[2025 Rufford Attraction] Travel Guide for National Trust - Rufford Old Hall (Updated Mar)

#leedstrip Rufford Old Hall is a National Trust property in Rufford, Lancashire, England. Built in about 1530 for Sir Robert Hesketh, only the Great Hall survives from the original structure. A brick-built wing in the Jacobean style was added in 1661, at right angles to the Great Hall, and a third wing was added in the 1820s. Until 1936, Rufford Old Hall was in the continuous ownership of the Hesketh family, who were lords of the manor of Rufford from the 15th century. The Heskeths moved to Rufford New Hall in 1798. In 1846 Sir Thomas George Hesketh, 5th Baronet married Lady Anna Maria Arabella Fermor, sister and heiress of George Richard William Fermor, 5th and last Earl of Pomfret. In 1936 Rufford Old Hall, with its collection of arms and armour and 17th-century oak furniture, was donated to the National Trust by Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, 1st Baron Hesketh. a small National Trust property but we feel blessed to have it only a few minutes down the road. It's ideal for families with small children, especially if they love trying a free balance bike or enjoying a Preloved book from the shop! The paths are all well looked after and it's extra pretty in the spring!

#liverpooltrip Rufford Old Hall is a National Trust property in Rufford, Lancashire, England. Built in about 1530 for Sir Robert Hesketh, only the Great Hall survives from the original structure. A brick-built wing in the Jacobean style was added in 1661, at right angles to the Great Hall, and a third wing was added in the 1820s. A carved wooden screen made of bog oak in the Great Hall probably dates from between 1530 and 1540. It is described by Nikolaus Pevsner as being "of an exuberance of decoration matched nowhere else in England", and is the only known surviving example from the first half of the 16th century. It stands at the north end of the great hall, covering the entrance to the original kitchens. It has three finials and eight traceried panels. Angels carry shields bearing the arms of Fitton and Banastre families. The National Trust guidebook notes three errors in construction, and suggests that these may have been made deliberately, to avoid a charge of heresy being laid against its craftsmen, due to the contemporary belief that only God was capable of perfection. One panel is laid upside down, one has a variant pattern and one angel has an additional finger.

Rufford Old Hall, a stunning Tudor manor in Lancashire, offers a captivating journey through time. The hall's architecture, with its distinctive half-timbered facade and intricate Great Hall, showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of the era. Walking through the house, I marveled at the antique furniture, period tapestries, and fascinating artifacts, each telling a story of the Hesketh family's legacy. The surrounding gardens and grounds are equally enchanting. The manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and serene woodland walks provide a picturesque setting for a leisurely afternoon. I particularly enjoyed the topiary garden, which added a whimsical touch to the estate's historic charm. A highlight of my visit was the knowledgeable and friendly staff, who brought the history of the house to life with engaging stories and insights. The tea room was a delightful stop, offering a range of delicious treats and a chance to relax in a charming setting. Rufford Old Hall's blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes it a place I'd love to revisit. The peaceful ambiance and rich heritage create a unique and memorable experience, perfect for escaping the modern world and stepping back into England's storied past. #summerdestinations #historicallandmarks #familytrip