Rufford Abbey Ruins
Surrounded by 150 acres of glorious parkland, Rufford Abbey is a great historical landmark nested in the Nottinghamshire countrysde. Beginning its life as a Cistercian Abbey, it was greatly affected by the reign of King Henry VIII and the subsequent Dissolution of the Monasteries. Like many other abbeys during this time, the building itself was to be later reinvented, becoming a grand country estate in the 16th century. Over the years part of the building was demolished, leaving behind only remains of this once great historic abbey. Today, it is open to the general public as Rufford Country Park, a beautiful and picturesque estate with miles of woodland walks, attractive gardens and ample wildlife to enjoy and observe. With plenty to explore including the splendid man-made lake which is now home to a wonderful array of bird species and other wildlife, the gardens of Rufford Abbey are a perfect place to relax, walk and appreciate the landscape. (Rufford, Nottinghamshire, England)
