In the Springboard Arts studio in North Luffenham, you can enjoy making lovely things to take home at a craft workshop, and while you’re there, shop for handmade textiles and handprinted cards.
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.
Featured Listings
Rutland is a county bursting with flavour! The variety and quality of produce made in this area is astonishing.
Peter Barker Fine Art is an art gallery based in central Uppingham, Rutland’s core cultural and arts epicentre, exhibiting exceptional realistic and impressionistic art. The gallery is owned and run by award-winning professional landscape, marine and wildlife artist, Peter Barker and family.
Two scenic circular walks starting at the village pubs in Braunston.
If you want to make sure you tick off the key Rutland highlights, make sure you go through our top 5…
Tim Norton’s is your friendly Bosch Car Service Centre in Oakham, offering a wide range of products to the motorist. Rutland has seen us grow from humble beginnings to our present location in Long Row, which boasts one of the best staffed and equipped garages in the county and is ideally situated near Oakham Train Station.
Keeping our minds and bodies active is vital in the upkeep of our mental health and Rutland is the perfect place to do so. Whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries in the great outdoors and get your brain focused on some arts and crafts, or get some adrenaline pumping with fun activities, you will never be stuck for things to do in Rutland.
Bat and Bottle are Rutland’s only specialist importers of Italian wine. Truly multum in parvo, we wear Decanter’s Retailers Awards title for Best Italian Wine Merchant, and runner up Best Subscription Wine Club , as well as having been awarded the inaugural (2020) London Wine Fair Wine Buyers Award for: ‘Best Online Specialist Wine Buyer’. We have even represented UK small businesses at Downing Street…
Our small warehouse on Oakham Enterprise Park is packed with artisan italian wines – shoppers are welcome to drop in whenever we are open; we sell directly to the public and there is no minimum purchase.
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.
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 County Museum, located on Catmos Street in Oakham, is the perfect introduction to the smallest county in England.
Global Birdfair is a fantastic event for all generations to enjoy.
Learners sessions, Daily Group walks, One-to-one personal training and private group sessions for visitors and local residents.
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.
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…
Connie makes beautiful items for every day home and table ware – designed with function, purpose and beauty in mind. Using simple forms which Connie enhances with different techniques such as carvings, patterns, colours and textures.
Connie has a very clear vision of her pieces in her mind, which constantly challenge and drive her.
