Discover more at Rufford Old Hall
Find out when Rufford Old Hall is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Rufford Old Hall
Rufford Old Hall offers plenty to see and do for all the family. Borrow a balance bike, explore the beautiful garden and surrounding woodland, discover the dedicated area for nature play and set your imagination free inside the house.
Summer of Play (18 July - 01 September)
Come out to play with friends and family this summer. Every day during summer opening times, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, enjoy an abundance of garden games and self-led activities.
Planning your family visit
If you're planning a day out with the family at Rufford Old Hall, here is some useful information.
Things to do on a rainy day
It’s not always sunshine during the Great British summer, but don’t worry there’s lots of ways to keep the kids entertained whatever the weather.
Play pretend in the Great Hall
The Tudor house is filled with treasures and fascinating stories. Inside the Great Hall, you will find magnificent suits of armour that will really get children's imaginations flowing. They can even pretend to be Tudor ladies and gentlemen for the day.
Get set to ride a balance bike
Balance bikes are the perfect way to help your future cyclists learn how to ride in beautiful, traffic-free surroundings. The balance bikes are located at the Coach House, free to use, and can be borrowed on a first come, first served basis – so just turn up and get going.
There are plenty of paths to follow through the garden and the wide-open space of the Orchard Paddock makes it a great place to ride around.
Get creative with nature in the woodland
Venture into the woodland to discover the dedicated area for nature play. There are plenty of natural materials to play with here, all collected by the garden team. Make a wild crown out of twigs and leaves, go on a bug hunt or simply play hide and seek amongst the trees.
'50 things to do before you're 11¾'
Rufford's garden and woodland are the perfect places to tick some activities off your list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'. Which of the fun-packed things will you try? Do your favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50 – the choice is yours.
- Eat a picnic (No.9)
- Try making mud pies (No. 13)
- Make friends with a bug (No. 31)
- Find your way with a map (No. 45).
You can pick up a leaflet from the Coach House for more information.
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