Rutland may be the smallest county in England, but it may be one of the prettiest! With stunning countryside surrounding Rutland Water, quaint towns, such as Oakham and Uppingham and it is known as the 'County of Good Taste' due to the abundance of local producers and providers of great food, you won't be short of things to do in Rutland.
I have two fantastic places for you to stay in Rutland, both on the lakeside to Rutland Water!
One is a stunning resort hotel, Rutland Hall Hotel.
The other is THE PLACE TO GO for Glamping, The Hide At Manton Bay
A Unique Glamping site in a stunning setting overlooking Rutland Water.
On site there are two Shepherd Huts, a Cabin (which we stayed in), a lodge, five stargazing belle tents and private camping bay pitches, with plenty of space between each of them.
All are nestled amongst trees, apple orchards and a vineyard with beautiful views overlooking Rutland water, sit back, relax and catch the sunset on your own wooden decking area and spend the clear nights stargazing.
The cabin, the shepherd huts and the belle tents sleep 2 people and the lodge sleeps 4.
The stargazing belle tents and camping pitches are available to book April - October, everything else is available to book all year round.
Price per night:
Stargazing Belle Tent - £140 a night
The Shepherd Hut - £150 a night
The Cabin - £150 a night
The Lodge - £120 a night
Camping Pitches - £40 a night
Two nights minimum booking for each but during winter months, mid week and off season they do offer one night stays.
We stayed in the cabin over a weekend in early February 2024, we were cosy and warm as the cabin has electric heaters, alongside everything we needed for a girls weekend getaway.
The cabin has a king sized bed (which is so comfy!) a kitchenette, with a fridge/freezer, kettle, electric hob, toaster, sink, pots, pans and plates, mugs and glasses. There is a table that seats two people and an ensuite bathroom with a spacious hot shower.
You have a seating and eating area outside with a BBQ/fire pit, and your very own wood fired hot tub! which you can request to be lit before your arrival, wood and charcoal is provided for the hot tub and fire pit/BBQ. The hosts also left us some goodies to arrive to, Belvoir (pronounced Beaver... I know right! but believe I am from the Midlands, it is pronounced Beaver) Sparkling Juice, Pop corn and Milk, all sourced locally, and these extra touches sure make stays like this extra special.
We absolutely loved waking up to the view across Rutland Water, it was so peaceful and relaxing.
There are two shepherd huts on the site, fully equipped with everything you need for a romantic weekend away. A large double bed, indoor table and chairs for two, a kitchenette, books and games, and an ensuite bathroom. The huts also come with their own wood fired hot tubs, inside and outside seating/eating area and gorgeous views across Rutland Water.
They are smaller than the cabin, so personally I would recommend the shepherd huts for couples and the cabin for friends, or if you just want that extra bit of space.
The huts and cabin are both dog friendly (well behaved dogs of course)
The Shepherd Huts and The Cabin are the only accommodation on the site that comes with a Hot Tub.
The Hide At Manton Bay is the perfect place to relax and feel reconnected with nature.
If you adore blossom, then the best time to book your stay is in May when the Apple Blossom trees will be in full bloom.
Are you an avid bird watcher? There are two bird hides in a very short walking distance from the site down by the water, and you can even spot the Ospreys from your own deck, they tend to nest from late March through to August.
There are cycling and walking routes directly from the site, Rutland's most famous landmark Normanton Church is a 2.5mile walk/cycle away.
The quaint towns of Oakham and Uppingham are just a short 10 minute drive away, perfect for a bit of shopping and eating out at the many local, independent shops and eateries.
And you can't forget Rutland Water itself, with its cycling and walking routes around the lake itself, alongside loads of water sports from paddleboarding, wind surfing, kayaking, the water assault courses and open water swimming sessions, you are spoilt for choice on things to do.
Rutland Hall Hotel is nestled amidst 70 acres of gorgeous parkland on the shores of Rutland Water.
This lakeside hotel offers luxury rooms in Rutland Hall itself, a 19th century house full of charm and character, or opt for the stylish interiors of their separate accommodation, many with private balconies and sweeping views of Rutland Water, I stayed in one of their Superior Rooms with a balcony in their separate accommodation from the hall itself, and it was stunning!
Or if you are looking to stay a little longer than a night or two they offer self catering lodges or suites on the site.
Most of the hotel rooms come with balcony's or private gardens so you can soak up the countryside air and admire the view.
The room I and my friend stayed in was beautiful! We had one of their superior rooms which was really spacious, with a king sized bed, sofa that also converts into a sofa bed, a desk, a large ensuite bathroom and a balcony overlooking the gardens and Rutland water, it sure is the definition of luxury!
Hotel Room Prices:
Cosy Double - £89 Per night
Standard Double - £119 per night
Deluxe Double - £149 per night
Superior Double - £189 per night
The Windsor Suite - Price depends on time of stay
Price for the lodges, apartments and suites also depend on the time of stay.
On site you’ll find the resort’s excellent restaurant, Blossoms, plus an array of leisure activities including crazy golf, pitch & putt, a bowls green and treatment rooms. In addition, this lakeside hotel boasts a 22m indoor swimming pool and a gym.
Blossoms restaurant and bar is situated at the heart of the lakeside hotel site, it is beautifully decorated, I especially loved the blossom tree over the bar area, and there is a wonderful terraced area outside that overlooks Rutland Water. As we stayed during the hot spring of 2023 we were able to eat dinner outside which was just absolutely lovely and then we ate breakfast indoors the next morning.
The evening meal was delicious and the buffet breakfast the next morning was fantastic.
They also offer Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea including a themed one for kids.
There’s plenty to do when you visit Rutland Hall Hotel. You can take a dip in the on-site, indoor swimming pool, visit the gym or book yourself a spa treatment in the Spa, which is exactly what we did. My friend and I had a back massage and it was so relaxing and the spa therapist was so lovely, I highly recommend booking yourself in for a pamper when you stay.
There is also 70 acres of parkland to explore at Rutland Hall Hotel and we had a little stroll ourselves before heading into Oakham which is a 6 minute drive away from Rutland Hall Hotel and a must visit if you are in Rutland.
So if you are looking for a luxurious glamping retreat or an indulgent hotel stay then these two places are for you! For the smallest county in England it sure is a beauty, with some great places to stay and plenty of things to see and do.
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