Rutland maybe the smallest county in England but you are spoilt for choice on things to do and places to see. This rural escape is a perfect place to relax and enjoy in the beauty of Rutland's countryside. And here is your little guide to the best activities and attractions to see and do in this charming county.
Exploring Rutland the Best Activities and Attractions
Rutland Water offers many leisure pursuits from water sports to bird watching.
Rutland's many attractive villages, set in they beautiful countryside, are home to picture postcard cottages and traditional pubs.
The quaint towns of Oakham and Uppingham offer a wide range of individual boutiques, independent cafes, restaurants and pubs and a Norman Castle in Oakham itself.
Known as The County of Good Taste, due to it's many fantastic local producers and providers of food and drink.
Like I said you are spoilt!
Rutland is about an hours drive away from Nottingham and Leicester and only a 40 - 50 minute drive from Grantham and Peterborough, so it is a fantastic place to get to for a weekend retreat away from the city.
Known as the playground of the East Midlands. One of the largest man made lakes in Europe, set in over 3,000 acres of picturesque rolling countryside there are plenty of activities found around and on the water for families, couples and individuals wishing to explore.
Rutland's Iconic Landmark - Normanton Church
A church that was nearly demolished in 1970 to allow Rutland Water itself to be formed, the locals protested and managed to save this beautiful church from being taken down, only to face the issue of trying to save it for when the water was poured into the area. They took the decision that the lower level of the church should be filled with rubble and topped with concrete to create a new floor. This would be approximately 60cm above the water level. The church would become a small island once the reservoir was filled, and so a causeway was built connecting it to the nearby shore of the lake and an embankment was constructed around the building.
When the water levels are high it appears to be floating on the water and it is stunning sight to see.
Today it is a wedding venue as well as a museum devoted to the history of Rutland.
There is a car park on site and is a great place to start a walk or cycle route around the water.
Rutland Water is an outdoor lovers dream! You can walk or cycle around the water itself, with several car parks dotted around the water to start your journey, with facilities like cafes and toilets.
You can go fishing, hire paddleboards, kayaks, try your hand at sailing or give the water assault courses a go.
Not to mention the area being a Nature Reserve, with plenty of bird hides to sit and relax and spot the array of wildlife, including the Osprey's that nest March - August, it is a wildlife lovers paradise.
Oakham
Oakham is a pretty traditional English town full of history, heritage, boutique shops, independent cafes, pubs and restaurants and a Norman Castle (well what is left of the grand hall). It is a must visit on any trip to Rutland.
Recently a friend and I spent the afternoon exploring Oakham while we were staying at The Hide at Manton Bay , just a 9 minute dive away from Oakham. We had the loveliest afternoon, we mooched around the boutique shops, perfect for shopping for gifts or just to treat yourself (which I did), explored the castle and had a delicious lunch at Fika Café. I had the smoked mackerel kedgeree, my friend had the garlic and chestnut mushrooms with eggs on toast followed by a delicious carrot cake! I most certainly recommend a trip here for brunch or lunch.
Oakham castle and grounds are free to enter and are open most of the year (which is fantastic news for me as castles are often closed in the winter months) and is in the centre of town.
The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Europe. It was built between 1180 and 1190. The surviving structure is the impressive Great Hall of the Castle, where banquets and courts would have been held.
It is famed for its unique collection of over 230 ornate ceremonial horseshoes donated by Peers of the Realm (Royalty and nobility such as Dukes, Marquis’, Earls, Viscounts, Barons and Bishops). They are unsure of the exact origin of this custom, but it continues to this day. Their oldest surviving horseshoe was given to the Castle by Edward IV in 1470.
The Hall is also decorated with a range of 12th century sculptures both inside and out.
One of the finest Georgian Towns in England. Stamford’s narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards are home to a variety of speciality shops, and the town has a reputation for good food.
Another fantastic market town and has been a market town since the 14th century and it is a great place for the lovers of art and antiques. Spend your day mooching around the lovely streets, browse in the antique and jewellery shops and then grab yourself something to eat in one of the many cafes or pubs.
This is just a snippet on things to see and do in Rutland, and personally I really wish I spent more time in Rutland when I used to live in Nottingham, as there are so many beautiful places to visit. So please do make sure you visit this little county at least once in your lifetime.
For more information on what's on and things to do in Rutland then please head to
And if you are looking for somewhere to stay then I have two great places for you
over on my blog Places to stay in Rutland
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