Autumn reflection ⁦Rufford Old Hall⁩

Has one of Rufford's rumoured ghosts finally been caught on camera? 👻 Or is it just a suit of armour under a dust cover? Our volunteer Ray captured this spooky image a few weeks ago while we were preparing the Great Hall for the building works to begin.

The School Room has some new guests. 🤺 While Rufford's collection of magnificent arms and armour usually lives in the Great Hall, we've had to move them into other rooms to protect them while repair work is underway on the Lantern. #RepairingRufford

🐰 Launching 1 - 16 April, take part in a magical Easter adventure here at Rufford. 🔎 Pick up your trail map and pencil, and enjoy nature inspired activities along the way. 👣 Trail runs 11am – 4.30pm (£3 per trail - normal admission applies) Visit- bit.ly/3JgJ582

🎉We are happy to announce that this time next week the house and gardens will be open, as we extend the mid-week visitor opening times - Friday to Tuesday: House 11am – 4.30pm Garden & Tea-room 10.30am – 4.30pm *Please note we will be closed on Wednesday and Thursdays*

Hurry, there’s only 4 days left to take advantage of Rufford’s half price book sale! 📖📚 Whether you're looking for recipe books filled with tasty treats, or history books to take you back in time, the second-hand bookshop is the perfect place to discover something new.

The first weekend of the Easter holidays has been a busy one! During your visit, make sure you keep a lookout for the yummy ice-cream being served from the @snugburys van. You can also enjoy homemade bites and delicious treats in the traditional Victorian tea-room.

We expect to be busy this Easter Weekend! With fine weather predicted, please consider arriving early. ☀️ Our interactive trail is open every day across the Easter holidays until Sunday 16th April. 👣 We look forward to seeing you soon. 👋

Rufford's magnificent mature black pine tree is over 150 years old, and is the biggest tree to reside in the Pinetum. Recently it received some special treatment to keep it staying nice and healthy. If you see it smiling away on your next visit, now you know why.

Thousands of feet cross the stairs and corridors here at Rufford each year, and as a result many areas of the carpet have become worn over time. Thanks to Avena carpets, a replica 27" wide traditionally woven cut pile Wilton carpet is currently being made in West Yorkshire.

We're starting to see plenty of plant growth and activity here at Rufford. 🌼 Over the next couple of weeks keep your eyes peeled for the stunning carpet of bluebells in the north woods and along the beech walk, as well as pretty apple and pear blossom in the orchard. 🌸

A lot of time and precision goes into the day-to-day cleaning and care of the collections. This morning one of our Collections Assistants cleaned the fireplace in the Ante Room. Special brushes and a vacuum cleaner to collect the dust ensures no damage is made to the surfaces.

This bank holiday Monday (1 May) join us for a wonderful performance by Galliard Folk Dancers. Dressed in 17th century countryman costume marvel at this athletic dance featuring carefully choreographed patterns of steps. Performances will take place at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm.

🌸 To celebrate National Trust Blossom Week, here’s a closer look at the beautiful 'Beurre Hardy' (pear) espalier tree. 📸 We would love you to join in, so why not share your favourite blossom with us using #blossomwatch. #rufford #NationalTrust #blossom #blossomwatch #spring

📷 Did you know that Rufford Old Hall housed honeybees, and has done for over 20 years? 📷 All of these fabulous pictures, taken by our Senior Gardener David, show the bees busy at work making honey in the hives. #rufford #ruffordoldhall #NationalTrust #conservation

The sky might look a little moody today here at Rufford, but the colourful squirrel border is brightening up the day🌸

A little throw back to 1906. Look closely to the black and white image, and you will see the former approach from Rufford Village to a doorway (now a window) on the South side of the Great Hall. The lady in the image is thought to have been a tenant of the Old Hall.

Here at Rufford lots of things are closely monitored, including moths! Over 31 different species were recently recorded, with the Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra, Bordered Beauty Epione repandaria and Blood-vein Timandra comae being amongst those finds.

⚔️ The suits of armour on show here at Rufford, are of mixed European origin. Here members of the House Team carefully re-hang the arm of the mostly German, 16th century suit of armour. Both the arms and legs of the suit are cleaned using cloths and a mild abrasive polish.

⚡️ There are a number of striking features present in the Drawing Room at Rufford. One of those is the collection of stained glass. ☀️ On a sunny morning, the stained glass reflecting its colours into the Drawing Room is a beautiful sight.