Things to do in the garden at Dunham Massey

A magnolia comes into bloom in the gardens of Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester | © National Trust Images/Joe Wainwright

Escape to 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.

Spring flowers

Blossom

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.

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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.

Wander along the canal border

Whenever you’re visiting, the canal border is a beautiful place to wander along the water’s edge. Each spring, rows of vibrant tulips, from bright orange to deep purple, create a colourful walkway along the canal.

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.

A group of visitors with babies relaxing on the lawn in the garden at Dunham Massey, with blankets on the ground and the house in the background on a sunny day — Relaxing in the garden at Dunham Massey | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Dunham Massey’s home-grown produce

The Kitchen Garden has been recently renovated and the seasonal produce is harvested to be used in dishes made in the Stables Restaurant.

See the fruits and vegetables growing in the garden. Why not head to the restaurant to sample the fresh fruits and veg.

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.