CLIP clop down to Dunham Massey to catch a glimpse of the stable buildings in their ‘hay’ day.

On Saturday May 14, the estate opened up its historic stables to the public for the first time.

The stables were completed in the early 18th century and remain relatively unchanged.

“Opening the stables to the public is the result of Dunham Massey’s largest conservation project in ten years and visitors have helped make it possible with the money raised through the National Trust’s annual raffle here at Dunham Massey” said visitor experience manager, Jessica Webb.

“The family at Dunham were very keen on horses, even keeping race horses with names like Symmetry, Nimrod and Fury who would have run at the local Knutsford races. The stables were a really important part of the country home so when they were built they housed up to 25 animals plus carriages. It must have been a noisy, busy and bustling space.”

The stables use changed over time and eventually, as cars replaced horses on the road, some spaces were converted into garages and the only animals to remain were ponies belonging to the family’s children.

Visitors will be able to explore the North Stables as a motor house and garage, converted in the early 20th century, and experience the South Stables in their original state as home to horses and cows.

Lord Stamford’s 1935 Morris Ten Four will be on display accompanied by accounts about his chauffeur, Piers Davenport.

In the South Stables, shadowy projections and sound effects will evoke the sights and sounds of the stables and the animals they housed.

The stables open from 11am to 4pm, Saturday through Wednesday, until Sunday October 30.

Entrance to the stables is included with a house and garden ticket and is free for National Trust members. All visitors require a ticket from visitor reception.

For more information on Dunham Massey and the stables visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey