Rufford Old Hall was home to the Hesketh family who originated from Hesketh village which was north of Rufford. Sir William Hesketh acquired half of Rufford Manor from his marriage to heiress Maud Fitton. The family inherited the other half of the manor from Fittonβs Sister. Looking over the 500-year-old family history of the Hesketh leaves one breathless and for history buffs itβs heaven. I was able to visit the Rufford Old Hall last weekend after celebrating my nephewβs 5th birthday. Even though I was busy the estate is small enough to enjoy a quick visit of the house and gardens.
What I have learned in the last 10 weeks of going on local adventures is that I live in the most beautiful country. Right here in my backyard I have places like Blenheim Palace, Basildon Park and the glorious Hughenden Manor. I spent most of 2016 jetting off to lands far afield and yet I had such beauty right around the corner. Even though history was never my favourite subject itβs weird to think I am enjoying learning about past lives. I walk into these beautiful and glorious manors and wonder how wonderful it must have been living in that time era. Victorian era has always been my favourite but then again I am yet to discover other eras but excited at the prospect. Visiting Rufford Old Hall definitely gave me a glimpse into the Hesketh family history and how they came to be.
Rufford Old Hall #localtouristΒ
The history of the Hesketh family start as far back as the 13th century and increasing in richness from lucrative marriages. From the founder of the Hesketh family, sir William Hesketh to 7th Baronet who married an American heiress. Their fortune great from leaps and bounds through history which included an expansion in Fermor-Hesketh properties. Rufford Old Hall was later donated to the National Trust in 1923 by the Fermor-Hesketh family for preservation.
Things to do at Rufford Old Hall
Rufford Old Hall is a great location for families, couples and solo travelers like myself. Itβs small and quaint but has lots to offer alongside the long 500-year-old family history. On top of that you can enjoy
- Tour the house. Whilst the house is small it has so much to offer from the armour used in the warm to the beautiful china collected on his adventures across the world.
- Touring the beautiful estate grounds. This autumn the leaves have made the grounds even more beautiful and perfect place to enjoy a nice autumnal walk
- Retail therapy. One of my little enjoyments in life is buying fudge, candles and little bits from the National Trust properties.
- Have a picnic. After touring the grounds you can enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens. The wide open spaces plus being so close to the stream makes it a perfect romantic place.
- Enjoy some nice cakes in the tea room. I always make it a point of having a nice cup of tea and cake. Since the Baronet was a traveler, Rufford Old Hall has some nice variety of worldly teas including my favourite Roibos from South Africa.
Things to knowΒ
- Free parking included in fee and in membership for members.
- Bottle warming services available
- Guided tours and talks offered at 12pm and 1pm
- Dogs welcome on some parts of the estate and in other areas only assistance dogs allowed
- Baby changing facilities available
- Mobility parking available
Address: 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG
David E says
Having a picnic out there looks like it would be amazing. The place looks great and the grounds look immaculate.
TheMummyToolbox says
This looks like a beautiful place to visit and with lovely grounds too! Free parking is a bonus!
Stella Kashmoney says
Good to know there is a free parking service available. That is always useful.
erin fesperman says
Rufford Old Hall looks absolutely STUNNING! I would give anything to see this in person! WOW!
Melanie Edjourian says
It looks really lovely there and a great place to visit. There is so much to see in the UK we just have to discover it.
Laura Dove says
This is local to me!! It’s gorgeous there isn’t it? We thought about getting married there actually!
Zena's Suitcase says
I think you are absolutely right about the UK. We have a lot right on our doorstep and this sounds like on of those gems to visit
Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz says
It’s so much fun to explore your own back yard. I recently took a walking tour of my own city and learned so much about local history. This is such a great house and it looks like a great visit!
Newcastle Family Life says
You have so many lovely places to visit in your area. This looks like a lovely house to visit and the little gift shop looks great x
Kara says
What a beautiful country house. I love exploring NT properties
Lian Wright says
This site looks lovely. I would love to take my family here when we visit England. The grounds are gorgeous. I would take my family on a picnic there to enjoy the beauty of the estate.
Liz Mays says
It would be great seeing the house and getting taking in a little history. Exploring the grounds definitely sounds nice too.
Pam says
This looks like such a cool place. I would love to visit the tea room, i really enjoy tea rooms.
Sarah Bailey says
What a lovely looking place to get to explore, I am definitely up for a picnic and some retail therapy !
A.L. Gibson says
I would love to visit a place like this. Looks like a great tourist attraction.
Stephanie says
That looks a perfect place for a picnic, very peaceful
Emma - Our Fairytale Adventure says
I love visiting old manor houses and learning about the families that used to live there. They always make a great day out with the family.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This looks like such a beautiful destination. I would love to visit Rufford Hall. This would be fun with the family.
Clairejustineo says
I bet it was lovely. I love visiting places like this. Looks like a great day.
Rachel Akers says
That home is amazing. I love taking in local sites. It really makes you appreciate the history of where you live.
Helen Jacob-Lloyd says
It’s so important to not take our local surroundings for granted. It is easy to overlook, but they’re the closest adventures to go on π
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
We love planning trips where historical locations are able to be seen. This sounds like the perfect little stop when you’re short on time.
Jeanette says
I love learning about historical places. I love it even more when I can go and visit them and make it more real. That way I would love to check out this place. It looks beautiful.
Amber says
I always love learning the history of these old homes. So cool. I would so buy some fudge π
Heather D. says
I love exploring old places. The older the better! This looks like so much fun.
Sarah says
Love visiting old cities and see the architecture of all the buildings. Looks like an amazing place to visit!
Alli Smith says
It’s always interesting to learn the history of a grand manor. I’d love to spend some time at Rufford Old Hall. I like the fact that there are so many things to see and do.
Candy Kage says
Seeing and touring local history is always something I am willing to do. Love seeing how they use to live way back when. Grounds are beautiful.
Robin Rue says
I would love to tour the house and grounds. What a fun place to spend the day and just take everything in.
Justine Robson says
Love this. I’ve visited and walked around the gardens before. You’re right, we do have some gorgeous locations in our country.
Anosa says
We truly do and Rufford Old Hall is just one such lovely example of the beauty we behold in this country π