Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ

Telephone: 0161 941 1025

A place to visit at any time of year, with a huge deer park surrounding an 18th century house and a mixture of formal and informal gardens. There are spectacular bluebell woods in spring, an Edwardian parterre with formal bedding during the summer, and masses of hydrangeas for late summer and autumn colour. This plantsman's garden has plenty of interest including historic features from former landscape fashions. In addition to the Elizabethan moat and mount, the 17th century goosefoot design of avenues radiating from the house has been partly restored, and there's an 18th century orangery. The bog, hosta and moss gardens are more recent, being relics of the Victorian era.

As ever with National Trust gardens, there are refreshments on offer.

Opening times (2008):

House: 8 Mar - 2 Nov 08, 12.00-17.00, Sat-Wed. (also 11.00-17.00, Good Friday and bank holiday Sun/Mon).

Garden: *Daily. 8 Mar - 2 Nov 08, 11.00-17.30.

Park: *Daily. 1 Feb - 7 Mar 08, 9.00-17.00. 8 Mar - 2 Nov 08, 9.00 - 19.30. 3 Nov 08 - 31 Mar 09, 9.00 -17.00.

Restaurant/shop: *Daily. 1 Feb - 7 Mar 08, 10.30-16.00. 8 Mar - 2 Nov 08, 10.30-17.00. 3 Nov 08 - 31 Jan 09, 10.30-16.00.

Mill: 8 Mar - 2 Nov 08, 12.00-16.00, Sat-Wed.            

*All closed, including park, 25 Dec. Also closed 27 Feb & 19 Nov for staff training. Last admission 30 mins before closing

Admission fee(2008):

House & garden: Adult £8.50, child £4.25, family £21.25.

Garden only: Adult £6, child £3.00, family £15.00.

Reduced rate when arriving by public transport.