Dementia Action Week at Rufford Old Hall
During Dementia Action Week, join us as we host a series of dementia-friendly activities designed to encourage connection, conversation, and reminiscence in the welcoming surroundings of the Hall and gardens
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Join us in support of Dementia Action Week this May at Rufford Old Hall.
We know that sometimes visits to our places can sometimes be overwhelming, this week engage with Rufford at your own pace.
Throughout the week, reflective prompts displayed across the site will encourage you to pause and reminisce, share stories, and evoke happy memories inspired by Rufford Old Hall and its historic surroundings.
On Monday 19 May, from 10.30–12.00, we will be holding Quiet Opening Hours, offering a calmer and more relaxed environment for visitors who prefer to visit our site without the noises and interactions of a typical visit. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the site at a gentle pace with hand dryers, till sounds and gardening tools silenced for the morning. Inside the Tudor hall, our room guides will be quietly hand should you need support during your visit, but our usual sound effects will be switched off for this period.
On Friday 22 May, enjoy a special choir performance in the Great Hall, bringing people together through music and shared memories. The performances will start at 11.00 and 12.30.
Our Dementia Action Week programme is open to all and is supported by our Dementia-Friends trained staff and volunteers.
Our dedicated quiet space will be available to access all week and our new sensory station kit means you can keep hands busy and ears covered while you enjoy your visit.
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 5 disabled parking bays are available.
Upcoming events
Blossom at Rufford Old Hall
Every spring, blossom declares the arrival of brighter days to come. We invite you to enjoy blossom’s fleeting beauty and celebrate all the good it can do – for people and for nature.
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.
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.
Tai Chi in the Gardens
Escape to Rufford's peaceful garden for a morning session of Tai Chi.