National Trust Rufford Old Hall

Follow in Shakespeare's footsteps and visit one of Lancashire's finest Tudor buildings which was built in the 1530s and is situated just 7 miles from Southport. Discover something different every day, from the changing fortunes of the family who lived here, to Shakespeare’s connections with the house. You’ll discover stories of romance, wealth and 500 years of Hesketh family history.

View amazing furniture, armour and tapestries or discover the dining room with its food-laden table, lit candles and 'fire in the hearth' waiting to welcome the family's dinner guests. Enjoy a stroll outdoors in the formal Victorian and Edwardian garden, take a walk through the tranquil woodland or along the Leeds/Liverpool canal. At the centre of the property there’s an enchanting cobbled 18th Century court yard with stables, shippon and piggery. As you leave the court yard you will pass through a garden doorway and leap forward in time to the pleasure grounds of the late Victorian and Edwardian period.

The herbaceous borders with its buzzing bees and flitting butterflies comes alive with colour and texture in the summer months and is constantly being enhanced and restored by garden volunteers and staff. The children will love the yew topiary, shaped as a squirrel, and garden games to play on the lawn. Early records of 1779 boast an orchard full of fruit trees and some of the old northern varieties of apples still grow here, such as Carlisle Codling and Keswick Codling – look out for our autumn tearoom menu, we’ll serve up some delicious autumn apple desserts. In the meantime, join us for afternoon tea or a local, seasonal dish in our Tea Room or buy a gift or present for friends/family.

We’ve a daily programme of things to do and family-friendly activities in the school holidays and at weekends.

Tickets allow admission to the whole property.