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.

Summer highlights in the garden

There’s nothing like a garden full of summer flowers to lift the spirits. Follow the winding paths as flowers flood Dunham Massey's garden with colour. Relax amidst lush greenery and bright tones and enjoy the scents of the Rose Garden in the sunshine. Don't miss the striking heads of the Cardiocrinum (Giant Himalayan Lily). Despite their short flowering time, they bring visitors back year after year to witness their spectacular display. You'll see the summertime colours first in the Rose Garden and later when the hydrangeas come into bloom.

Summer in the garden

Lots of bright colours at different times throughout the summer

A border of red roses at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester — Explore the Rose Garden at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester | © Dave Jones

Rose Garden in full bloom

A rose display with blooms in shades of red and pink.

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Areas of the garden to explore

Find yourself surrounded by a variety of show-stopping rose blooms. The Rose Garden hits its peak in late May/early June, when all of the roses flower together. While many of them are repeat flowerers and will continue throughout the season, ramblers and old fashioned roses will only flower once.

A perfect example of a rambling rose is Rosa 'The Garland' which can be found on the back wall in the Rose Garden. It is full of flower every year and is a real treat for its vibrant, fresh and stimulating sight and scent. It only flowers once and the best time to see it is early June.

A great spot for a picture in the Rose Garden is our arbour seat situated at the end of the central path as you enter the Rose Garden. It goes in full bloom as Rosa 'Chevy Chase' and Clematis 'Hagley Pink' intertwine all across the frame that surrounds the seat. Visit in June to see this at its peak.
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.

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.