Dunham Massey |
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Dunham Massey is a delightful country house in Cheshire with unique gardens, fine interiors and a working sawmill. It is one of the few country house estates which has retained its old avenues of trees in the extensive deer park.
The low red-brick building of Dunham Massey is still protected by the medieval moat which once surrounded the original Tudor house. The present building was begun in the Georgian period but it was heavily restored in the Edwardian era, giving us a superb example of that period of architecture, with stunningly ornate interior detail.
The house was designed around two courtyards, one cobbled and the other a more informal garden with a fountain.
Inside this warm and welcoming family home are fine
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One is the three dimensional crucifix scene above the library mantelpiece, carved by Grinling Gibbons, who went on to work on St Paul's Cathedral among other notable projects. The scene is based on a well-known painting by Tintoretto.
Another highlight in the library is the magnificent hardwood model of the solar system, showing the six known planets charting their course around the sun. Uranus, Pluto and Neptune are noticeably absent as they had not been discovered at that time!
In the Great Gallery, one of the original rooms from the Elizabethan manor house, there is an interesting series of pictures of Dunham Massey showing its transformation over the centuries. Pride of place is given to the prized painting by Guercino of Cupid, Mars, and Venus with Saturn as "Time".
A fascinating guided tour introduces visitors to tales of family scandal. The 7th Earl of Stamford shocked the family when he married a bare-back circus rider. The
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For garden lovers, the magnificent Plantsman's Garden is a showcase of exotic plants. There is a rare Victorian bark house and a beautiful Georgian orangery. In the summer the Himalayan blue poppies and Chinese lilies make a beautiful display. There is also an impressive Winter Garden, the largest in Britain, making this a year-round attraction.
The 121 hectare (300 acre) parkland is graced with beautiful ponds and avenues of trees where fallow deer and birds may be spotted. Stroll to the estate sawmill with its restored waterwheel to see how the estate work was handled before the Industrial Revolution.
Dunham Massey has some interesting local dishes which can be sampled at the restaurant on the estate. Try the Dunham Pudding or the Lady Jane Cake and learn a little more about the history of family life at Dunham Massey.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
House*26th February - 30th October: 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Garden** 1st January - 25th February: 11.00am - 4.00pm Daily 26th February - 30th October: 11.00am - 5:30pm Daily 31st October - 31st December: 11.00am - 4.00pm Daily Restaurant and shop 1st January - 25th February: 10:30am - 4.00pm Daily 26th February - 30th October: 10:30am - 5.00pm Daily 31st October - 31st December: 10:30am - 4.00pm Daily Park*** Open all year 9.00am - 5.00pm Daily Mill 26th February - 3oth October: 12.00pm - 4.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday White Cottage**** 27th February - 30th October:,br> 2.00pm - 5.00pm Sunday Please Note *11 to 12 visit to house by guided taster tour only (restricted numbers, allocated upon arrival). Open Good Friday. **Winter closure at 4 or dusk if earlier. *** March to October gates remain open until 7:30. Property closed 23 November for staff training and 25 December (including park). ****Open last Sunday of the month only – all visits must be booked by email or on 0161 928 0075. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets)House and garden: Adult £10.00 (£9.05); Child £5.00 (£4.50); Family £25.00 (£22.60). Garden only: Adult £7.00 (£6.35); Child £3.30 (£3.15); Family £17.50 (£15.85). Estate entry - Cars: (Standard Admission): Adult £5.00. Estate entry – Motorbikes: (Standard Admission): Adult £1.50. Reduced house and garden rate when arriving by public transport |
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Directions
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By Bus Warrington Coachways No 38 Altrincham Interchange -Warrington Cycling NCN62, 1 mile View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website By road 3 miles south west of Altrincham off A56: M6 exit 19; M56 exit 7. Sat Nav: coaches please avoid Sat Nav route - low bridge By train Altrincham 3 miles; Hale 3 miles On foot close to Trans-Pennine Trail and Bridgewater Canal Ordnance survey reference 109:SJ735874 |
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Dunham Massey Postcode for SatNav: WA14 4SJ |
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