Rufford Old Hall
Step back in time at one of Lancashire's finest 16th-century Tudor buildings, where a young Will Shakespeare once performed. His stage, the Great Hall, is as spectacular today as when the Bard was performing for the owner, Sir Thomas Hesketh, and his raucous guests. Wander around the house and marvel over the fine collections of furniture, arms, armour and tapestries. Then step outside and enjoy the gardens, topiary and sculpture and a walk in the woodlands, alongside the canal. Complete your visit with some delicious, freshly prepared local food in the cosy tea-room.
The Tudor Great Hall
The magnificent Tudor Great Hall dating from 1538 is licensed to hold civil marriages and partnerships. Suits of armour stand guard as you walk down the aisle and a splendid giant carved oak screen oversees ceremonies. The room was previously used as a banqueting hall for the Hesketh family and it is rumoured that William Shakespeare once performed here.
Don't miss
Stand behind the giant screen, where Shakespeare made costume changes.
Imagine the feasts that took place in the Great Hall.
Live the life of the 19th-century Hesketh family.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Facilities
Shopping & eating
Dine in the charming Victorian tea-room. Enjoy delicious, homemade scones straight out of the oven. Browse the shop and our peat-free plant centre.
Parking
Free, 10 yards. Car park can be very busy on summer days. Limited coach parking
Learning
Suitable for school groups. Education room/centre. Hands-on activities. Adult study days
Families & children
Baby-changing facilities. Front-carrying baby slings for loan. Children's guide. Children's quiz/trail. Bottle-warming service. Early learning toys
Prices
Standard Admission House and garden:
adult £6.20, child £3.10, family £15.50.
Garden only: adult £4.30, child £2.20.
Reduced rate when arriving by public transport
Mobility information :
Parking
In main car park
Building
Level entrance. 2 wheelchairs. Steps from Great Hall to other areas. There is wheelchair access to the Great Hall and Entrance Hall only
WCs
In courtyard
Grounds
Partly accessible, loose gravel paths, some cobbles. Map of accessible route. Some visitors may require assistance from their companion
Getting there
Bus services
J&S 347 Southport–Chorley, Stagecoach in Lancashire 2B Preston–Ormskirk, Sundays only
Cycling
View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website
By road
7 miles north of Ormskirk, in village of Rufford on east side of A59. From M6 exit 27, follow signs for Parbold then Rufford
By train
Rufford, not Sunday, ½ mile; Burscough Bridge 2½ miles
On foot
Adjoins tow-path of Rufford extension of Leeds–Liverpool Canal
Ordnance survey reference
108:SD462161
Group Visits
Average length of visit: 2 hours. On-board coach welcome. Introductory talk. Guided tour (additional charge).
Coach parking
Coach parking, 50yds. Max. 1 coach per day. Coaches will be directed by a member of staff
On site catering
The Old Kitchen tea-room (licensed), waitress service, 60 covers. Christmas dinners. Set menu available. Groups can reserve tables. Large groups (25+) will be asked to split into 2 to use tea-room at separate times.
Address :
Rufford Old Hall
200 Liverpool Road,
Rufford, near Ormskirk,
Lancashire
L40 1SG