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.
Scarecrow Festival (17 October - 2 November)
During October half-term, the much loved gardens and woodlands here will be taken over by a host of colourful characters.
This year’s theme is “Monsters & Legends” giving you a chance to witness some iconic monstrous creatures or legendary heroes in scarecrow form!
Normal admission charges apply.
Christmas Events (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December)
Christmas is coming to Rufford Old Hall, and everyone’s invited.
Here’s what we’ve got coming up on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December.
Standard admission charges apply to non-National Trust members to visit the house and grounds.
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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Things to do in Rufford Old Hall's house
Discover weapons and suits of armour, the Philip Ashcroft collection of 1930s Lancashire life, a 500-year-old screen, botanical watercolours from the 1800s and much more at Rufford Old Hall.
Explore the gardens at Rufford Old Hall
The gardens at Rufford Old Hall have lots of variety, from giant squirrel topiary and beehives, to picnic spots in the orchard and peaceful walks by the canal.
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Family-friendly places in Liverpool and Lancashire
Plan your family day out in Liverpool and Lancashire. From the beauty of the great outdoors and amazing histories to play areas, balance bikes and even a maze, there's something for the whole family to enjoy rain or shine.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
