Its free to get in, but the car park charge is £4.00. Since we visited at least 18 years ago, the mill buildings by the side of the lake has been restored (but sadly they have turned them into shops and hospitality spaces - I would have preferred a working mill!).
The old building had initially been a priory, then at a later date it was turned into a huge country residence which was eventually pulled down in the late 1950's - what a shame.
The remaining buildings are now in better shape though.
I loved the old Orangery.
The gardens have had a complete overhaul too and they have special sections which are great for young children.
Some of the flowers were passed their best, but the gardens are still very pretty.
They have plenty of sculptures dotted about.
All in all a great day out and worth a visit.
As you can see, in its day it played host to some high end visitors!!
14 comments:
Wow those sculptures are amazing! Not normally a sculpture kind of girl but those are really elegant and beautiful.
So jealous of your blue sky today!
xxx
That looks an interesting place - I especially liked the metal tree!
And the old buildings.
Looks a great place to visit. I liked the scupltures too.
I like the metal tree!
Oh, I love Rufford - we used to visit often when we lived near Mansfield and still do occasionally when we visit family nearby. I was sad to hear that the farmer and ram sculptures on the seat had been stolen - I have a photo from the 80s - all huge hair and shoulder pads - sat on the bench in the middle of them:) Glad you had a great day!
What a gorgeous place and those sculptures are really lovely - especially the tree/tulip/bird one :-)
I would love to have a look around the orangery!
Another great place to visit.Did you see anyone who looked a bit like Mellors hanging around in the undergrowth?!
Lisa x
One of my favourite places Diane - When I lived in Newark I used to take my dogs walking there of an evening. You don't have to pay parking charges all the time - I think it's only Weekends and Bank Holidays :0(
I didn't notice a pic of the sculpture of the very large metal man with his 'tackle' out!!!!!!! (perhaps he isn't there anymore).
It's such a lovely place - we took Violet to see Santa there in 2008. Then had an Al-Fresco Xmas lunch outside - it was cold, but the sun was out (we're made of hard stuff in Notts).
Jill x
PS - remember to try Thoresby Park next time (close to Rufford Park) - it's free to park, there's a lovely little coffee shop and a few crafty shops in the Stable Yard and hardly anyone goes there, so it's always quiet.
Love your photos with the flowers in the foreground! Great photography! Looks like a lovely park.
Its amazing how we often dont appreciate whats on our door step! It's only 10 minutes from me and although I've been several times I think we always think there's something better if we travel further! Note to self to return there soon
tk maxx!!
just caught up with all your posts diane and the one with the letter made me hoot......thats hysterical.. asda must have a very young marketing team if they think that represents ladies of our young vintage..great posts as always e x
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