Rufford Old Hall: A Timeless Tudor Manor in Lancashire
Explore a stunning Tudor manor with rare hammerbeam roof, rich history, and tranquil Victorian gardens in the heart of Lancashire.
Rufford Old Hall is a magnificent Tudor and Jacobean manor house near Ormskirk, Lancashire, built around 1530 for the Hesketh family. This Grade I listed National Trust property features a rare hammerbeam roof, historic gardens, and the Philip Ashcroft collection showcasing Lancashire rural life. Visitors explore centuries of family history, original architecture, and beautifully preserved interiors alongside tranquil Victorian and Edwardian gardens.
A brief summary to National Trust - Rufford Old Hall
- 200 Liverpool Rd, Ormskirk, Rufford, L40 1SG, GB
- +441704821254
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and take a guided tour to fully appreciate the hall’s history and architecture.
- Don’t miss the Philip Ashcroft collection in the stables for a fascinating glimpse into 1930s Lancashire rural life.
- Enjoy afternoon tea in the Victorian tea-room, especially pleasant during warmer months with courtyard seating.
- Explore the surrounding gardens and woodland trails, ideal for family nature play and peaceful walks by the canal.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Bus
Take a train to Ormskirk station from Liverpool or Preston, then catch the 310 or 312 bus towards Rufford. The total journey takes approximately 50–70 minutes. Bus services run hourly with a return fare around £5.
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Car
Driving from Liverpool or Preston takes about 30–40 minutes via the M58 and A59. Parking is available on-site free of charge, but spaces may be limited on busy days.
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Cycling
Cyclists can access Rufford Old Hall via quiet country lanes and canal towpaths from Ormskirk or nearby villages. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for all levels, with an estimated cycling time of 30–45 minutes.
National Trust - Rufford Old Hall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Trust - Rufford Old Hall
Origins and Architectural Heritage
Rufford Old Hall dates back to the late 15th or early 16th century, originally constructed for the Hesketh family, who were lords of the manor in this part of Lancashire. The great hall remains the centerpiece, showcasing an exceptional timber-framed Tudor design with a rare hammerbeam roof, a feature unique in Lancashire. The building underwent several expansions, including a Jacobean brick wing added in 1662 and further Gothic Revival style additions in the 19th century. The hall’s timber framing, stone plinth, and mullioned windows reflect the craftsmanship of the period, while stained glass coats of arms and intricate carvings enrich the historic atmosphere.The Hesketh Family Legacy and Historical Significance
The Hesketh family’s association with Rufford spans centuries, beginning with land acquired through marriage to the Fitton family in the medieval era. The manor became their principal base, with the hall witnessing generations of family life and local history. By the mid-18th century, the family built Rufford New Hall, and the Old Hall transitioned to tenants and agricultural use. In 1936, Thomas Fermor-Hesketh gifted the hall and its contents to the National Trust, ensuring the preservation of its rich heritage. The hall also holds intriguing historical anecdotes, including possible ties to a young William Shakespeare.Philip Ashcroft’s Collection and Cultural Preservation
A unique feature of Rufford Old Hall is the Philip Ashcroft collection, a comprehensive museum of Lancashire rural life from the 1930s. Ashcroft, a local historian and curator, assembled everyday objects, agricultural tools, ceramics, textiles, and toys that illustrate the region’s folk traditions. This collection is displayed throughout the hall and stables, providing visitors with a vivid insight into the working lives and culture of Lancashire’s past communities. The collection complements the historic furnishings and arms and armour exhibited inside the hall.Gardens and Landscape Charm
Surrounding Rufford Old Hall are extensive Victorian and Edwardian gardens, featuring a variety of rhododendrons, woodlands, and an orchard with heritage apple varieties. The gardens are notable for their peaceful ambiance and the presence of distinctive topiary, including a giant pair of squirrels. The hall’s proximity to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and nearby woodlands offers scenic walking opportunities, enhancing the estate’s natural appeal. The gardens stand as one of the lowest-lying National Trust gardens in England, adding to their unique character.Visitor Experience and Facilities
Visitors to Rufford Old Hall can enjoy guided tours that reveal the architectural and historical treasures of the manor. The cosy Victorian tea-room serves light lunches and cream teas, with outdoor seating in the courtyard. Families can borrow balance bikes and explore dedicated nature play areas, making the site engaging for all ages. The coach house hosts a second-hand bookshop, while information boards and displays enrich the visitor experience. The National Trust’s ongoing conservation efforts maintain the hall’s fabric and collections for future generations.Preservation and Ongoing Care
The National Trust has managed Rufford Old Hall since 1936, focusing on preserving its Tudor and Jacobean features alongside the Ashcroft collection. Restoration projects have conserved the historic timberwork, stained glass, and Gothic Revival furnishings. The Trust also supports local volunteer groups who contribute to the estate’s upkeep and visitor engagement. These efforts ensure Rufford Old Hall remains a vital link to Lancashire’s cultural and architectural heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Chorley's Flying Arches
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Preston Cenotaph
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Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
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Rivington Pike
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Rivington Pike Tower
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Sussex Close
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Taylor Park
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The Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches)
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Central Pier
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Madame Tussauds Blackpool
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SEA LIFE Blackpool
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The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse
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Blackpool Promenade
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The Blackpool Opera House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bygone Times
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Heskin Hall Shopping Village
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West Lancashire Light Railway
7.0 km
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JAK Hanson Shopping Outlet - Retail Store
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A spacious family-run shopping outlet in rural Lancashire offering quality brands, dining, and a welcoming countryside atmosphere.
