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.

Award winning family run Garden Centre for all things plants, food, lifestyle, garden and home. Open 7 days a week.
Woolroom is the leading provider of natural, healthy sleep in the UK and is based locally in Oakham.  Using British wool in all its products it offers all natural and chemical free sleep products including mattresses, duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and protectors for both adults and children alike.  Whilst its whole product portfolio can be found on-line it also has a small showroom locally in Oakham which can be booked by appointment for personal consultations.

18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025

Join us in August 2025 at Launde Abbey for a refreshing and creative retreat focused on ‘Gardens: Gardens in the Bible, God as Gardener.’
Two picturesque walks from the village of Exton, starting at The Fox and Hounds at the village green.
For those keen to hit the water, the Rutland Water Fishing Lodge is your starting point for boats, permits, tackle and tuition. Rutland Water Fishing Lodge is ideally situated and offers bait, tackle as well as tuition by experienced instructors.

12/04/2025 - 21/04/2025

Spring has sprung at Rutland Water!  Hidden around our park are giant Easter Eggs that have been decorated by members of our local community.
High-Quality Upholstery Services and restored furniture sales near Uppingham. Don’t replace your old furniture – give it a new life!
Connie makes beautiful items for every day home and table ware – designed with function, purpose and beauty in mind. Using simple forms which Connie enhances with different techniques such as carvings, patterns, colours and textures. ​ Connie has a very clear vision of her pieces in her mind, which constantly challenge and drive her.
This beautiful market town is listed as one of the top 20 most desirable places to visit in the UK (The Times) and its high street has been voted one of the top five in Britain. Uppingham offers a rare glimpse of traditional English rural life that is abundant in culture, heritage and history.
See fantastic national touring productions, comedy acts, music performances, local talent and much more in this new 400 seat theatre built within the shell of the original Corn Exchange Hall, or in the more intimate Theatre Lounge, seating 200.
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 
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’.
Fishing, birdwatching, walking, cycling, water sports – you name it – Rutland Water has it! Not only does it bring vital water resources for the surrounding regions, but it also provides a fantastic day out for all the family.
In and around Rutland, we have a fantastic variety of parks and gardens…⁠ ⁠ We have selected a few below that are really worth visiting… ⁠ ⁠ 🏞️Uppingham – The park in Uppingham has a new toddler play area that has recently opened! Check out this new green space with the little ones.⁠ ⁠ 🍃Oakham’s Cutts Close Park (next to Oakham Castle which is free) has something for all ages, plus a skate park and many cafes just a hop away in the town