Things to do in Rutland - Discover Rutland

TV presenter Julia Bradbury, known for her work on BBC’s Countryfile and who has travelled across the UK and many parts of the world, is a big fan of the county and believes that we offer something for everyone here.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, then you’ll find lots of thing to enjoy in this rural retreat. Outdoor sports are extremely well catered for with plenty of walking and cycling routes available, plus fishing, golfing and the huge choice of watersports that take place on Rutland Water.

Rutland is a great place to pursue an interest in your surroundings, whether you have a passion for wildlife and nature, an enthusiasm for gardening or a keen interest in photography and landscape painting. There are two nature reserves around Rutland water, with many hides providing a great opportunity to spot a rare bird to two – or you can visit one of the many stunning gardens open to the public. Treat yourself to a trip to the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens – explore the gardens, take a gardening course and buy stunning plants to take home with you for a lovely reminder of happy memories in Rutland.

If you prefer to stay indoors there are plenty of places for you to explore too: theatres, art galleries and shopping in our two Market Towns that offer a huge variety of boutiques, farm shops and family run stores .

Rutland is very proud to offer visitors and locals an abundance of locally produced food and drink. There are numerous award winning pubs, restaurants and hotels in the county, with each able to inform you of the provenance of their menus.

Rutland is also a great base for you if you’re keen to explore the East Midlands. Many of the finest English stately homes are easy to reach from Rutland; museums, concerts, outdoor cinemas, sports facilities, family friendly attractions and things to do make our county a superb choice for you and your family.

Featured Listings

Lyndon Visitor Centre

Lyndon Visitor Centre is one of two visitor centres at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. Located on the South Shore of the Reserve, it was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1985 and offers the birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast or any visitor the opportunity to experience this peaceful spot with stunning views across the water.

Rutland Water Beach

Pack your bucket and spade and head to Rutland Water beach – the 1st inland bathing water location in England to have a Blue Flag and Seaside Award!

Normanton Church

Once part of Normanton Estate, local residents fought to save ‘St Matthew’s Church’ from demolition when the reservoir was created in the 1970’s. Now deconsecrated and with a new floor level, Normanton Church has it’s own embankment making it a prominent feature on the water.

Greetham Valley Golf

Enjoy a round or two of golf! Set in beautiful undulating Rutland countryside, Greetham Valley is viewed by many as simply the best golf complex in Rutland and the East Midlands, offering 45 glorious holes of golf, 2017 winner of the prestigous Environmental Golf Course of the Year award. Set amidst 276 acres of picturesque countryside just a few minutes’ drive from Rutland Water, since 1991 Greetham Valley has been carefully developed from traditional undulating farmland to create three diverse golf courses, The Lakes, The Valley and the par 3 Academy, each with their own unique challenges for every level of player.

The Rutland Showground

Sarah Harding Interiors

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Situated in the heart of the ancient market town of Uppingham, you will find a feast of inspirations to give your home a refreshing new look.

Rutland Water Golf Course

Play the most outstanding golf in Rutland! With Panoramic views of Rutland Water you have a choice of the challenging 18 hole Championship Normanton course or nine par 3 holes on the Hambleton course.

Overwrought: Bespoke Metal

Creators of stunning bespoke metal, from staircases, furniture, gates and much more.

Rutland Walks: Exton

Two picturesque walks from the village of Exton, starting at The Fox and Hounds at the village green.

Heidi Kjeldsen Jewellers

Heidi specialises in bespoke, handmade commissions for that piece of jewellery you have always desired, specialising in rare and unusual high grade gemstones, and the highest quality pearls. You will find beuatiful Tanzanites, stunning Aquamarines, rare Ceylon Sapphires and rare white Diamonds.

Gates Garden Centre

Recently won the prestigious GCA award for Best Destination Garden Centre in the Midlands Region for the second year running and, this year, was also voted in the top three in the entire UK.

Welland Vale Garden Centre

Rutland’s best kept secret! In 2014, we celebrated 40 years in business as a wholesale plant nursery, so we decided to open our most ambitious project yet – the Garden Centre and Café. Focusing on a wide range of plants and core elements of gardening.