Rutland welcomed Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in May 2024, highlighting more reasons to visit Oakham and see the new Royal installations. Follow in their footsteps with this day itinerary below;
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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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.
If you find yourself staying in Oakham and looking for a reasonably flat walk to see the picturesque Rutland Water, then this is for you. It stays on pavements and hard footpaths so should never get muddy.
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.
The place to buy your luxury foods and indulgent treats, making it a top destination for foodies!
In May 2023 we opened ‘The View’, a new 100-seater restaurant with panoramic views across stunning Rutland Water to the hills beyond.
Start Date: 01/01/2016
Tucked away just off the main road of the South Shore of Rutland Water is a real find. This extremely well stocked family owed shop has been serving the pretty village of Edith Weston for the last 3 years, and saves the drive into Uppingham or Oakham. All the essentials are good quality, at affordable prices, and most importantly, the staff are friendly and helpful.
Oakham, the county town of Rutland, is a classic English market town, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It has a castle, market place, butter cross and stocks, a famous old school, all in close association with a magnificent parish church and arranged in a rectangular shape around which the town has grown.
Two scenic circular walks starting at the village pubs in Braunston.
Rumble Live Action Gaming, the award-winning gaming experience offering outdoor laser tag with state-of-the-art equipment, is available at both Rutland Water and Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.
As the nights draw in and thoughts turn to staying indoors and the long, dark winter stretches ahead, we’ve got a real treat in store for you. Pack a weekend bag and head for the medieval charms of Uppingham.
Oakham is a unique place as it has one of the oldest continually active courts in England. There are numerous sites linked to crime and punishment and the last remaining New Drop Gallows in England, all within a short walk.
Two circular walking routes taking in the countryside around Empingham and Rutland Water, starting at The White Horse.
Relax in the family friendly tearoom, serving delicious homemade meals and treats, wander the wild wood and browse a selection of boutique shops, all exclusive to this 210 year old windmill site.
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.
Woolroom is the leading provider of natural, healthy sleep in the UK and is based locally in Oakham. Using British wool in all its products it offers all natural and chemical free sleep products including mattresses, duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and protectors for both adults and children alike.