Worden Park
9.1 km
Historic estate grounds transformed into a vast family-friendly park with gardens, maze, playground, and miniature railway in Leyland.
Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve
9.2 km
A tranquil wetland oasis in Preston, blending rich industrial heritage with vibrant wildlife and accessible nature trails.
The Beautiful Roundabout
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A striking geometric landmark symbolizing Skelmersdale’s modernist town planning and unique urban character.
The Big Pipe
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Discover The Big Pipe in Skelmersdale: a monumental marvel blending British engineering with rare natural beauty and tranquil reflection.
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum
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Beacon Country Park
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Made in Leyland - Centurion Tank
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Gorse Hill Nature Reserve
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Astley Hall
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Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary
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Hesketh Park
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A charming Victorian park in Southport featuring a lake, historic observatory, family amenities, and tranquil natural beauty open daily from dawn to dusk.
Essential places to dine
Lang's Restaurant
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Charnock Farm Restaurant
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Rustic country dining, comfortable motel stays, and charming event spaces nestled in the tranquil Lancashire countryside.
Juniper Restaurant
10.8 km
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The Barn at Moor Hall
11.9 km
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Encore Restaurant
12.0 km
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Vardons Restaurant at Shaw Hill
12.4 km
Elegant British dining with scenic golf course views at Shaw Hill’s Regency-style Vardons Restaurant.
The Dolphin
12.9 km
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Retreat Adlington
14.0 km
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Rigby's Farmhouse
14.4 km
Cozy farmhouse dining in Preston serving hearty British classics and an exceptional gin selection for family and friends.
Aven Restaurant
15.0 km
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The Cherry Tree at Blackrod
15.0 km
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The Wheel Restaurant
15.4 km
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Fat Olive Restaurant
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean and British flavors in a welcoming, lively setting at Wigan’s beloved Fat Olive Restaurant.
Tipsy Chef (Bar & Restaurant)
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Gallimore's Fine Restaurant
15.8 km
Contemporary British dining in Wigan’s historic town centre, offering quality menus in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Secret Closet
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Cedar Farm
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North West Vintage Clothing Company Ltd
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Freckle Boutique
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Mood Gifts & Home
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The FAIR Trade Store
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The Mill Shop
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Retrogue Vintage Clothing
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KENJI Preston
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La Shack Costume Fashion Jewellery and Gifts
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Crissys Gifts For All Occasions
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Blackpool Retail Park
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Gold Boutique
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Nick Shop
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ICON Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Riley's Taproom and Wine Bar
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No. 16 On The Hill
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Sherringtons Bar
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The Dressers Arms | Pub & Rooms
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Hartleys Wine Bar
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FORUM BAR & KITCHEN
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Plug & Taps
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Revolution Preston
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The Winter Lodge
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Baluga Bar & Club
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Black Horse
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Hogarths
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Plau Gin & Beer House
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Winedown
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Park Hall Nightclub
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Banff
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Popworld - Preston
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The Warehouse
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Switch Nightclub
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Pure Nightclub
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Ibiza Nightclub
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The Tache Rock Club
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Hush Nightclub
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Club underground
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Trilogy Nightclub
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Popworld - Blackpool
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Funny Girls
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Sanuk Nightclub
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Level Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
