Picnics at Rutland Water - The Great Outdoors

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 Nature Reserve

This internationally famous nature reserve is managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Anglian Water and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, regularly holding in excess of 25,000 waterfowl.

Rutland Ride & Stride

13/09/2025

Ride & Stride Rutland has 64 churches, much loved by the many thousands of people who worship in them, celebrate major life events or just gaze at them in admiration as they pass by.

A scenic view of lush green gardens at The Herb Nursery, showcasing various plants and flowers in full bloom during an open garden event.

Open Gardens at The Herb Nursery

21/06/2025 - 22/06/2025

The Herb Nursery – Open Garden Weekend

Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre

Nestled just next to the picturesque village of Egleton, the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre provides the ideal start point for your visit to Rutland Water Nature Reserve. Here you will find a well stocked gift shop, light refreshments, and friendly staff and volunteers on hand should you need assistance.

Rutland Water Visitor Centre, Gift Shop & Mini Golf

Make sure you pop into the interactive and informative Rutland Water Visitor Centre & Gift Shop at Sykes Lane near Empingham. You will find lots to be learned; with items telling the history of the reservoir, and explaining the wildlife on the nature reserve, not forgetting the array of local information you can pick up to plan your time in the area, alongside maps, cycle routes, souvenirs and gifts.

Rumble Live Action Gaming – Outdoor Laser Tag

Rumble Live Action Gaming, the award-winning live action gaming arena offering outdoor laser tag with state of the art equipment in beautiful woodlands, is now available at Rutland Water, in addition to its existing Grafham Water location.

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.

Wagtastic Weekend of Wonder!

07/06/2025 - 08/06/2025

Join us for a Wagtastic Weekend of Wonder in the beautiful Vale of Belvoir when we will be raising funds for local hospice care.

The Herb Nursery

Small traditional family-run nursery specialising in herbs but offering much more including wild flowers, cottage garden plants and scented-leaf Pelargoniums. Extensive collections of thyme, mint and lavender.

Eyebrook Reservoir

Start Date: 01/01/2010

Nestling on the borders of three counties; Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. Eyebrook Reservoir is a jewel hidden in one of the prettiest parts of England.

Belvoir Flower and Garden Show 2025

12/07/2025 - 13/07/2025

Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show 2025: Bigger, Brighter, Blooming Better Nestled in the breathtaking grounds of Belvoir Castle, the 2025 Flower and Garden Show is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting event yet!

Local Walks

We have collated a table for you with information on the distance of the walk, where to find the map and even some pubs along the route to stop of for a well deserved drink!

Easter Osprey Trail at Lyndon Nature Reserve

14/04/2025

Join us for an exciting Easter adventure trail on the Lyndon Nature Reserve – the home of the Rutland Osprey! This family-friendly trail and walk is perfect for beginners and nature lovers of all ages. Wander along the nature reserve path, learning all about the Ospreys that call Rutland Water home.

Ganders Goat Walking

Ganders Goat pride themselves on their green focused farming and production methods. Come Goat Walking on the farm, where they produce a range of Soap and Ice Cream from the goat milk.

Rutland Cycling Bike Hire & Sales

Whatever your age or ability, we’ve got just the bike for you from hybrid and mountain bikes, to the latest electric bikes, tandems, gel saddle covers, helmets and kids’ bikes, tag-a-longs, child seats and buggies – all current season models from Specialized, replaced every year.