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Christmas at Rufford Old Hall

Father Christmas giving a present to a young girl
A lucky youngster meets Father Christmas | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Meet Father Christmas in his festive grotto here at Rufford Old Hall and enjoy a yummy Festive Breakfast. Admire Lancashire’s finest Tudor building as it's transformed by the sights, sounds and scents of a traditional Victorian Christmas.

Christmas Events

Take at look at our exciting festive events taking place this December.

Meet Father Christmas in his grotto
Father Christmas has been busy all year and will be making an extra special stop at Rufford Old Hall this festive season. Tell him what you’d really like for Christmas, have your photo taken and receive a very special gift. The grotto will be running on 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 December. Book here
Festive Breakfast 
Give your little ones an extra special treat this Christmas and join us for a delicious breakfast in the Victorian tea-room, available on 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 December, 9.30-10.30am. Why not book to meet Father Christmas afterwards in his festive grotto, where you can get your picture taken and you'll also receive a special gift. Book here
SOLD OUT - Beginner’s Wreath-Making Class
Join us on Sunday 1 December for a delightful and educational workshop, where you'll create a stunning traditional festive wreath. Louise & Deb, who will be running the workshop, are expert floral designers and Chelsea Gold Medallists with over 10 years of experience in creating stunning, nature-inspired arrangements.Book here
Great Hall at Rufford Old Hall
Great Hall at Rufford Old Hall | © National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Christmas in the House

Explore rooms decorated in festive splendour, exactly as it would have been back during Victorian times. Embark on a Christmas themed trail around the house to help you get in the festive mood. Look out for the beautifully decorated Christmas trees located in the entrance hall, Great Hall and cobbled Courtyard.

Winter Walks

Frosty mornings are the perfect chance to get out and appreciate the glistening topiary which surround the house, including the famous duo of towering squirrels. You may spot Pyracantha, one of the shrubs here that continues to add colour to the garden during the winter months. Look up and you’ll notice the silhouette of the trees in their winter undress, which really is a beautiful site showing up perfectly against the winter sky. The stillness of the canal and the crunching leaves underfoot offer the perfect place for a lovely winter stroll.

Festive food and drink

After stretching your legs outside and around the house, why not enjoy some festive food. Delight in home-made mushroom and thyme or smoked salmon pate or go for a scrumptious hot turkey bap. If sweet’s more your thing why not treat yourself to a crumble topped mince pie?

Second-hand bookshop 

Don’t forget to take a look at the selection of books on offer in the second-hand bookshop. A perfect Christmas gift for a loved one or maybe an indulgence for yourself, there’s plenty of ones to choose from. Every book purchased helps us to look after the nature, beauty and history of Rufford Old Hall for everyone, for ever.   

Family enjoying a walk in the grounds at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

Discover more at Rufford Old Hall

Find out when Rufford Old Hall is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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A winter view of Rufford Old Hall
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Rufford Old Hall 

A fine Tudor house and colourful garden, home to five centuries of Lancashire and Hesketh family history

near Ormskirk, Lancashire

Fully open today
Family exploring Rufford's grounds in winter
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Family-friendly things to do at Rufford Old Hall 

There’s so much for families to do – you can borrow a balance bike, explore the surrounding gardens and woodland, discover the dedicated area for nature play and set your imagination free inside the house.

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Eating, drinking and second-hand bookshop at Rufford Old Hall 

Treat yourself to tasty treats inside or outside the cosy tea-room at Rufford or escape into the Coach House to discover our second-hand bookshop.

The Great Hall, Rufford Old Hall
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Things to do in Rufford Old Hall's house 

Discover weapons and suits of armour, the Philip Ashcroft collection of 1930s Lancashire life, a 500-year-old screen, botanical watercolours from the 1800s and much more at Rufford Old Hall.