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.
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
A family-owned, independent garden centre with a restaurant and cakery on the outskirts of Oakham, located within a selection of tempting shops at Rutland Garden Village courtyard with children’s play area.
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.
A new and beautifully curated interiors and lifestyle store – stocked with a stylish range of items to create a relaxed Hamptons vibe; soft furnishings, contemporary accessories, carefully selected furniture and rattan basket ware will ensure that you are inspired by the laid-back style of ‘Barefoot Sunday’.
Experience the thrill of riding a steam engine, learn about the railway’s history and explore the picturesque surroundings of the Nene Valley area.
Crowning a hill outside the county of Rutland, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir like an illustration in a romantic fairy-tale. The name Belvoir – meaning ‘beautiful view’ in French, and pronounced today as ‘beaver’ – dates back to Norman times.
Rocks by Rail is an outdoor living museum covering 19 acres of reclaimed quarry and railway tracks to offer a journey back in time. Situated 4 miles from Oakham, explore fascinating nature trails, take a train trip, drive a classic loco and tour the workshop.
Hambleton Bakery on Cottesmore Road, Exton sprung into life in 2008, since then the little shop at one end of the Bakery has surpassed all of our expectations. Traditional bread, made slowly with top quality English or French stone ground flour, makes up a significant part of our output.
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.
The Rutland Showground
The UK’s most exciting Aqua Park featuring the largest collection of bespoke big impact water obstacles at Rutland Water is open May through to September.
Be sure to take part in some autumn walks in and around Rutland and experience the crisp air and crunchy leaves under your feet.
Do you and your partner or bestie enjoy trying different cuisines or getting stuck into food-inspired activities whilst on holiday? Then look no further than our food-inspired weekend away itinerary to help you plan your next trip to Rutland; jam-packed with foodie activities and even providing inspiration for food-themed accommodation!
Friday
Rutland is a county bursting with flavour! The variety and quality of produce made in this area is astonishing.
Bowl Everyone Over With Our Grilling Courses
Mallard Point is a family-run Single Estate Vineyard and Distillery located in Essendine, Rutland, offering tours and creating a range of local gins and still and sparkling wines.
