Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
At Rufford Abbey Country Park a 12th century Cistercian abbey ruins stand in glorious English parkland with woodland walks, a boating lake, gardens, attractions, activities and places to eat, so all in all, everything you need for a happy day out with the fam. There’s a lot of history here too; from its beginnings as an abbey, it’s since been the site of a hunting lodge and a family home that was requisitioned during WWII to house cavalry officers, a tank regiment and Italian prisoners of war. The estate was finally sold to Nottinghamshire County Council in 1957 and became a country park.
So go and spend a day in the great outdoors; stroll through the Abbey Meadow in the summertime, butterflies dancing in the air around you, take a wander through the formal garden, stopping to admire the sculptures, walk along the lime tree avenue or through the arboretum to the Adventure Play Area where there’s a castle and a tunnel, slides and a double zip wire. There’s also Adventure Golf and at certain times of the year, archery, so plenty to do. Round off your visit with a picnic on the Abbey Lawn and Sheep Meadow, or head to the Coach House Café or the Tea Shop for well-earned refreshments. If you want a little momento of your day out, pop into the gift shop on your way back to the car park.
Rufford Abbey Country Park is open from dawn to dusk every day except Christmas Day; parking is charged (card payment only).
T: 01623 677688 All information correct at the time of writing