Things to do in the garden at Dunham Massey

Two visitors walking in the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. — Visitors taking a walk in the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire. | © National Trust Images/ James Dobson

Visit Dunham Massey's extensive gardens and unwind amidst its natural beauty. Once enjoyed exclusively by the Earls of Stamford and Warrington and their families, the garden is now a tranquil haven for visitors and wildlife alike.

Spring highlights in the garden

There’s nothing like a garden full of spring flowers to lift your spirits and reawaken your senses. See the garden come to life with an array of vibrant colours. Enjoy the abundance of pure white snowdrops followed by the sunny shades of daffodils and tulips. Discover Bluebell Mound, where the ground beneath the beech trees is carpeted with a sea of stunning blue hues.Over autumn and winter, the gardeners planted around 45,000 bulbs across the garden to add to the current spring displays.

Spring flowers

Blossom

If you're visiting between late March and May, follow the paths around the garden to find bountiful blossom on the magnolia trees on the main lawn and spot the cherry and crab apple trees as they bloom in the spring sunshine.

1 of 4

Historic landmarks

A variety of historic landmarks are waiting to be discovered in the Dunham Massey Gardens. Discover the unique bark house, attributed to the 7th Earl, and enjoy the sweeping view of the lawn. Find the well house, pause by the graves of the family’s dogs and discover the mount, which is thought to date back as far as 1173.

Especially pleasant on rainy days is the Orangery, where the family could grow exotic fruits. The perfect place for a reflective moment - adults can enjoy the plants and views, while children relax with literature.

The parterre

One of the favourite backdrops for family photographs, this spring the parterre will be a mix of daffodils and tulips arranged in a delightful pallette of pink, yellow and purple colour, with the circle beds also featuring a display of spring interest.

Wander along the canal border

Whenever you’re visiting, the canal border is a beautiful place to wander along the water’s edge with seasonal bulbs planted along each side.

Picnic on the lawn

Pack up your snacks, sandwiches, drinks and treats, and settle down on the lawn for a picnic with a view. If you run out of food or drink, pop into one of our cafés to top up – there are also many different flavours of ice creams to tempt you.

Pots of colourful spring flowers in the Dunham Massey Gardens under a blue sky with the house in the background — A spring display in the Dunham Massey gardens | © Tim Edwards

Garden Tours

From 13 January to early November, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) approx 1 hour.

Tour times: 11.15 am and 2 pm

Dunham Massey’s Garden is abloom all seasons. From its extensive Winter Garden with its winding paths and seasonal meadows to the formal parterre and beds that accentuate the walls of the 300-year-old Georgian House – there are always new buds to spot and floral displays to enjoy. Presented by a hugely knowledgeable group of dedicated volunteers, all tours are dependent on volunteer availability with timings confirmed on the day. If you’re interested in attending a tour, please check on arrival for options and timings.

An ever-changing experience

Truly a garden for all seasons, no two visits to the Dunham Massey Gardens are ever the same. Return throughout the year to see the garden evolve under the dedicated care of the gardeners. Depending on the season, there could be a carpet of bluebells, the Rose Garden might be in full bloom, the grounds may be flooded with autumnal shades, or the Winter Garden could be taking centre stage.