Rufford Old Hall
A beautifully preserved Tudor manor with stunning Great Hall, Victorian gardens, and passionate volunteers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Rufford Old Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved Tudor manor with stunning Great Hall, Victorian gardens, and passionate volunteers.
"Absolutely stunning Tudor history in this place. Highly recommend!"
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park fills fast! Try parking near St. Mary's Church and use the side gate.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography is limited to exteriors, gardens, and the Great Hall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Hall
Main Hall
Marvel at the stunning Tudor woodwork and intricate carvings, a true testament to 16th-century craftsmanship.
Jacobean Wing
1661 Wing
Explore the elegant brick-built wing added in 1661, showcasing a different architectural era.
Victorian Gardens
Rear Gardens
Stroll through beautifully maintained formal gardens, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Philip Ashcroft Collection
Former Stable
Discover interesting artifacts and historical items housed in a unique stable setting.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Photography & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park fills fast! Try parking near St. Mary's Church and use the side gate.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography is limited to exteriors, gardens, and the Great Hall.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy tasty jacket potatoes and hot drinks at the relaxed cafe.
🚶♀️ Garden Strolls
The grounds are lovely for walks, especially along the canal. Dogs welcome!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park fills fast! Try parking near St. Mary's Church and use the side gate.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Photography is limited to exteriors, gardens, and the Great Hall.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy tasty jacket potatoes and hot drinks at the relaxed cafe.
🚶♀️ Garden Strolls
The grounds are lovely for walks, especially along the canal. Dogs welcome!
🛡️ Try on Armour
Fun for all ages! Get a passport stamp and try on some historical armour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rufford Old Hall is highly praised for its stunning Tudor history, particularly the Great Hall's intricate woodwork, and its beautifully maintained gardens. Visitors consistently highlight the invaluable contribution of passionate volunteers who enrich the experience with their knowledge. While the parking can be challenging on busy days and photography is restricted in some areas, the overall atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, with a pleasant cafe on-site.
"Very popular place on bank holidays, as you might imagine and particularly so on hot summer's day. The Hall is lovely and you can visit most of the rooms. Parking lot is rather small so be prepared to park away on busy days. Parking near St Mary's Church and enter via the side gate a good option. The grounds are very pretty but not huge. Good place for families but there's not loads to do for small kids."
Tim Morgan
"Absolutely stunning Tudor history in this place. Was only allowed to take photo's in the main gallery. Was a stunning place 😍 highly recommend. Friendly staff great cafe especially jacket potatoes 😋. Easy to find, disabled parking and toilet's. Will be back again one day no doubt. Jade and beth we're brilliant 😀."
Lisa Daly
"An interesting and historical building representing various architectural styles with the additions and extensions built over its life.
Photography is restricted to the exterior, gardens and great hall.
There is plenty to see, with lots of rooms to visit in various styles and representing several historical periods, you can see the carved seal of the Pilgrimage of Grace in the great hall.
The volunteers who staff the house are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and add lots of historical and family context to the displays
There is a pleasant relaxed cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a good range of hot and cold drink, hot snack and sandwiches.
The philip Ashcroft collection is kinda squashed into a stable but the contents are interesting none the less.
The toilets are clean, fresh and well maintained.
There is a good sized carpark that does fill up very quickly.
Do visit the adjacent Village Church, marina and canal if you have imeas part of your visit."
Alan Holt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rufford Old Hall is located in Lancashire, England. It's easily accessible by car, with a car park on-site. For those using public transport, it's situated between Burscough and Ormskirk, and local bus routes may serve the area. 
Yes, there is a car park, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days like bank holidays or sunny weekends. Consider parking near St. Mary's Church and using the side gate as an alternative.
Yes, the car park is described as good-sized and suitable for motorhomes, especially if you have a National Trust membership.
The venue offers disabled parking and accessible toilets. Information on internal accessibility can be found on the National Trust website.
Rufford Old Hall is situated in the village of Rufford, sandwiched between the towns of Burscough and Ormskirk in Lancashire.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date Rufford Old Hall opening times before your visit.
