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Rufford Abbey Country Park

Rufford Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1062 reviews1062 reviews

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Tel+44 01623 677688/674633

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Rufford Abbey Country Park

About

FREE admission, and the normal charge for the car park is £5.00

Rufford Abbey Country Park is the estate and grounds of a former 12 century Cistercian Monastery and country house. One of the main country parks that make up the broader Sherwood Forest area, the attraction is popular with visitors throughout the year.

Most people who visit Rufford Abbey take the gentle walk around the lake which lasts around 20 minutes or head to the gardens and the children’s play area. At the side of the abbey there is a large grass area that is perfect for picnics, playing games and generally just hanging out with the family.

There are many places to grab something to eat and drink around Rufford, in the courtyard area near the Abbey there is the Coach House cafe and the pizza van. Down at the playground area we have the Shed serving a selection of hot drinks and food. At the other end of the park, there is Rufford Mill where you can visit the Teashop and Pizza Shed whilst enjoying watching cars drive through the infamous ford!

Rufford Abbey often hosts major special events including Outdoor Cinema in the summer and Spectacle of Light in October.

Free loan of wheelchairs is available. An electric mobility scooter is available for loan at £2 per hour. Please book in advance on tel: 01623 821338.

Rufford Abbey is open every day except Christmas day and has a choice of places to eat:

Coach House Cafe - drinks, snacks ices and takeaway treats
Open daily 10 am - 5pm (4pm in winter)
Pizza Van - located in the Abbey courtyard, serving freshly made Barrel & Stone pizzas. Open weekends 11am to 3pm.
Playground Shed - located at the children's playground, serving a selection of hot drinks and food. Open weekends 11am to 3pm.
Teashop - located at Rufford Mill, serving a selection of hot drinks, hot food and snacks. Open daily 10am - 5pm (4pm in winter)
Pizza Shed - located at Rufford Mill, serving freshly made Barrel & Stone pizzas. Open weekends from 2nd April, 11am to 3pm.
Gift Shop - Re-opening from 12th April - Open 10.30am to 4pm

Useful Numbers
Visitors Reception - 01623 674633/ 01623 677688
Wedding Enquiries (Rufford Mill) 01623 888525

Click here to see the access statement

Click here to see an access guide and route map for Rufford Abbey

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Car Parking - £5

Map & Directions

Facilities

Other

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - except top section of Abbey ruins
  • On-Site café/restaurant - Coach House Cafe and Mill Tea Shop (Rufford Mill)

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - Car park charge £5

Venue Facilities

  • Shop

Opening Times

Open New Year
2024 - Opening (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*

* Rufford Abbey is open every day except Christmas day. The Park grounds are open from dawn til dusk.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousNottinghamshire Hospitality Stars Awards Winner 2018 Nottinghamshire Hospitality Stars Awards Winner 2018 2018
  • Visit EnglandVisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolade Winner 2018 VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolade Winner 2018 2018
  • Regional and MiscellaneousNottinghamshire Hospitality Stars Awards Finalist 2019 Nottinghamshire Hospitality Stars Awards Finalist 2019 2019
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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Rufford Abbey Country Park Activities

Saturday, 16 November 2024 - Sunday, 17 November 2024

Cartoon graphic of Santa at RuffordThe Arrival of Santa at Rufford AbbeyStep into the holiday spirit at Rufford Abbey Country Park, where Santa's grand arrival marks the start of a magical festive season. Join the celebration and experience a joyful day filled with holiday traditions and enchanting experiences for all ages.
more info

Sunday, 1 December 2024 - Sunday, 1 December 2024

Photo of afternoon tea platter and singerFestive Afternoon Tea in the TalbotTreat loved ones to a festive afternoon tea experience this Christmas in the Talbot Suite at Rufford Mill. The refined ambiance sets the perfect scene for a memorable holiday gathering, filled with festive cheer and delicious delicacies.
more info

Sunday, 8 December 2024 - Sunday, 8 December 2024

Sunday, 15 December 2024 - Sunday, 15 December 2024

Sunday, 22 December 2024 - Sunday, 22 December 2024

Photo of a candleCarols by Candlelight at Rufford AbbeyEscape the holiday rush and immerse yourself in festive cheer with an afternoon of enchanting music by the Carlton Male Voice Choir.
more info

Photo of one of the art installations. Two people are sitting on a bench opposite, looking at it.Time to Connect Art Trail, NottinghamshireThe new Time to Connect trail features a series of six artworks created and installed by artist and sculptor Chris Campbell based at the sites of Papplewick Pumping Station, Newstead Abbey, RSPB Sherwood Forest, Rufford Abbey, Vicar Water Country Park and Bestwood Country Park.

Friday, 6 December 2024 - Friday, 6 December 2024

Photo of fake police reports and blank polaroidsMurder Mystery Night at Rufford MillExperience a thrilling night of murder and mystery at The Mill this December, hosted by the UK's Premier Murder Mystery events company, Murder One.
more info

Saturday, 16 November 2024 - Saturday, 16 November 2024

Sunday, 17 November 2024 - Sunday, 17 November 2024

Saturday, 23 November 2024 - Saturday, 23 November 2024

Sunday, 24 November 2024 - Sunday, 24 November 2024

Saturday, 30 November 2024 - Saturday, 30 November 2024

Sunday, 1 December 2024 - Sunday, 1 December 2024

Saturday, 7 December 2024 - Saturday, 7 December 2024

Sunday, 8 December 2024 - Sunday, 8 December 2024

Saturday, 14 December 2024 - Saturday, 14 December 2024

Sunday, 15 December 2024 - Sunday, 15 December 2024

Saturday, 21 December 2024 - Saturday, 21 December 2024

Sunday, 22 December 2024 - Sunday, 22 December 2024

Christmas market at Rufford Abbey in NottinghamshireRufford's Mini Christmas MarketGet into the holiday spirit at Rufford Abbey's Mini Christmas Market, taking place every weekend from 16th November to 22nd December. Open from 10 AM to 4 PM, this festive market is an ideal destination for seasonal shopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
more info

Saturday, 23 November 2024 - Saturday, 23 November 2024

Sunday, 24 November 2024 - Sunday, 24 November 2024

Wednesday, 27 November 2024 - Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Saturday, 30 November 2024 - Saturday, 30 November 2024

Sunday, 1 December 2024 - Sunday, 1 December 2024

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 - Wednesday, 4 December 2024

Saturday, 7 December 2024 - Saturday, 7 December 2024

Sunday, 8 December 2024 - Sunday, 8 December 2024

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 - Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Saturday, 14 December 2024 - Saturday, 14 December 2024

Sunday, 15 December 2024 - Sunday, 15 December 2024

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 - Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Saturday, 21 December 2024 - Saturday, 21 December 2024

Sunday, 22 December 2024 - Sunday, 22 December 2024

Photo ofSanta sitting at a fireplaceSanta's Grotto at RuffordSanta is making his highly anticipated return to Rufford Abbey Country Park this festive season, bringing magic and joy to children and families alike. The enchanting Santa's Grotto promises to be a highlight, creating lasting memories. Step into a world of holiday wonder, where children can meet…
more info
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