Your accessible visit to Dunham Massey

Free Personal Mobility Scooter (PMV) and Wheelchair hire

Dunham Massey have a collection of PMVs and wheelchairs available for hire, every day of opening. Whether you’re a comfortable and experienced user or you’ve never used a PMV or wheelchair before during a North West day out, our friendly Welcome Team will be on hand to help.
Despite there being availability most days, we recommend advance booking to avoid disappointment. Call Dunham Massey on 0161 941 1025 to book your date, all we need is a booking name and approximate arrival time.

The Shuttle Buggy

The Shuttle Buggy transports visitors from the car park to a drop-off point at the entrance of the gardens, from April to October. The drop off point also encompasses a beautiful view of the parkland and passes some of Dunham’s historic buildings. Look out for the Dunham Mill – the oldest building on the park.
Supported by a group of Dunham Massey’s dedicated volunteers, the shuttle buggy is dependent on their availability and free for everyone to use. If you require the buggy during your day out at Dunham, please call ahead to check it is running.

Accessible Routes and Paths

Despite covering 300 acres of land, the walled area of Dunham Massey is serviced by many flat pathways. You can find concrete paths around the Visitor Centre, moat and historic buildings. A cobbled path leads under the clocktower, an alternative route passes alongside the building.
The parkland paths are equally accessible. Benefiting from extensive works in recent years, the paths are constructed from a range of materials but are mostly accessible to PMVs and wheelchairs.
Accessible paths wind through the gardens, meander through one of the UK’s largest Winter Gardens in the cooler months, and discover the Rose Garden when it's warmer.

Quieter moments

Popular with walkers, families and those looking for connection with nature, some days can be busier times at Dunham Massey. If you’re searching for a quieter visit to connect with nature, history or yourself, here are some top tips:

• Taken the lesser trodden paths – the Rose Garden is a busier in summer and a haven of calm in winter
• Bank holidays and school holidays are always busier days but can be quieter early in the day or later in the afternoon
• Quieter garden paths can be found behind the Orangery and around the back of the house (past the parterre)
• From January to March and from September to November, Dunham’s North Park is a quieter and alternative place to wander. Be aware that dogs run off the lead here and there is a natural play Log Pile.

Hearing Loops

Hearing loops are fitted at all tills and a portable loop system is available on many guided tours.

Seating and picnics

Seating is provided across the park and gardens. The cafe and restaurant are the ideal spots to enjoy fresh food and drink - from hot lunches to coffee and cake.

Picnics are welcome at Dunham Massey. You can find accessible picnic tables in the North Park or bring a rug and enjoy a picnic in the gardens. Please don't picnic in the deer park as human food and wrappers can harm the fallow deer.

The Dunham Massey House

The ground floor of the Georgian house is accessible via a number of stairs, a lift service is provided by staff and volunteers. There's no need to book but there may be a brief wait for this service. Please inform the team at the Visitor Centre or House so we can be ready to support you.

Virtual tours and films investigating the upper floor are provided on a tablet for those not able to use the stairs.

Facilities and toilets

There are two accessible toilet facilities at Dunham Massey. In the Visitor Centre (on the right towards the café) is a wheelchair-accessible toilet, and an accessible toilet with a ceiling track hoist, wash and dry shower and changing bench. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are also located in the Stables building, opposite the entrance to the Ice Cream Parlour.

Baby changing facilities can be found at the Visitor Centre.