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Saturday 30 August 2008
Leisure section

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Rufford Abbey Country Park
Ollerton
Nottinghamshire
NG22 9DF

OS grid reference SK644647.

Map showing how to get to Rufford Abbey Country Park (Link will open a new browser window)

Plan of the site showing all facilities [PDF 4MB] pdf logo This is a large file and may take time to download.

Rufford Abbey from the gardens

Contact us:


General enquiries

tel: 01623 821338
10.30am - 4.30pm daily or 08449 80 80 80 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 12 noon Saturday)

e-mail: info.rufford@nottscc.gov.uk

Catering

Savile Restaurant and Coach House Cafe
tel: 01623 821310

Book mobility scooters & wheelchairs FREE!

tel: 01623 821338 10.30am - 4.30pm daily
fax: 01623 824840

Check which paths around the park are wheelchair accessible on our accessible routes map [PDF 4MB] pdf logo

Rufford wetland

About the park

Located 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.

Green Flag logo

Rufford Abbey Country Park is a Green Flag Award Winner

Quality Assured Visitor Attraction logo

Rufford Abbey Country Park is a Quality Assured Visitor attraction

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 contenporary crafts in the Craft Centre Gallery
  • Modern sculpture and art installations in the gardens

Dogs and cycling

Dogs are welcome in our park, but please keep them on a lead.

Cycling is not allowed within the park, but we provide bike racks so you can park up and enjoy the paths and woodland walks on foot.

Makaton sculpture

Get involved!

We welcome local people and visitors who want to get involved in the work of the park. Volunteers and helpers at conservaton task days or park events are always welcome.  Ring the Ranger team for a chat to find out more: tel: 01623 822944 ext 222/223 or e-mail: karen.d.emery@nottscc.gov.uk.

Friends of Rufford pond dayWhy not join the Friends of Rufford?  It's a group of park supporters with a programme of social events, also offering the chance to get involved in exciting park improvement projects.  The group also carries out fund raising, to help make Rufford an even better park for its users.  Membership is just £10 per year (discount for two people at same address).


History of Rufford

Find out more about the history of Rufford and how it became a Country Park.

The remains of 12th century Rufford Abbey are managed by Nottinghamshire County Council under agreement with English Heritage

Rufford Management Plan 2007-2014

Read and comment on the park's management plan:  Have your say

What's On?

We have lots of events to choose from - download our August - November 2008 events brochure [PDF 96KB]pdf logo or contact our Visitor Information Point, e-mail: info.rufford@nottscc.gov.uk or tel: 01623 821338, open 10.30am - 4.30pm daily.

What's New for 2008?

Visit the new Children's Garden and the Play Village, designed for youngsters 3-8 years.

Rufford play village

European Regional Development Fund logo

Rufford Craft Centre

Rufford has a fine contemporary craft centre, featuring permanent displays on contemporary ceramics and a changing programme of gallery exhibitions. Admission is free.

Rufford Catering

The Savile Restaurant, set in the original kitchen of the old country house serves cooked lunches, salads and afternoon teas. The menu [PDF 62KB] changes daily.   Photo of the Savile Restaurant interior

Light snacks and beverages are on sale at the Coach House Cafe.

The Savile Restaurant can be booked for private functions. More information- ring Zoe on tel: 01623 821310 or e-mail: rufford.park@nottscc.gov.uk

The newly refurbished Talbot Suite at Rufford Mill. is now available for conferences, training and wedding celebrations.

Rufford Saw Mill

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