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.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
House Tours: Daily, 10.45. Talks each day, times on admission.
Garden Talks: Mondays at 13.30 and Fridays at 11.30.
Meet the Gardener Talks: 1st Tuesday of each month, 13.30.
Forget-Me-Not Dementia Café: Last Tuesday of the month, 9.30-11.00. See events page for more details.
Lute Playing in Great Hall: Each Tuesday and Sunday throughout the day.
Traditional Yarn Spinning Demos inside House: 23 May, 7 June, 18 and 28 July, 15 and 30 August, 19 and 20 September, throughout the day.
Traditional Lace Making Demos inside House: 28 June, 12 July and 28 July13.00-16.00.
Red Rose Woodturners demonstrations and market: 27-28 June and 19-20 September.
Hand Chime Performance: 3 July, 11.15 start throughout the day in the Great Hall.
Summer of Play sports and games: 17 July – 1 September, throughout the day. See event page for more information.
Fencing Drop In Sessions: 7, 14, 18 and 24 August, in the Orchard Paddock. 11.30-16.00. (See events page for more information).
Small Worlds: Treasures of Victorian Play exhibition: 17 July – 1 September, throughout the day. See event page for more information.
Scarecrow Festival 2026: "Rufford Rocks: Pop stars and music legends", 23 October - 8 November. Across site, 10.30-16.00
Stranger Folk App exploration: Throughout October
Times and dates are subject to change, please check website and social media regularly for additions to the programme.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
These events are in accessible, step-free locations with the exception of Traditional Spinning Demonstrations, which are typically held on the 1st floor of the house. For a full accessibility statement, please see our website.
- Meeting point
Visit our Second Hand Bookshop to scan your membership card or pay for admission. Our Welcome Team will point you in the direction of any events and activities.
- Suitability for children
Fun for all the family
- What to bring and wear
Weather appropriate clothing for the season and activity.
Upcoming events
Tai Chi in the Gardens
Escape to Rufford's peaceful garden for a morning session of Tai Chi.
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.
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.
Meet our moth specialist
Join our friendly moth specialist in the morning after his night of moth surveying. Find out about the different species of moth living here at Rufford Old Hall.