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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)

Run wild in the natural play area, enjoy a picnic and outdoor games in one of the paddocks, try on parts of armour in the Great Hall and tuck into your favourite treats in the Victorian tea-room.

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, tennis and croquet.

From the Coach House 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 offering don’t forget about the hugely popular balance bikes available to borrow, as well as nature backpacks, picture orienteering maps and binoculars which can be collected from the Coach House.

Summer of Play sponsored by Starling Bank. Normal admission charges apply.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The 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

Other

Please note this is only on selected days and times, please check before arrival.

Upcoming events

Event

SOLD OUT - Guided Bat Walk - Rufford Old Hall 

Join our friendly bat expert for an evening guided walk through the gardens and woodland here at Rufford to find out more about the different species of bat living here.

Event summary

on
15 Aug to 22 Aug 2025
at
19:30 to 21:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Red Rose Woodturners 

Join Red Rose Woodturning Club, as they demonstrate how to turn a piece of wood into a beautiful object.

Event summary

on
20 Sep to 21 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 16:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Scarecrow Festival 2025 - How to get involved! 

This October get involved and create your very own scarecrow for display here in Rufford's grounds during our annual scarecrow festival.

Event summary

on
17 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 12 other dates or times