Rufford Abbey Country Park: monks, a lake and autumn walks near Ollerton

As the leaves turn, few places in Nottinghamshire are as inviting as Rufford Abbey Country Park near Ollerton. Its 150 acres of park and woodland wrap around one of the county's most interesting historic sites, and entry is free.

The story begins in 1147, when Gilbert de Gant founded a Cistercian abbey here, with monks coming from Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. According to English Heritage, the site has the best-preserved remains of a Cistercian abbey west cloister range in England, dating mainly from around 1170.

After the dissolution, the abbey range was built into a grand 17th-century country house. Rufford became the seat of the Savile family after Sir William Savile, 3rd Baronet, made it his home during the Civil War. The lake was created around 1750, and five ice houses were built nearby, two of which survive.

Rufford also has a spooky side that suits the season. After the dissolution, the abbey was said to be haunted by a giant monk carrying a skull, and the park's Halloween programme of family trails, storytelling and twilight events makes the most of its atmosphere.

Today the country park is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council, with English Heritage looking after the remains of the house. The park is managed by Parkwood Outdoors. While the inside of the abbey ruins is currently closed, visitors can admire the exterior, and the undercroft has a ramped entrance.

There is plenty to fill a day. The park has a lake, meadow, gardens, woodland, nature trails and a children's play area, and part of it is a local nature reserve. Rufford Mill looks out over the lake, archery is on offer, and dogs on leads are welcome.

The site is open daily, and while entry is free, a parking charge applies. Toilets and refreshments are found in the country park itself.

For anyone exploring Sherwood Forest country, Rufford is an easy and rewarding stop, mixing medieval history with fresh air and open space.

Opening hours, parking information and seasonal events are on the Rufford Abbey Country Park website.