All of the events planned for 2026 at Rufford Old Hall - Lancashire's only National Trust property
A whole range of exciting events for 2026 have been announced at Rufford Old Hall - Lancashire’s only National Trust property.
Easter Adventures at Rufford Old Hall
Starting on Saturday, Easter Adventures at Rufford Old Hall runs until April 12, from 11am to 4.30pm daily.
Make your way around the 10-point trail and find spring-inspired activities along the way, suitable for the whole family. A pair of bunny ears, a nature-inspired trail sheet and a chocolate egg are included in the price of £3.50.
Pre-booking is not essential, normal admission charges do apply. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Bluebell Tour and Breakfast
This event runs on April 20 and 27, from 9.30am to 11am.
Tuck into a breakfast barm and hot drink in Rufford’s Victorian tea-room before the site opens to the crowds. Afterwards join a guided walk and talk through the gardens and woodland covered in swathes of bluebells. Dogs on short leads welcome on the walk and in restricted areas of the tea-room.
This event takes place before normal opening hours. Normal admission applies if you wish to visit the house.
Tai chi
Relax the mind and body with a tai chi lesson in Rufford’s peaceful garden, available on June 23 and 30 and July 7 and 14, from 10-11am. Based on ancient Chinese practice, tai chi is renowned for helping people unwind, recentre, and improve balance and flexibility. No experience is necessary for these sessions. Afterwards enjoy a visit to the Victorian tea-room for seasonal food and drinks.
Maximum of 15 people per session. Tai chi tickets cost £6.50 per person also include admission to the grounds and tea-room. Normal admission charges apply to visit the house.
Forget-Me-Not Dementia Friendly Café morning
This unticketed event runs on the last Tuesday of each month from 9.30am to 11am. Held in the Victorian Tea Room, it is a welcoming space for people living with dementia, and a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy friendly company. The café is hosted by dementia-friendly staff and volunteers.
No parking charges apply, or admission fee to visit Rufford’s Dementia Café mornings. Refreshments charged at a discounted rate and no pressure to purchase anything during your visit.
Summer of Play
Come out to play with friends and family this summer at Rufford Old Hall. Between July 28 and September 1, there will be a whole host of events, activities, games, and crafts on offer.
Every day during summer opening times, Friday to Tuesday, enjoy an abundance of garden games and self-led activities. Escape to the Orchard Paddock and take part in free sports activities including cricket, rounders, croquet and giant games like snakes and ladders and dominoes or cosy up in the sitting room for a game of cribbage or chess.
As part of Rufford’s usual offering, explore the grounds on two wheels with a balance bike and pick up a nature backpack, which can be collected from inside the second-hand bookshop. Pre-booking is not essential, normal admission charges do apply. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Scarecrow Festival
This event runs from October 23 to November 8, between 10am and 4pm. Explore the grounds to find a host of straw-filled characters with their 2026 Rufford Rocks: pop stars and music legends theme, giving you a chance to bring some iconic singers, musicians and bands to life in scarecrow form.
To take part in creating a scarecrow to be displayed at Rufford Old Hall during the Scarecrow Festival, email [email protected] or call on 01704 821254. Notify in advance if you would like to take part. To attend the festival pre-booking is not essential, normal admission charges do apply. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
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