Rufforth

Rufforth is a village and civil parish in the City of York, North Yorkshire, England. It lies about four miles west of York.

According to the 2001 census the parish had a population of 950. Prior to 1996 it had been part of the Harrogate district.

The parish also includes the hamlet of Knapton.

Rufforth is the site of a purpose-built bomber airfield built to Class A specification. It was constructed during 1941 and opened on 10 June 1942 for use by Operational Training Units and later a Heavy Conversion Unit flying Halifaxes. The site remained in RAF hands until they finally departed in 1974. In July 1981 the site was sold and is now the site of the York Gliding Centre and a microlight flying club. The control tower survives having been used in the TV drama series "Airline" during the 1970s.

The local primary school at the heart of the village is a small-sized school, with around 60 pupils. Next to the school is a church which holds a number of annual village events such as the church fête. Rufforth used to be known for its farming talents, with over 7 farms during the 1970s. However, due to agricultural decline there is now only one left, run by the Hildreth family.