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.

THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN SEVENTY MINUTES! Highest Quality. Designed by original thinkers, beautifully built by skilled craftspeople.
Rutland is a county bursting with flavour! The variety and quality of produce made in this area is astonishing.
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.
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.
The 18 hole course is set in scenic countryside just south of Rutland. The course is a demanding challenge for all levels of golfers, which also has a proactive club and offers a varied programme of events and competitions throughout the year.
Welcome to the Rutland Church Trail: A guide to 15 churches in the County of Rutland
Rutland’s best kept secret! In 2014, we celebrated 40 years in business as a wholesale plant nursery, so we decided to open our most ambitious project yet – the Garden Centre and Café. Focusing on a wide range of plants and core elements of gardening.
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.
Our family-run garden nursery, shop and restaurant is situated on the south shore of beautiful Rutland Water.
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.
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to keep fit and healthy, it can be a fun activity for all the family. A bicycle does not cause pollution or contribute to climate change.
Arts for Rutland is a Registered Charity committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland. It consists of a small volunteer committee that aims to be representative of the county’s arts organisations and various creative disciplines.
Two picturesque walks from the village of Exton, starting at The Fox and Hounds at the village green.
Pack your bucket and spade and head to Rutland Water beach – the 1st inland bathing water location in England to have a Blue Flag and Seaside Award!
The magic of Tolethorpe is something special which we highly recommend you experience for yourselves. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds in front of Tolethorpe Hall, then take your seat in the covered auditorium, and see an open-air stage like no other, with amateur productions from the extremely talented Stamford Shakespeare Company.