Rufford Old Hall
Visitor information
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© National Trust
Take a peaceful stroll along the canal at Rufford Old Hall
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© National Trust
Trimming the topiary at Rufford Old Hall
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© National Trust
Explore the history of the gardens around the Hall
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© National Trust
Build a den! One of the 50 things to do before you are 11 ¾
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© National Trust
A view of Rufford Old Hall's Tudor Great Hall
Follow in Shakespeare's footsteps and visit one of Lancashire's finest Tudor buildings
Rufford Old Hall - home to the Heskeths for 500 years - and its Great Hall was once the stage for a young William Shakespeare before he was famous.
Fantastic furniture, arms, armour and tapestries sweep through the hall, and history springs in to life in the Hesketh's dining room, its food-laden table, lit candles and 'fire in the hearth' waiting to welcome the family's dinner guests.
Stroll through Rufford's glorious Victorian and Edwardian gardens - and remember you're only a few feet (or meters) above sea level - making Rufford one of the lowest lying National Trust gardens in England.
Swashbuckling family theatre
Outdoor theatre with a swashbuckling performance of Treasure Island
© Cambridge Touring Theatre
Sunday 4 August
Sail the high seas with a rip-roaring outdoor production of Treasure Island. Including songs, dances and interactive fun, the play is presented by a cast bursting with energy and enthusiasm.
'Full of energy, verve, vigour and enthusiasm… the whole performance is a laughter-filled treat from start to finish.' - The Stage
Shakespeare classics performed
The Handlebards, who will perform Shakespeare at Rufford Old Hall
© Handlebards
4 actors, 4 bicycles, 40 characters and a 926-mile adventure
The HandleBards – a four-strong, all-male troupe of travelling players – will cycle to Rufford Old Hall and perform two of Shakespeare's greatest plays, 'Twelfth Night' and 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Romeo & Juliet is now sold out
50 things to do before you're 11¾
There are lots of things to tick off your list at Rufford Old Hall including:
- Build a den (No.4)
- Hold a scary beast (No.30)
- Make a trail with sticks (No.12)