Explore the gardens at Rufford Old Hall

Autumnm colour at Rufford Old Hall — Autumn colour at Rufford Old Hall | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

The gardens at Rufford Old Hall showcase lots of variety, from giant squirrel-shaped topiary and resident bees, to picnic spots in the Orchard Paddock and peaceful moments by the canal.

The gardens in autumn

At this time of year, the gardens are full of autumn colour with swathes of reds, oranges and yellows filling the grounds.

Don’t miss these autumn highlights...

Courtyard - One of the best examples of autumn colour at Rufford is the magnificent Virginia creeper, which transforms the entire central Courtyard in early October with its fiery red and orange colour. The perfect opportunity to grab a great photo.
During September the Garden Team use an unusual method to protect the growing pears, grown on the Pyrus communis 'Beurre Hardy' (pear) espalier tree in the Courtyard, from wasps and pests. Each pear is individually wrapped in stockings, which is not only a rather amusing sight but also a time-consuming job. Worth every minute when the pears have ripened and are ready to be revealed and eaten!
North Paddock & Woodland - Autumn crocus offer a late burst of colour in the North Paddock and in the Woodland here at Rufford. Along the drive, towering clumps of pampas grass flower in September and October.
Orchard - During October, the apple and pear trees are ready to be picked. Why not taste them for yourself, all we ask for is a small donation which goes towards vital conservation work to protect and maintain this special place.

South Lawn

Head to the rear of the black and white Tudor House, where you’ll find a peaceful calm to admire the beautiful trees, shrubs and plants on the South Lawn. You’ll find towering pine trees, statues of Venus and the Dancing Faun and don’t forget the Rose Garden, where there’s always something magnificent to admire.

Beech Walk Paddock

Lined by a wall of towering beech trees on one side and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on the other, this is a wonderful place to take a seat and enjoy some quiet time. Previously this would have been the former approach from Rufford Village to the Hall.

The Squirrel Border

Take a seat on one of the benches in the Squirrel Border and admire the beautiful surroundings. Marvel at the mischievous duo of giant squirrel-shaped topiary, which back in the 1900s used to be in the shape of pheasants. The Garden Team work hard to ensure this expertly manicured topiary always look in tip top condition for visitors to admire and enjoy all year round.

Family enjoying a walk in the grounds at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire — Family enjoying a walk in the grounds at Rufford Old Hall | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

The Orchard

The first recording of an Orchard at Rufford is from 1779, when the Hall was leased to a gardener called Thomas Lowe for 21 years at an annual rent of £22 and 16 shillings.

Today, Rufford's Orchard contains several varieties of blossoming apple and pear trees, including Keswick Codlin, Duke of Devonshire, Lemon Pippin and Bramley’s Seedling to name but a few.

North Woods and North Paddock

Enjoy far-reaching views over the West Lancashire plain with a stroll through Rufford’s North Woods and along the canal-side path before reaching the wide-open North Paddock. The North Woods come alive with bursts of plant activity throughout the year and an array of wildlife can be found along the banks of the canal. After a walk around the grounds, why not enjoy a tasty treat or something savoury in the cosy Victorian tea-room.

Beehive in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire — Beehive in the garden | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The Beehives

The Garden Team at Rufford Old Hall carefully manage the hives to ensure a healthy colony, which in turn creates pollinators for the garden and ensures a good crop of honey and apples.

Bees are essential to a healthy environment and at Rufford Old Hall there are three hives with new queens, from Rufford’s own stock of bees.

Queen bees

The queen bee is central to the hive and without her the colony would not survive. You don’t often see the queen, despite her large size, which isn’t surprising as she lives in a hive with up to 65,000 bees in summer.

To help the beekeeper keep track of the queen she’s marked with a colour denoting the year she was born. Queens don't live for more than five years, so only five colours are needed.

Nectar

The native lime trees in the garden and shrubs such as Viburnum opulus (Guelder rose) are popular sources of nectar for the bees.

A surprising nectar and pollen source that isn’t native to this country is the Parthenocissus, or Virginia creeper, on the wall in the courtyard. Its dramatic autumn colour is not to be missed.

Bees are also attracted to a late-summer flowering shrub on the Squirrel Border, Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva', with its creamy white conical flowers.