Entry is free for National Trust members. For non-members, there is an admission fee. Checking the National Trust website for current prices is recommended.
Tickets can typically be purchased on arrival, but for popular events like Christmas grotto visits, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Yes, Rufford Old Hall hosts various events throughout the year, including popular Christmas events with Father Christmas. Keep an eye on their website for Rufford Old Hall events.
Rufford Old Hall offers activities like balance bikes for kids and opportunities to try on armour, making it engaging for families. However, some reviews suggest there might not be a vast amount for very small children. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore various rooms showcasing different architectural styles and historical periods, including the stunning Great Hall with its Tudor woodwork and the Jacobean wing. +1
Photography is generally restricted to the exterior, gardens, and the Great Hall. Please respect the signage within the house.
While not explicitly mentioned as formal tours, the volunteers at Rufford Old Hall are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, offering great historical context and family stories. +1
The gardens are described as pretty, formal, and impeccably maintained, offering a pleasant space for a stroll.
Families can enjoy activities like balance bikes and trying on armour. The grounds also offer space for exploration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a pleasant cafe on-site offering a good range of hot and cold drinks, hot snacks, and sandwiches. +1
The cafe is known for its jacket potatoes and offers other hot and cold snacks and sandwiches.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking might be possible in designated outdoor areas, but the cafe is a convenient option for meals and refreshments.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but cafes typically offer a selection of items. It's advisable to inquire directly at the cafe upon arrival.
Yes, the cafe provides both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing visitors to enjoy their refreshments with a view of the grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted in the gardens, on the exterior of the hall, and within the Great Hall.
Yes, photography is restricted in most rooms inside the hall, with the exception of the Great Hall.
The Great Hall's intricate woodwork, the Victorian gardens, and the exterior architecture offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Tripod usage rules are not specified, but it's generally advisable to avoid them in crowded areas or if they obstruct pathways. Check with staff if unsure.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at National Trust properties to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check specific site rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The grounds provide space for running around, and the cafe is a good spot for a family break. While the historical aspects might be more engaging for older children, the hands-on activities and the open spaces ensure younger visitors can also have an enjoyable time. Consider checking for any specific family-friendly events or trails during your visit.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Engage with the knowledgeable volunteers who are eager to share detailed historical context and family anecdotes. The Philip Ashcroft collection also offers a glimpse into specific historical periods.
🌳 Nature Lovers & Garden Enthusiasts
It's a great destination for a leisurely day out, combining a love for history with an appreciation for nature. Dogs are welcome in the grounds, making it an ideal spot for pet owners.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Tudor History
The hall's history extends beyond its Tudor roots. A brick-built wing in the Jacobean style was added in 1661, followed by a third wing in the 1820s. This layering of architectural styles provides a rich narrative of the building's evolution over centuries. The Hesketh family owned Rufford Old Hall continuously until 1936, and the volunteers are passionate about sharing their stories and the family's context.
For those interested in deeper historical context, the Philip Ashcroft collection, though housed in a former stable, contains interesting artifacts. The adjacent St. Mary's Church also served as the Hesketh family's place of worship and is a place of historical significance.
Exploring the Grounds and Gardens
The estate also features peaceful woodlands and grasslands at the front, and the tranquil Rufford Branch Canal borders the property. This offers opportunities for longer walks and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Dogs are welcome in the grounds, making it an ideal spot for a family outing with pets.
Visitors can easily spend a good portion of their day enjoying the outdoor spaces, perhaps combining a walk with a visit to the on-site cafe for refreshments. The combination of history and nature makes Rufford Old Hall a well-rounded destination.
A Community of Volunteers
These volunteers significantly enhance the visitor experience by providing rich historical context, sharing family anecdotes, and bringing the displays to life. Their dedication ensures that visitors can soak in the intricate details and marvel at the architecture without feeling rushed, creating a more personal and engaging visit.
Their efforts are a testament to the community's commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of Rufford Old Hall, making it a truly special place to visit.
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