A quaint, lesser-known village boasting charming waterside cafes, scenic walks, a beloved independent bakery and so much more should be on your list of places to visit here in the UK. Rufford, brimming with white-walled houses, marina areas, a canal and a host of thriving independent businesses, is steeped in history and rural charm.

Liverpool Echo writer Jess Molyneux decided to make the trip recently – and was not disappointed. Upon arrival at the train station, you’re enveloped by countryside and just a few steps away from exploring “the small village that has a lot to offer.” Turning onto Station Road, traffic is sparse and you’re immediately greeted by a stunning, award-winning waterside café.

Nestled by the beautiful Fettlers Wharf Marina, Tastebuds at the Wharf serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas, along with a mouth-watering array of cakes and scones. When Jess went on a warm spring day, numerous customers were lounging on the patio, basking in the sun and gazing out onto the marina. 

The interior exuded an “olde-worlde” ambiance and customers were lining up at the counter to place their orders. Owner Lisa Hunter, 57, started selling homemade cakes and pies at local farmers markets around 15 years ago.

Lisa, a proud teashop owner in Mere Brow, has seen her business expand into the bustling venue Tastebuds at the Wharf in Rufford. Her venture has flourished, and even on weekdays, it’s bustling with customers. She beamed while talking to the ECHO: “Tastebuds is a unique place – and everybody says that.”

The secret to Lisa’s success lies in customers coming back time and time again, and the overall welcoming atmosphere. She said: We pride ourselves on being friendly and the feedback we get from customers, they do love coming here.

“Its a lovely place to work and a lovely place to be. It’s hard work but it’s good fun.”

Some of Tastebuds’ signature dishes include brunch sourdough specials, hearty Sunday roasts, and an array of duck recipes. Lisa also noted an uptick in visitors from beyond the local vicinity: “We are slowly pulling in more people from a wider area. We do get a lot of people visiting from Liverpool.”

A stone’s throw from Station Road, the Leeds and Liverpool canal beckons. The canal walk offers tranquillity with barely a whisper of traffic noise

Jess also visited The Boathouse Brasserie, a bustling waterside café that is perfect for cake lovers. Tucked away off Diamond Jubilee Road, this gem is nestled within a restored dairy farm and boasts remarkable views across the lively marina.

Since opening its doors in 2008, this family-run brasserie has been luring in food lovers with its wide-ranging menu.

For those who prefer a traditional pub experience, Rufford boasts The Hesketh Arms. This Grade II listed pub on Liverpool Road offers everything from real ales to classic pub grub and seasonal specials.

The interior exudes an authentic, cosy, country-pub atmosphere as soon as you step inside. Meanwhile, the outdoor seating area is ideal for enjoying a pint in the summer sunshine.

Just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Road, Brick Kiln Lane is home to Rosebuds Farm Bakery.

This quaint independent bakery offers a wide variety of homemade delights, including scones, bread, pies, jams, chutneys, and even their own honey. Rose, a Rufford resident for 43 years, told the ECHO: “I wanted to be a stay at home mum, so I made cakes for local coffee shops.”

This year, the team are making more space for the customers, introducing a coffee machine and also hoping to have their own butty bar and deli counter. In the past, a number of famous faces have also visited, such as Alison Hammond and The Hairy Bikers who previously filmed on the farm.

Just a stone’s throw away lies Windmill Animal Farm, home to an assortment of rare and exotic farm creatures, complete with play areas for all seasons. Additionally, merely a 10-minute journey leads to Martin Mere Wetland Centre, another hotspot for natural wonder.

Jess added: “Rufford is a gorgeous destination in the sunshine – but I can imagine it to be just as beautiful on a crisp, winter day.

“If you’re looking to venture a little further outside or Merseyside and try somewhere new for a walk and bite to eat, Rufford should definitely be added to your list.”