Rufford Abbey Country Park
A historic country park with abbey ruins, beautiful gardens, a large adventure playground, and scenic lakeside walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Themed trails and events are common.
Rufford Abbey Country Park
Best Time
Themed trails and events are common.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic country park with abbey ruins, beautiful gardens, a large adventure playground, and scenic lakeside walks.
"Beautiful park with well kept grounds. Lovely for a walk and perfect for families."
🚗 Parking Payment Mix
Carry both cash and card for parking, as payment systems can be unreliable.
👟 Wellies for All
Essential for exploring, especially after rain. Embrace the mud!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abbey Ruins & Gardens
Central Abbey area
Explore the historic abbey ruins and wander through beautifully maintained gardens with intriguing sculptures.
Adventure Playground
Near the stables
A fantastic, busy playground offering hours of fun for children of all ages.
Lakeside Walks
Around the park's lakes
Enjoy scenic strolls around the large lakes, spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Themed Trails
Various locations
Keep an eye out for seasonal themed trails, like the magical fairy trail or Halloween adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Fees & Payment
Weather-Ready Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Payment Mix
Carry both cash and card for parking, as payment systems can be unreliable. +1
👟 Wellies for All
Essential for exploring, especially after rain. Embrace the mud!
☕ Cafe Options
Two cafes available, one by the stables offers GF options.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome and can enjoy the trails too!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Payment Mix
Carry both cash and card for parking, as payment systems can be unreliable. +1
👟 Wellies for All
Essential for exploring, especially after rain. Embrace the mud!
☕ Cafe Options
Two cafes available, one by the stables offers GF options.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome and can enjoy the trails too!
📅 Check for Events
Look out for special events like Santa breakfasts or fairy trails. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rufford Abbey for its beautiful grounds, excellent adventure playground, and scenic walks around the lakes, making it a perfect family day out. The historic abbey ruins and gardens add a touch of charm. However, the fixed £7 parking fee is a common point of contention, and some note the need to carry both cash and card for payments.
"I love this country park. It has two cafes, massive lakes, lots of loos, benches, archery , crazy golf, a shop and a Abbey Tales inside. It has great gardens with lots of sculptures to explore and a cracking adventure play ground. Lots of wildlife too."
Myriam R Roberts
"Beautiful park with well kept grounds. Lovely for a walk and perfect for families. There are plenty of picnic benches dotted around the lake and the rest of the park. The children's park was busy, great to see so many kids playing outside. Cafe up by the stables had gluten free sandwiches and snacks available as well as jacket potatoes. Nice atmosphere in the cafe too, friendly and helpful staff. Great facilities for baby changing and for people with disabilities as they have an adult changing bench and hoist in site. Shame that there's only one option for parking - £7 for all day. Would be good to have the option of paying for a couple of hours for a smaller price. But on the whole, a lovely park to explore with plenty to see."
Zoe Brindle
"Beautiful place to visit for a walk or picnic.
Nice garden centre and cafe.
Spoiled only by the 7 pound fixed price parking fee .
Used to be free when I was young!!"
peter K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rufford Abbey Country Park is located off Old Rufford Road, Ollerton, NG22 9DT. It's situated past Center Parcs in the Sherwood Forest area. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus timetables is advised if not driving.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted, especially if you're familiar with the Sherwood Forest area.
Rufford Abbey is conveniently located between Sheffield, Nottingham, and Lincoln, making it a good stop if you're traveling in that region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking is a fixed £7 for all day. While this is a set price, some visitors feel it's a bit steep for just parking. +2
Entry to the park itself is generally free, but there is a charge for parking. +1
Currently, the parking fee is a fixed £7 for the day, with no options for shorter stays or discounts mentioned in reviews. +1
It's recommended to bring both cash and card. Some kiosks are cashless, but they can revert to cash-only if their systems go offline.
While specific hours aren't detailed in the provided content, country parks are typically open from dawn till dusk. It's best to check their official website or social media for precise opening times, especially for specific attractions or events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rufford Abbey offers a variety of activities including exploring historic abbey ruins, beautiful gardens with sculptures, a large adventure playground, scenic walks around lakes, and often seasonal themed trails like fairy or Halloween trails. +1
Absolutely! The adventure playground is a major draw, and the open spaces are perfect for burning energy. Themed trails also add to the family fun. +2
Yes, Rufford Abbey is dog-friendly, and your canine companions can join you on the trails.
Yes, the park has good facilities, including an adult changing bench and hoist available.
The park features large lakes which are home to various bird species and other wildlife, making it a pleasant spot for nature observation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are two cafes on-site. One is located up by the stables and offers gluten-free sandwiches, snacks, and jacket potatoes.
The cafe by the stables serves items like gluten-free sandwiches, snacks, and jacket potatoes.
Definitely! There are plenty of picnic benches dotted around the park and by the lake, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. +1
While gluten-free options are specifically mentioned, it's always a good idea to check with the cafe staff directly for current vegetarian and vegan offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic abbey ruins, the beautifully landscaped gardens with sculptures, and the scenic lake views offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the lakes and surrounding parkland attract various wildlife, providing opportunities for bird and nature photography.
Keep an eye out for seasonal events and trails, such as the fairy trail or Christmas events, which can offer unique and charming photo backdrops. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are ample picnic benches scattered throughout the park, making it easy to enjoy a family meal outdoors. The park also offers good facilities, including baby changing stations, ensuring a comfortable experience for parents.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Couples
Explore the historic abbey ruins for a touch of history and culture, or simply find a bench by the lake to relax and enjoy the tranquility. The park's sculptures add an artistic touch to the landscape, providing points of interest during your exploration.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a lead where appropriate and always clean up after them. The park's natural setting offers a stimulating environment for dogs, making it a rewarding outing for both you and your pet.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Abbey
Adjacent to the ruins are the beautifully maintained gardens. These areas are often adorned with intriguing sculptures, adding an artistic dimension to your visit. The gardens provide a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll, perfect for quiet contemplation or a romantic walk.
Many visitors find exploring the abbey and gardens a deeply relaxing experience, a welcome escape from the everyday hustle. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a peaceful and enriching visit for all ages.
Family Fun and Play
Beyond the playground, the park's vast open spaces and lakeside paths are ideal for children to burn off energy. The park frequently hosts themed trails, such as magical fairy trails or spooky Halloween adventures, which add an extra layer of excitement and engagement for kids.
Parents often praise the park for providing a safe and stimulating environment for their children to play outdoors. The combination of the playground, open spaces, and interactive trails makes Rufford Abbey a popular choice for a family day out.
Walking and Wildlife
Rufford Abbey is also a great spot for wildlife spotting. The lakes and surrounding woodlands are home to various bird species and other creatures, making it an enjoyable destination for nature enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for ducks, swans, and other local fauna.
Many visitors highlight the relaxing atmosphere of the walks, finding it a great way to detox and enjoy the outdoors. The accessibility of the paths makes it suitable for most visitors, including those with dogs who are also welcome to explore the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit