Rufford Abbey — Attraction in Newark and Sherwood

Absolutely stunning place to visit! One warning of you have young children- keep a close eye on them as there was giant hogweed in the overgrown areas around the lake- right on the edges of the path so easily within reach.

The lake is gorgeous with plenty of benches around for a rest. Halfway round is a cafe and seating area. Some birds on the lake. We missed the ice house as my partner insisted it was right when it was left and wouldn’t go back.

Lots of space for picnics and playing football etc on the grassy areas. Some gorgeous walks in the woods. The abbey itself is lovley to see. With some fragrant gorgeous gardens just by it. Very well maintained grounds. We didn’t cover half of it hopefully next time I go back I’ll be with someone who doesn’t just wander where he wants to go and then go home, as I didn’t get to see much of what I wanted to. But that leaves plenty to see and do on another visit. Parking is very reasonable at £5 no matter how long you stay. Lots of families, couples, dog walkers, elderly, walking groups etc. so a very mixed group of visitors. It was a fantastic few hours, I’d say take a picnic and enjoy a day here. They do have ice cream shops and a pizza place (unfortunately shut when we went). Not sure what other food establishments there are as didn’t walk that area. Paddle boats are on the lake but they were also closed which was a shame as it was a weekend and very busy. Well worth a visit. Most of it is accessible for wheelchairs too which...

Rufford was originally a cistercian monastery, Henry VIII wanted a divorce & it was not allowed he sent a force to slaughter the monks. The saville family with their history..besides the history it is a lovely park with a children's play area, walks around the park & lakes. The Saville restaurant & cafes for somewhere to eat..wheel chair access & toilets plus hire of scooters for less able at Abbey end of the park. In spring & summer there is now boating on the lake & Archery. Watch the Rufford web site for events throughout the year, these are very popular, so public transport or car sharing the way to go. The only payment is for parking, I do not know anywhere you can go with a family for under £5.00..for such a small amount great value. Onsite there is also a deli check this out for food gifts, & a selection of different meads, outdoor clothes shop & an amazing gift shop with some lovely pieces by local artists, great for Christmas /birthday gifts. Hoping the new management keep all of this. Hope to see you here, I am a local & walk my dog regularly here, meet friends here for lunches & a walk..anx visit the undercroft for the history..there are also sightings of a monk & one famously appeared in a visitors photo which was seen in the news papers. A must if you visit Nottinghamshire. Photo..is only one on phone, will try to add more...

Beautiful place to take the kids or pets for a lovely walk.

Has a family we always enjoy a few hours walking around the lake, playing in the park and reading the history of Rufford Abbey. Being out in the fresh air is good for the kids rather than sitting on technology. it's a 40 minute bus ride from Nottingham which is definitely worth it. The stagecoach bus from Victoria centre Bay 9 will drop you off outside this beautiful place.

We went again yesterday and after leaving the house without our already done packed lunch we had to have lunch at the Coach house I think it was called? Next to the ice cream parlour. We had 2 sausage rolls, 2 hotdog sausages and a steak bake pastry and 2 Caramel slices. With a white coffee, it was around £24 + The children then had 2 pots of ice cream with 2 scoops in each the cost was £7.90 from the ice cream parlour. Overall I do think it's all very overpriced than on the other hand the upkeep and staff wages. However the. The food we had was delicious I honestly couldn't fault it, the staff in the food court was amazing and went above for my child with Autism. So next time I definitely won't be forgetting our packed lunch has a cheap day out ended up...