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.

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.
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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.
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A unique small business with a highly personalised approach to inspiring remarkable sporting & fitness achievements at all levels of ability from people with ‘real lives’. Operating from a rural setting, Inspire2Tri offers fitness classes, coaching & training for anyone aspiring to reach a fitness or athletic goal.
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Start Date: 04/01/2010

Set beside the church of the picturesque ironstone village of Lyddington, Lyddington Bede House originated as the medieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln.
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Founded in 1993, Cavells is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers visiting Rutland. Nestled in the charming market town of Oakham, the boutique showcases over 100 handpicked brands including sought-after names like Essentiel Antwerp, Weekend MaxMara, Veja, and Luisa Cerano.
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Ideally situated just off the A1, yet one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Here’s a taste of what is waiting to be discovered on your next group visit…
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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.
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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. There is something for everyone with our parklands, Retail Village, Adventure Playground & more!
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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.
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We are extremely proud of our brewing expertise at The Grainstore Brewery. But not only do we offer great ales, but great food too!
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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.
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Where inspired British design meets the Spirit of India. A shop for lovers of beautifully designed, unusual and uplifting home furnishings on Mill Street in Oakham.
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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 beautiful Tanzanite’s, stunning Aquamarines, rare Ceylon Sapphires and rare white Diamonds.
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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.
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Download the 7 Heritage Trails, each with a circular walking and cycling route exploring Rutland villages and fascinating local history.
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