Rufford Abbey and Craft Centre is an inspiring venue for inquisitive minds of all ages and abilities. Historical remains sit beside country estate woodland and formal gardens housing contemporary sculpture. At the heart of the park, in the old stable block, the Craft Centre provides a catalyst to explore creativity, offering resources for teachers, group leaders and learners.
The Craft Centre offers a wide range of creative workshops for all, led by practicing artists. These can be combined with free self led activities exploring creativity outside the classroom/ your usual meeting place.
If you are a leader who is interested in working with the arts at Rufford or in your own setting then download the Education and Groups Booklet [PDF] that should answer a lot of your questions.
Also look at the different Leaders packs and resources you can use to combine with an arts activity or for a self led day on the Leaders Resources page.
Each visit to Rufford is different - a full day can combine practical art workshops with self led sessions. We are happy to work with you to plan your day to ensure your students leave Rufford enthused and inspired.
We are also and Arts Award Supporter and can ensure that the day covers elements of the Arts Award your students are working on. For more information visit the Arts Award Offer page.
Sculpture trail
An important aspect of Rufford Country Park and Craft Centre is the contemporary sculpture garden featuring 25 works that have been collected and commissioned by Rufford over the last 30 years. It is the only public sculpture park in Nottinghamshire and presents a wide range of sculptures to explore.
Sculpture Trail Leaders packs and resourses are available on the Leaders Resources page.
Gallery
The contemporary craft gallery has a changing programme of exhibitions.
Gallery Leaders pack is available on the Leaders Resources page.
Grounds and architecture
Rufford Craft centre sits within 150 acres of Country Park including the remains of a 12C Cistercian Abbey, a lake, a woodland and a formal garden that all provide great inspiriation.
Ground and Architecture Leaders pack available on the Leaders Resources page.
Contact
To discuss ways we can work with your school/group please contact:
Arts Education and Outreach Officer
tel: 01623 821312
email: artsadmin@nottscc.gov.uk
(Please state 'Rufford Education' as the subject header of e-mails.)
The Arts Service also offers creative opportunities for education professionals and has a newsletter for arts events in the area.
If you would like to join the education and/or newsletter mailing lists please email: artsadmin@nottscc.gov.uk with your request.
