One of the best ways to experience Rutland Water is to enjoy a cruise on the only the Rutland Belle. With space for up to 110 passengers, 60 of those places in the under-cover saloon and the remaining on the open top deck.
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
At Tresillian House, immerse yourself in a world of hands-on creativity and discovery. From willow sculpture and silver-smithing to luxury wreath-making and beyond, each workshop is designed to nurture your skills, inspire new passions and connect you with a welcoming community of makers.
If you want to make sure you tick off the key Rutland highlights, make sure you go through our top 5…
Rockingham Castle is home to the Saunders Watson family, whose ancestors have made their lives here for the last 450 years, following the sale of the Castle by James I in 1619 to Sir Lewis Watson.
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.
Welcome to the Rutland Church Trail: A guide to 15 churches in the County of Rutland
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.
Rutland County Museum, located on Catmos Street in Oakham, is the perfect introduction to the smallest county in England.
The Rutland Water Nature Reserve is internationally famous and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, regularly holding in excess of 25,000 waterfowl. Home to the Rutland Osprey Project, it is a fantastic place for birding and getting closer to nature.
A family business, we have been selling art worldwide for over 40 years. We stock thousands of prints, paintings, drawings, ceramics and sculptures across a very wide range of top British, American and European artists.
Two scenic circular walks starting at the village pubs in Braunston.
Part of the new Discover Rutland Food & Drink Map is this Northern Cycle Route of 24 miles, with a shorter 14 mile option. The route follows rural roads.
Rutland Water Open Water Swimming is a popular choice for both professional and recreational swimmers as well as those wanting to engage in group coaching sessions.
THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN SEVENTY MINUTES!
Highest Quality. Designed by original thinkers, beautifully built by skilled craftspeople.
Rutland has a plethora of offerings to keep youngsters amused – and their parents as serene as possible – through the spring and summer season.
Exploring Rutland Water by e-bike is a fantastic way to take in the stunning scenery at your own pace. With hire points available at several locations, it’s easy to hop on and set off along the picturesque cycling routes that wind around the reservoir.
