 1978 the park has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You might also spot some owls, bats and woodpeckers when you’re strolling around. The parkland is also home to the UK’s rarest species of beetle.
4. The Ancient Tree Walk
Some of the oak trees in Dunham Massey date all the way back to the 17th century! The density of the old trees actually makes the park the only place in the northwest of England with such a high concentration of ancient trees. You can do an ancient tree walk and explore the collection Dunham Massey has by following a 2.5 mile (4 km) long route. It’s a rather gentle walk which you can finish in around 1.5 hours. You’ll observe lots of trees with dead branches and hollow trunks.
5. The Sunflower Field
If you visit Dunham Massey in the summer months then after you have finished exploring its grounds be sure to pop over to the popular sunflower field. Technically speaking the sunflower field is not within Dunham Massey’s grounds, and is just across the road from Dunham Massey. (It’s that popular, that it’s even marked on Google Maps!)
To find it, you’ll need to exit the Estate towards Dunham Town onto the B5160. Turn onto Woodhouse Lane then follow it to the north until you come to the first junction with an unnamed road. From there, you’ll need to turn onto Oldfield Lane and follow it until you see the sunflower field. You can also walk through the fields which I highly recommend as during autumn they look incredible for photos. If you decide to do that, then instead of walking along Oldfield Lane, take the footpath on the right. Trust me, you really cannot get lost as its a popular place so there will be people walking around constantly.
We here at Altrincham Glazing Co Altrincham absolutely love visiting Dunham Massey and hope to see you there soon!
Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ
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