Rufford Abbey Country Park, a Grade II Registered Park and Garden, is managed by Parkwood Leisure. It comprises 16 Listed Buildings either within or adjacent to the Country Park. The remains of the Medieval Abbey and the immediate surroundings are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).

Encompassing approximately 460 hectares, the Registered Park and Garden is a testament to centuries of landscape design and development. It features the traditional deer park, a hallmark of English estates, alongside meticulously landscaped gardens that have evolved since the 17th Century. Interspersed within this landscape are significant architectural features, including the Grade I listed remains of the Abbey itself.

The Scheduled Ancient Monument designation primarily pertains to the buried archaeological remains associated with the historical Abbey. This encompasses a rich tapestry of subterranean features, including the structural elements of the monastery, the monastic precinct, intricate water management systems, and traces of the open field system that predated the Abbey's founding. These remnants offer a unique glimpse into the medieval past of the site.

A recent addition to the park, the new play area serves as a vibrant hub for community engagement and social interaction. epd designed to be inclusive for all ages, it offers a variety of play opportunities for children, an amphitheatre suitable for school groups, youth organisations, and various community societies, and a welcoming seating area for individuals seeking passive recreation such as reading or enjoying picnics. The play features themselves were carefully chosen to promote both passive and cardiovascular exercise, encouraging active play and fostering improved health among visitors.

The new play area significantly enhances the operational capabilities of Rufford Abbey Country Park, solidifying its role as a vital community and tourist destination. It caters to diverse recreational needs, providing spaces for children's play, indoor and outdoor events and exhibitions, and both passive and active pursuits. Throughout the design and construction phases, meticulous attention was paid to safeguarding the nationally important heritage features and local biodiversity, while also creating valuable educational opportunities.

Official permissions were secured to undertake the development within the designated heritage asset areas, and specific Scheduled Ancient Monument consent was obtained to extend the car parking facilities onto a section located within the SAM. These measures ensure that the park's evolution respects and preserves its rich historical legacy.