Rufford Abbey Country Park Near Ollerton, on the edge of historic Sherwood Forest, this 150 acre park is one of Nottinghamshire’s most popular visitor attractions. At the heart of the park are the picturesque remains of a 12th century Cistercian monastery and later country house. Around them lie gardens, meadow and woodland. The attractions of Rufford range from a contemporary craft centre with gallery exhibitions to peaceful walks around the lake. Click for a map of Rufford abbey.
Things To Do
Woodland walks and Formal Gardens
Ruins of 12th century abbey and later country house
Children's Play Village & Children's Garden - for youngsters aged 3 to 8.
Cistercian exhibition in the Undercroft - the life of Rufford's medieval monks
Creative Learning Centre at Rufford Craft Centre
Lakeside walks and Lakside Garden Shop
Savile Restaurant and Coach House Cafe
The Apsidal Gallery in the Orangery buildings - modern ceramics
Changing exhibitions of contemporary crafts in the Craft Centre Gallery
Modern sculpture and art installations in the gardens
The Wheel of Fortune Maze
The Camera Obscura
12 Nov - 3 Dec: Children's Christmas Trail
12th and 13th May 2012: Grand Historical Baazar
15 Nov 11 - 2 Jan 12: An Artisans' Christmas
17 Sep 11: Clog Dancing
17 Sept 11: Bat Walk
20th May 2012: Step Out Family Fun Day
22-23 Oct 11: THE BIG DRAW
22-30 Oct 11: Halloween Trail
23 Oct 11: Spooky Tales for Halloween
2nd to 13th April 2012: Right Royal Extravaganza
31st March to 15th April 2012: Easter Trail
7th April 2012: Midland Kite Fliers
8-9 Oct 11: Autumn Gift and Craft Fair
9 Oct 11: One Sky, One World
Christmas Craft Market
Dec 11; Aurora Christmas Illuminations
Nov & Dec 11: Santa's Christmas Grotto
Show previous events
THIS IS A PAST EVENT
Dec 11; Aurora Christmas Illuminations
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th December 2011
Experience the magic of Aurora, as layers of coloured light transform the gardens to a winter wonderland, enhanced by a haunting soundtrack. Hidden features are revealed, and large trees become spectacular living sculptures in this sparkling seasonal display. Wander the trails through the winter gardens and experience hidden surprises and vivid colours at every turn.
Photographers - don't forget your camera for a night-time photography challenge!
Note: The weekend parking charge is waived for visitors who arrive at the park after 4.30pm
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Cost: Adults £2 and Children £1 (pay at gate)
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Current reviews for Rufford Abbey Country Park
Review title : santa grotto, added by : Lacey (11/12/2011)
Event reviewed : Nov & Dec 11: Santa's Christmas Grotto
"i took my 3 yr old son to santas grotto, i chose this attraction from looking at the website for rufford park and thought it sounded very good. on arrival as well as paying £3 parking which i already knew and the £2 per adult and £5 per child, i was not impressed with the grotto at all. it was not at all anything like what it was advertised to be. we had to wait in a cramped room shuffling round as each group were sent in. aswell as being annoyed at this i didnot realise that the santa train was actually a simulater that was cramped and not at all anything as it was described. i would have not even considered going if i knew that it was a dark simulator that the parents and children sat in as my son is autisitc and doesnt like cramped spaces and dark. then as we were led through the corridor to santa there was nothing magical about the pathway. it was more el grotto then santas grotto. the only thing i would say is the santa looked very authentic and he was very kind. but £12 for that i would have to say never again! "
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Review title : A really nice surprise, added by : Lisa (20/02/2009)
Event reviewed : General venue review
"I was looking for somewhere to take a 4 year old, a 4 month old and a very hyperactive 7 year old dog!! We finally decided on Sherwood Forest but, on the way there, we saw the signs to Rufford Abbey and decided to try it out.
I'm so glad that we did. I can't believe that I have lived in Nottingham for 35 years and never visited Rufford. The free carpark was quite full but we managed to find a space (it was half-term, so lots of kids around). Lots of pathed walks, all very well signposted and with approximate timings of how long it will take to reach whatever is at the end of them (Ice House, Abbey, Restaurant etc etc), which was very useful for us and enabled me to make an informed decision about which way to go.
There seem to be loads of things to keep everyone occupied - my little boy didn't want to stray too far from the playpark, so we only did a quick tour of the walks but we did see the wildlife sanctuary, which seemed to have plenty of geese and other birds on it, the Orangery, the shop and restaurant and the Abbey Ruins and, of course, the childrens' playground. There is also a Childrens' play village, which looked interesting but was unfortunately closed because of previous bad weather.
All in all, I would recommend Rufford for people of all ages and fitness levels, as there are plenty of places to get some exercise or just sit and relax. Its even got its own little tourist office, where you can get information about all sorts of events taking place there."
