Things to see in the house at Dunham Massey

Servants bells, above the door to the study, for Lord Grey's room and dressing rooms at Dunham Massey | © National Trust/John Hammond

Dunham Massey's 17th Century Georgian House closes for conservation and care during the cooler months, at 4pm on Sunday 29 October, and will reopen in March 2024. A centrepiece to the 300-acre walled estate and home to one of the National Trust’s largest collections, the house holds treasures and objects that span the entirety of its history.

Highlights in the Dunham Massey House

The Servant’s Quarter

Your visit begins in the Servant’s Quarter Courtyard. These spaces served the families who lived here – the Booths of Warrington and the Greys of Stamford. These were once places of vibrant and constant activity – see the laundry, diary and kitchen, and see items of the collection that bring the history of these purposeful spaces to life.

Oil painting on canvas, Dunham Massey: Bird's-eye View from the South, by Adriaen Van Diest — Oil painting of Dunham Massey: Bird's-eye View from the South, by Adriaen Van Diest | © National Trust Images

The Great Gallery and Pet Portraits

The Great Gallery was traditionally a place for leisure and revelry. A beautiful ornate room on the first floor of the house, this year celebrating the place of animals and pets at Dunham throughout the centuries. See the portraits, collars, photos and bowls of much cherished family pets throughout the family’s history. Take a look outside the window and view graves of the family’s dogs across the moat.

Coronation Chairs

In recognition of the coronation of King Charles III, view two coronation chairs in the Summer Parlour. Created specifically for the coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth (12th May 1937), the chairs are made from limed oak and upholstered in a mid-blue/grey cotton velvet with gold braiding.

The Library

The remarkable 18th century closet library is one of the most popular rooms in the Dunham Massey House. This beautiful room and accompanying bookstore is full of carefully conserved historic books. It is also the location of a large wood carving of the Crucifixion, prominently displayed over the fireplace. The artist, Grinling Gibbons (1648 – 1721), is recognised as one of the UK’s most celebrated woodcarvers.

Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Discover more at Dunham Massey

Find out when Dunham Massey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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History of Dunham Massey

Over 400 years of history have unfolded at Dunham Massey. Uncover the stories of two ancient families – the Booths and the Greys – and their international fortune and friendships.

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Things to do in the garden at Dunham Massey

Stroll past historical landmarks and breathe in seasonal scents with a visit to Dunham Massey's ever-evolving and extensive gardens. Crunch through leaves on a woodland walk and watch as the gardens unveil their vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow this autumn.

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Houses and buildings

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A view of Lyme house covered in snow. The house can be seen in the frozen reflection pond.

Houses and buildings in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Discover a variety of houses and buildings to visit around Cheshire and Manchester, from grand mansions with opulent state rooms to a restored working mill.

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