Welcome to the Friends of Rufford

Set in the heart of Robin Hood Country in Nottinghamshire's famous Sherwood Forest, this lovely country park with large areas of woodland, parkland and lake, offers the visitor a unique combination of history, countryside and crafts.

At the heart of the park are the picturesque remains of Rufford Abbey, founded during the 12th century by Cistercian monks and later transformed into a grand country house by the Talbot and Savile families.

In more recent years, Rufford has gained a growing reputation as a centre of excellence for British contemporary arts. The former Stable Block houses the Rufford Gallery, as well as Britain's first specialist Ceramics Centre. The restored Orangery with its apsidal Gallery also features a changing display of outdoor sculptures and larger ceramics.

You can browse around the on-site shops at the Stable Block and Rufford Mill, stop for a coffee in the Coach House Café, or enjoy a traditional lunch in the well-appointed Savile restaurant, created in the former Victorian Kitchen of the Abbey's restored Jacobean wing.

The extensive grounds, with their formal gardens and sculptures, woodlands and lake, and regular programme of events are the perfect place for a family day out. You can take a pleasant stroll, enjoy a picnic, or just breath in the peaceful atmosphere of Rufford.

The Friends of Rufford are a group of volunteers and well-wishers, dedicated to the promotion, care and preservation of the park, assisting wherever possible the Rangers and Administration. We hope this new, revamped, website will give you a flavour of this little country gem and, perhaps, come to visit us again and again. Better yet, join us and help us make it even better.

Have your say on Rufford's management plan 2006-2010 - Click HERE.