hips don't lie: UK days out: Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Thứ Sáu, 8 tháng 3, 2013

UK days out: Dunham Massey, Altrincham

By

Mark Hughes-morgan

PUBLISHED:

15:05 EST, 8 March 2013

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UPDATED:

15:05 EST, 8 March 2013

In the latest of our occasional series on visit-worthy locations in the UK, Mark Hughes-Morgan turns his attention to Dunham Massey in Altrincham – home of the biggest winter garden in Britain…

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Flower power: Dunham Massey is a pretty enclave whatever time of year you visit

We got here quick…

Very handy for Junction 7 of the M56 and Junction 19 of the M6. For the more energetic, cycle along the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal, or the Trans Pennine Trail (www.transpenninetrail.org.uk ).

Oh deer!

Well spotted.The 300-acre deer park is the curtain-raiser for this jewel of the North-west. But, the reason we are here now is the winter garden, the biggest in Britain, at seven acres – with its breathtaking spring flowers.

There must be do ens…

There are 20,000 narcissi nestling among the trees. Aconites? I’ll say. An awesome spectacle. There are 30 acres of gardens in all. This summer sees the unveiling of a new rose garden, with evening openings in June (6-9pm), for savouring of fragrant blooms at twilight.

What about the house?

A classic Georgian, former seat of the Earls of Warrington and Stamford, with 30 rooms to explore and a Great Gallery – with views over the parterre, where you can play the piano and old-fashioned games. It is more like a home than a stuffy showcase – although there is a fine collection of silver, including three chamber pots.

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Wild wonder: Visitors can also spot a wealth of antlers in the 300-acre deer park of this fine Georgian estate

Any scandal?

One Earl married a circus rider; another hated his wife so much that he commissioned a portrait of his pug, Old Virtue, instead (on the Queen Anne landing).

What’s in the courtyard?

A touch of Upstairs, Downstairs: servants’ quarters, laundry and dairy.

One of the maids has escaped!

She is one of the interpreters (weekends only), based on real Edwardian servants, who talk about life in the house, demonstrate correct ways with napkin folding and so on. Children love them – and have their own trails to follow round the house and garden.

Anything else to look out for?

Events, including music, theatre and opera in the garden. The well-regarded Stables Restaurant. And watch out: next year the house is being transformed into the First World War military hospital it once was.

Details

Gardens open all year; house from February 23rd to November 3rd.

Entry: free for National Trust members, otherwise £10.35 house and garden, £5.20 child; £7.20/£3.60 garden only. More information on 0161 941 1025 (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)