Rutland is the perfect destination for a weekend break, as the smallest of England’s counties, you can cover most of it within a few days. Once you’ve experienced the thriving county towns of Uppingham & Oakham, the quintessential English villages and the relaxing atmosphere of the county we guarantee you’ll be wanting to return!
If you’re planning a rural break for your next staycation, look no further as Rutland certainly lives up to its motto, Multum in Parvo (much in little). The county is a fantastic destination for enjoying the outdoors with a range of leisure pursuits available.
The county towns of Oakham & Uppingham offera wide range of individual boutiques and delicious eateries. Oakham is most well known for Oakham Castle, Britain’s finest example of Norman architecture. Inside the Castle you can see a magnificent oak-timbered roof, leaded windows and a stunning aristocratic display of over 240 gilded horseshoes, given to the Lord of the Manor by royalty and peers of the realm on their first visit to Oakham.
If you love history, why not head over to the Rutland County Museum, whether your interest lies in the Jurassic period, medieval times or more recent eras, there’s an abundance of artefacts to uncover.Rutland has been a veritable treasure trove of discoveries over the years and you can see for yourself the exquisite jewellery and artefacts that have been uncovered in various locations across the county.
Uppingham came to life during the 6th century as an Anglo-Saxon farmstead and has held its Market Charter since 1281, although the market had been thriving long before this date. The Market Place is the focus of the town and reflects a long history as a place to trade as well as a place to catch up with everyday life. Full of local traders and crafts it runs every Friday from 8am until 4pm. It has the only fatstock show still to be held in temporary penning in a traditional market town, with farmers bringing their livestock to enter them into many judging categories. The town is blessed with a range of speciality shops and traditional retailers, many of whom are still family owned and run. For browsing around antiques shops, Uppingham hits the mark perfectly allowing you to meander around the town for hours, finding hidden gems around every corner.
Many visitors flock to Rutland Water but just a short 15 minute drive away is Eyebrook Reservoir. This beautiful nature reserve is the perfect spot for a contemplative walk. Did you know that it also has an illustrious history? Eyebrook was the test area used by Avro Lancasters from RAF Scampton as the final practice run for Guy Gibson’s ‘Dambusters’ 617 Squadron before ‘Operation Chastise’, the attack on the Ruhr Valley Dams on the night of the 16th and 17th May 1943.
Overall, Rutland makes a wonderful weekend getaway. Its combination of history, rural charm, local culture and natural beauty ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for exploration, relaxation or a bit of both. A short trip can leave you feeling refreshed and eager to return to uncover even more of what Rutland has to offer.
