Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible. The site is mostly flat with good access for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Mobility scooters are available for hire for a nominal charge. All buildings except the historic Abbey ruins are accessible for wheelchairs / scooters.

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, wheelchairs can be rented. The cost is £1 per rental.

Do you offer special assistance for visitors in the wheelchair?

No, special assistance is not available.

Is Rufford Abbey Country Park wheelchair friendly?

Yes, Rufford Abbey Country Park is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets. The site is mostly flat with good access for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Mobility scooters are available for hire for a nominal charge. All buildings except the historic Abbey ruins are accessible for wheelchairs / scooters.

Is Rufford Abbey Country Park baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

Yes, all areas are pushchair friendly.

Is there a restroom for mothers that are breastfeeding?

No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.

Yes, Rufford Abbey Country Park is dog friendly Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times. No dogs in children's play area at any time please.

Do you require dogs to be on a lead at all times?

Yes, dogs must be kept on a lead.

Are there are any breed or size requirements for dogs?

No prohibited breeds within the grounds.

Are water stations available for dogs?

Yes, water stations are available for dogs.

Is there a fee for bringing a dog? If so, how much?

No, there is no fee for bringing a dog.

Is there food and drink available to buy?

Yes there is dining and snack options.

Can visitors bring their own food?

Yes, guest are allowed to bring their own food If you require baby food or bottles to be warmed up please speak to a member of staff in one of our cafes.

Are there any restrictions on food that can be brought in?

No, there are no restrictions on food that can be brought in.

Are there picnic areas/designated spaces for eating your own food?

Yes, there are designated areas available for eating.

Is there a place to warm up food?

No, there is no place to warm up food.

How much does food and drink typically cost for a family of 4?

For a typical family of 4, food and drink costs around £20.

Are there high chairs available for kids?

Yes, high chairs are available for kids.

Are there parking fees? If so, how much?

Yes, there are parking fees. Parking fees:All time: £7.00

How far is the parking from the attraction?

There is on-site parking available

Can parking spaces be pre-booked or reserved?

No, parking can not be pre-booked or reserved.

Are there accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

Yes, Rufford Abbey Country Park has stated that you can hire privately for parties/events. Rufford Mill is available for conferences, private parties, and weddings.

What type of packages do you offer?

A range of packages are available, please contact our events team for more information 01623 888 525

Is catering provided?

Yes, private catering can be provided.

What is the maximum number of guests allowed?

The maximum number of guests allowed is 90.

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

No, Rufford Abbey Country Park had stated that you do not need to pre-book.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Newark, Nottinghamshire

All AgesTourist AttractionsLakesLandmarksParks and PlaygroundsOutdoors

About Rufford Abbey Country Park

Rufford Abbey Country Park has 150 acres of beautiful country park to explore and enjoy.

Visitors love spotting swans, ducks and those typically cheeky squirrels who may come begging for a treat! Spring is a wonderful time to visit with bluebells springing up in the woods. The Leafy Children’s Play Village is also a lovely way to keep kids busy as they explore the sandpit and tunnels.

For something scrummy, you’ll have plenty to choose from at the café, restaurant and tea shop. The hard part will be choosing what you want!

Country Park, lake, and Cistercian Abbey Ruins dating to 1170
Set in the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside, Rufford Abbey is your ideal family day out with walks through the picturesque grounds, places to relax and eat, and fun seasonal activities all year round. There’s something in the air to put a smile on the face of every member of the family here at Rufford Abbey Country Park.
Set within the grounds is Rufford Abbey itself, the ruins of a Cistercian abbey dating back to 1170. It is the best preserved example of a Cistercian abbey left in England.
Rufford Abbey Country Park Adventure Playground
As one of the largest play areas in the area and open all year round, the Adventure Play Area at Rufford Abbey Country Park is the perfect spot for a family day out!
Keep the kids entertained with the opportunity to play, explore and enjoy their own mini adventures. With a variety of play equipment – including a wheelspin roundabout, balancing climbing frame, tunnels, slides, climbing areas, a zip line and more – the park offers something for all ages.
Sandpits, swings and a roundabout can keep younger children entertained while a double zip wire is perfect for the older children. The park offers play for all – even the grown-ups who want to play along with their little ones!
Need some fuel for all the fun? Visit the Play Shed – a takeaway café open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday, and every day in the school holidays where parents and guardians can relax with hot and cold drinks and snacks.
The play area is accompanied by accessible footpaths, toilets nearby at the Abbey Courtyard, changing facilities and picnic benches to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Woodland Walks and Lakeside Adventures
With stunning surroundings and a fascinating history for you to experience, there is plenty to explore and discover on a trip to Rufford Abbey.
Discover over 875 years of history with a short walk around the Abbey ruins. Or alternatively, take in our breathtaking surroundings and local nature and wildlife with a walk through our scenic grounds and woodland.
Our walks are also dog friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friends to discover the natural beauty and wildlife!
Rufford Abbey features the Abbey Meadow, Formal Gardens, Reg Hookway Arboretum and Lime Tree Avenue. There’s plenty to explore within the grounds.
One of the main attractions at Rufford for those with a love of the outdoors is our fantastic Wilderness Woodland. This forested area is crossed by a number of informal crushed limestone paths, allowing you to truly lose yourself in the peacefulness of the countryside. These woods have been known as the Wilderness since circa 1725, and today are a wildlife sanctuary and the home of most of our common woodland mammals, including foxes and squirrels, and a wide range of woodland birds.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Monday, 10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday, 10:00 - 16:00
Friday, 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday, 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00

Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

FAQs

Directions

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Rufford Abbey Country Park, Rufford, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF, England

Tel: 01623677688

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Rufford Abbey Country Park

About Rufford Abbey Country Park

Country Park, lake, and Cistercian Abbey Ruins dating to 1170