Bowl Everyone Over With Our Grilling Courses
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.
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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.
Set in the beautiful Rutland countryside located on the bypass a mile from Oakham town centre and 8 miles from the A1 the Showground facilites include:
Rocks by Rail is an outdoor living museum covering 19 acres of reclaimed quarry and railway tracks to offer a journey back in time. Situated 4 miles from Oakham, explore fascinating nature trails, take a train trip, drive a classic loco and tour the workshop.
Experience the thrill of riding a steam engine, learn about the railway’s history and explore the picturesque surroundings of the Nene Valley area.
Visit beautiful Burghley, a magical home of magnificent State Rooms, awe-inspiring works of art and priceless treasures.
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.
A single site vineyard in between two valleys located on Jurassic limestone soil.
Download the 7 Heritage Trails, each with a circular walking and cycling route exploring Rutland villages and fascinating local history.
If you’re looking for where to don your cossie and do some lengths, this useful list should help…
Founded in 1994, The Grainstore Brewery was formed through the collaboration of two friends, Tony Davis formally Head Brewer and Production Director at Ruddles Brewery and Mike Davies of Davro Fabrication. With Tony’s 30 years of brewing experience behind them, and Mike’s engineering and steel fabrication expertise at their disposal, the two set to work on a derelict Victorian grain store situated next to Oakham Railway Station.
The place to buy your luxury foods and indulgent treats, making it a top destination for foodies!
Two picturesque walks from the village of Exton, starting at The Fox and Hounds at the village green.
Award winning family run Garden Centre for all things plants, food, lifestyle, garden and home. Open 7 days a week.
If you’ve been inspired by our ‘Perfect Rural Escape’ tourism film, then here is a handy itinerary which includes all of the places featured.
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.
