Free Entry
Open daily. Parking charge applies - not managed by English Heritage.
Address:
Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF
The best-preserved remains of a Cistercian abbey west cloister range in England, dating mainly from around 1170. Incorporated into part of a 17th century and later mansion, set in Rufford Country Park.
Owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and managed by Parkwood Outdoors in co-operation with English Heritage.
Before You Go
Conservation: Please note that the inside of the abbey ruins are currently closed to visitors. External viewing still is possible.
Parking: The abbey remains sit within Rufford Abbey Country Park, a 150 acre public park, and this has a car park. The car park is not managed by English Heritage and there is a charge for it.
Access: The abbey ruins are only partially accessible for wheelchair users. There is ramped entry into the undercroft at the rear of the building, but the upper level of the abbey is accessed via steps. There are uneven stone floors and low light levels in the undercroft.
Facilities: English Heritage has no facilities at Rufford Abbey but it is very close to the facilities in the surrounding country park where there are toilets, a café, a restaurant, a deli, a craft and gift shop, and an outdoor living shop. The country park also has a lake and a meadow, gardens, woodland, nature trails and a play area for children. See Rufford Abbey Country Park's website for more information and details of their events, children's activities and walking tours.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Plan a Great Day Out
Why not head west and visit Bolsover Castle, half an hour's drive away, a stunning Stuart mansion perched on a ridge high above the Vale of Scarsdale in Derbyshire. Or six miles from Bolsover is Hardwick Old Hall, the ruins of an towering Elizabethan mansion, built by Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of her time in England.
