Summer of Play at Rufford Old Hall
Come out to play with your friends and family this summer. Between 18 July - 01 September (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) embark on your next adventure at Rufford Old Hall.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Enjoy outdoor games in the paddock, borrow sports day kit to play and picnic on the lawns and try some Victorian-style toys and games in the house.
Every day during summer opening times (Fri-Tues) enjoy an abundance of garden games and self-led activities.
Escape to the Orchard Paddock and take part in free sports activities including cricket, rounders, and croquet and giant games like snakes and ladders and dominos.
From the Bookshop you can collect a sports day kit box which includes instructions, skipping ropes, hoops, race markers, beanbags and more.
As part of Rufford’s usual offer don’t forget about the hugely popular balance bikes available to borrow, as well as nature backpacks, sensory kits, picture orienteering maps and Drawn on the Lawn bags which can be found in the Bookshop.
Normal admission charges apply. Look out for facilitated drop-in sessions taking place throughout the Summer.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
For a full access statement please head to Rufford Old Hall's webpage. To see the AccessAble page, visit: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/rufford-old-hall-national-trust
Upcoming events
What's On at Rufford Old Hall
Throughout 2026, Rufford Old Hall will host a programme of free to experience activities and events for all the family, included in the price of admission.
Tai Chi in the Gardens
Escape to Rufford's peaceful garden for a morning session of Tai Chi.
Forget-Me-Not – Dementia Friendly Café at Rufford Old Hall
Join us at Rufford Old Hall for our monthly Dementia Café, a warm and welcoming space for people living with dementia and those who support them.
Exhibition - Small Worlds: Treasures of Victorian Play
Discover the magical world of Victorian childhood in Small Worlds: Treasures of Victorian Play, a new object focused display, which will explore how children played and learned during the 19th century.