As the weather warms, vibrant blooms are returning to our green spaces, offering a natural mood boost. Leading the charge is bluebell season, which has officially arrived to carpet the country’s woodlands in stunning shades of lilac and blue, and luckily for us, there are plenty of spots in and around Greater Manchester to experience the best of these stunning blooms.
Tucked away just outside Greater Manchester into Lancashire is the stunning Rufford Old Hall, a striking Tudor Hall with fantastic furniture, arms, armour, tapestries and the carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500s. History springs to life in the Hesketh’s dining room, its food-laden table, lit candles and ‘fire in the hearth’ waiting to welcome the family’s dinner guests.
With plenty of rumours about Shakespeare and some deep regional history, there’s so much to learn at Rufford Old Hall. Exiting to the great outdoors, relax as you stroll through Rufford’s Victorian and Edwardian gardens – and remember you’re only a few feet (or metres) above sea level – making Rufford one of the lowest lying National Trust gardens in England.
Rufford also boasts a relaxed woodland with a winding path and space for nature play, all running alongside the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal, which is where you’ll find the all-important bluebells.
Bluebell breakfast & guided tour
Embrace the season and indulge in a delicious breakfast barm and hot drink in the tea room before Rufford opens to the public. Then head outside for a bluebell tour to learn all about these beautiful plants. The tour, which will take you into the gardens and woodland, will be expertly guided by garden volunteer Gil.
Breakfast is a choice of bacon, sausage or egg barm – you can indicate your choice of barm at checkout and note any additional dietary requirements. A regular hot drink is included in the price and can be ordered on the day.
Dogs on short leads are welcome on the walk and in restricted areas of the tea room. The event takes place before normal opening hours – normal admission applies if you wish to stay on site to visit the house.
Available times in April & how to book
20th April, 09:30 – 11:00
27th April, 09:30 – 11:00
Meet in the tea room at 9.30am. Your tour guide will collect you from the tea-room to start the tour at 10.15am.
Tickets are £15, and you can book here.
📍Rufford Old Hall, 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG.