National Trust - Rufford Old Hall - Ormskirk

Elizabeth Baker

As National Trust members, we are working on our way around the many properties and we decided to incorporate a visit to this site whilst we were visiting the area. This is not a large site so you can comfortably fit it in a shorter visit but still feel like you have seen somewhere very different from other sites. The guides were very helpful and there are lots of information booklets in each room. What is unusual is that, except for the great hall, you cannot take photos. The great hall, the highlight of the building is stunning and you get to view up at ceiling level in one of the upstairs rooms. This hall was built in several phases spanning centuries so interesting seeing the changing architecture. There is a story that a young William Shakespeare visited and performed in the great hall. There are nice walks around the gardens and it's worth visiting the nearby church where there are memorials to the family who built the hall. There is a tea room and very good second hand bookshop. There is an entry fee but free for National Trust members.

K Siu

the place is not very big , but there are no. of rooms open to public, main hall , school room, bedroom…..etc. There are also many wood furnitures in tudor dynasty style.

Main entrance is also a bookshop , selling all donated books from outside. selling price hard cover is £3, soft paper cover is £2. You need to scan your national trust membership card code there.

There is a small tea house too , serving bruch , breakfast , potato jacket, sandwich….

Daniel Dickinson

Lovely place for a weekend afternoon. You can spend a few hours here or all day if you liked. Plenty of parking although it was pretty packed on a wet Sunday we went. Full of nice considerate people. Free balance bikes for the kids to use while exploring. The house is gorgeous and photography isn't permitted in most of it. Which is good because it encourages exploration in the moment and keeping the flow of people moving. The estate grounds are beautifully kept. Credit to the gardener the flowers are stunning. I'll be visiting again in Easter next year.

Gareth Evans

A Tudor setting ideal for anyone waning to catch a glimpse of the Shakespearian era. Infact, these premises were once visited by a youthful Shakespeare which fits well with the character. Set close several country villages , there are also more activities to behold, whether it be a pub lunch or strole down the canal that runs adjacent to the premises. The hall and house itself are very quaint, each room boasting it's own character which overlook well kept gardens. A rustic cafe can also be found within, carering for various diets, supplying good quality food at a very good price. Once the house and gardens have been viewed, then I would suggest a brisk five minute walk to the church that lies at the far end of the gardens.
Overall this may not be the largest of Tudor mansion, but I would recommend visiting if you have a spare few hours are and are need some well earned respite.

Daniel Booth

It was an alright place but unfortunately we won't be returning as just wasn't enough here to warrant it. The house itself was very nice and well presented, the staff throughout were brilliant and there was plenty of information dotted around the sites telling you what's what. We just felt that it lacked decent signage outside, needed a bigger car park, didn't really like all the dogs around (Trial period) and the cafe was extremely expensive as well! Even though the house was good, it felt like there wasn't enough to keep us here more than maybe 2 hours. It lacks extra interests or attractions like a petting zoo, sculpture trail, rides or a garden maze perhaps? As I explained, it was OK.

Jane Fox

A lovely day out. Rufford Old Hall is quite small compared to some but very interesting. The volunteers there do an excellent job. Their knowledge of the building and its history makes the visit much more interesting and its well worth listening to the talks. Lots of grounds to explore and a lovely cafeteria, the tea and scones are very nice.

Lazar Damiean

We had an amazing experience at Fufford old.We visited santa 🎅 and the hose that has amazing furniture and sewing paintings. It's definitely worth it.

Peter Williams

A wonderful trip back into the past. The staff and volunteers were friendly and very knowledgeable and the hall itself has information panels throughout. Parking charges and admission charges are made unless you are a member of The National Trust but seem worth it. The gardens are extensive and very well kept. There is a busy little cafe in the courtyard (where service was very slow).
♿️ Because of its antiquity, many areas are inaccessible because of steps and stairs, but parking has accessible spots, and some of the level garden paths lead to the front door of the hall and the ground floor which should be accessible to less able customers.