Rufford Old Hall
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Port
Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Visit a Tudor Great Hall that wows visitors with its fantastic furniture, arms, armor, tapestries and a carved oak screen that is a rare survivor from the 1500s.
Rufford Old Hall is a beautiful Tudor and Jacobean house, home to five centuries of Lancashire and Hesketh family history. History springs to life in the Hesketh's dining room, with its food-laden table, lit candles, and fire in the hearth waiting to welcome the family's dinner guests. Is it true that Shakespeare spent a short time here in his youth? There's credible evidence to suggest that Shakespeare did indeed visit Rufford's Great Hall for a few months while in his teens. Ask your guide to explain the evidence and then decide for yourself.
Stroll through Rufford's Victorian and Edwardian gardens, just a few feet above sea level. In fact, Rufford is one of the lowest-lying National Trust Gardens in England. Colorful borders, manicured lawns, an orchard, and can't-look-away squirrel-shaped topiary captivate all the senses.
A relaxed woodland with a winding path skirts the Rufford branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Hungry for a local snack (at your own expense) that is calorically indiscreet but totally worthwhile? The traditional Victorian café serves delicious treats, light lunches, and cream teas with outdoor seating in the courtyard.
Notes
Tour requires approximately two hours of walking. Terrain includes steps, small inclines and uneven ground. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wear comfortable walking shoes.