Rufford Abbey
Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
The best preserved Cistercian west cloister range in England, free, inside a 150 acre country park that gives your dog a proper day's walking.
The reason to come is the west range. Rufford has the best preserved remains of a Cistercian abbey west cloister range anywhere in England, dating mainly from around 1170, and rather than being left as a ruin it was incorporated into a 17th century and later mansion, so the medieval vaulted undercroft survives beneath much later building.
Whilst you take in that architectural layering, your dog gets the bigger draw: the abbey sits within Rufford Abbey Country Park, 150 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and managed by Parkwood Outdoors in co-operation with English Heritage. That gives a proper day's walking on the edge of Sherwood Forest, with a well used network of paths.
Free to enter. Note the inside of the abbey ruins is currently closed for conservation, though external viewing is still possible. There is a charged car park in the country park. No dog policy is listed for the abbey itself, so follow the country park's rules, which allow dogs throughout on leads in the formal areas.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Abbey & Church
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Telephone
- 01623 821338
English Heritage Membership
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rufford Abbey dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout Rufford Abbey Country Park, which surrounds the abbey and covers 150 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland on the edge of Sherwood Forest. In the formal areas of the country park, dogs should be kept on leads. There's no separate dog policy listed for the abbey itself, so the country park's rules apply across the site.
Are dogs allowed at Rufford Abbey year round?
The country park has no stated seasonal restrictions, so dogs can visit throughout the year. With 150 acres of paths, woodland and lakeside walking, it's a rewarding destination whatever the season.
What should I know before visiting Rufford Abbey with my dog?
The interior of the abbey ruins is currently closed for conservation work, though you can still view it from outside — the medieval vaulted undercroft incorporated into the later mansion is worth seeing even from a distance. Entry to the site is free, but there is a charged car park within the country park. Keep your dog on a lead in the formal areas, and you'll have a well-connected network of paths to explore across the wider parkland.
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