Rufford Old Hall

Love a bit of history? Especially when it involves exploring, being outdoors and taking in the nature around you? Try visiting Rufford Old Hall - a Tudor building worth admiring!

Start your day off by walking through the Edwardian gardens, with their beautiful flowers and wild tranquil woodland, to strolling down the peaceful canals. Rufford also sits only a few feet above the sea, making it one of the lowest-lying National Trust gardens in the country! The woodland is in the North Paddock and is full of magical elements, like the white snowdrops, bright yellow daffodils and the gorgeous bluebells that bloom between April - May. Wander over to the Squirrel Border and gaze at the cheeky giant squirrel-shaped topiaries in the formal garden. Don't forget the walled garden, which blooms with stunning wisteria and the sweetest smelling roses. With a beautiful garden to explore, your spring and summer days will be fulfilled! 

Then wander inside and discover the history of the Tudor and Jacobean buildings and the family history of Hesketh over the last 500 years. Discover the stained glass in the Drawing Room, a room with Tudor Gothic decor from the 19th century. Most of the stained glass windows depict 17th century German or Swiss coat of arms, biblical scenes, saints, and martyrs, which have said been to be collected on the European travels of Sir Thomas Hesketh. Watch how the beautiful colours reflect off the windows when the sunlight hits them! There is also a collection of suits or armour from the 16th century and 17th century. Which is also collected from European countries, truly impressive! 

Aside from the impressive English history, there is also a range of family-friendly activities here too. Grab your helmets and have a spin on the balance bikes and travel on the two-wheeled around Rufford's gardens and grounds. They're free to hire! For those kiddies who like to be in costume and have a little flair for drama, they can pretend to be Tudor women and gentlemen for the day! Rufford Hall also has a sensory trail. Explore the woodland and discover the sensory adventure, where you can use your senses to create, play and relax in! Build dens, create wild art and lay on the ground and watch the clouds fly by. The kiddies can also go on an adventure to find all the train checkpoints! As well as craft activities, like making mud pies, a home for bugs, and using a net to discover what lives in the ponds! Will they find tadpoles and frogs? Or maybe dragonflies and newts? 

Head to the Victorian Tea Room at Rufford Old Hall for a spot to eat. You can enjoy freshly prepared lunch, sausage rolls, pastries, sandwiches and afternoon teas with their sweet handmade cakes and bakes. And quench your thirst from a range of refreshing cold or hot drinks, while you take in the beautiful surroundings around you. Either on the picnic benches around the colourful garden or outside the hall.