I do enjoy visiting national properties, I guess that’s why I have got membership with them. But, I have suddenly become aware that the properties aren’t actually open very early in the morning and when it gets to the winter months, the houses get shut up and you won’t get chance to go back in until around March time the next year. Hmm I am not moaning, just a bit surprised and disappointed, I want to be able to make more of my membership. Anyhow, as I was making my way around them all, I came across Rufford Old Hall, and I am glad that I did. It is a tudor building and where William Shakespeare performed once in his younger days — check out the Great Hall there. The house and gardens are stunning and the collection of furniture, ornaments etc are truely spectular.
Sophie
Place rating: 5 Manchester, United Kingdom
I visited Rufford on the recomendation of a friend and was not dissapointed. At £6.20 per adult to view the house and gardens it may not appeal to all, but if you like to see a bit of living history I’d say it is was well worth it. The hall houses some stunning examples of 17th centry architecuture and artifacts and there was much more to see in the house than I had expected looking at it from the outside. The National Trust staff and volunteers were friendly, helpful and infectiously enthusiastic. The entry price included the option to attend a few different short talks about the history of the house which were pitched just right, not too long and covering the main points of interest. The gardens are compact but make for some enjoyable meandering and afternoon tea in the tea shop was a lovely way to end the visit. Despite being very busy the service was friendly and fast. I would definitly recommend this as a day out.
