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.

It’s the perfect time to discover Rutland – let the clean air fill your lungs and focus on relaxing with those you love, you can ease into a slower pace and really savour every experience with mouth-watering meals and Rutland’s unbeatable hospitality.
Add to itinerary+
Discover one of the region’s most popular lifestyle destinations at The Grange Garden Centre, a family-run, award-winning attraction nestled in Asfordby Hill, near Melton Mowbray. More than just a garden centre, The Grange combines quality gardening, home and gift shopping, great food and a warm welcome, making it the perfect stop for visitors exploring Rutland and the surrounding countryside.
Add to itinerary+
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.
Add to itinerary+
Rutland County Museum, located on Catmos Street in Oakham, is the perfect introduction to the smallest county in England.
Add to itinerary+
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.
Add to itinerary+
Welcome to the Rutland Church Trail: A guide to 15 churches in the County of Rutland
Add to itinerary+
Our principal aim at Northfield Farm is to source and produce premium quality Beef, Lamb and Pork, which has lived well and humanely killed. We hang it carefully and appropriately and lastly butcher it toprovide the very best quality to all our customers.
Add to itinerary+
Inspired by the Rutland county motto Multum-in-Parvo or Much-in-Little, we designed a range of Gins to capture the essence of this wonderful area. Using ingredients that have been sourced locally, we’ve come up with some beautiful and unique gin flavours that we hope you enjoy as much as we do.
Add to itinerary+
Offering a variety of touring professional shows, comedians, and speakers, as well as performances by local amateur dramatic societies, the stunning performance spaces include a 300-seat proscenium arch theatre, and an adjoining 160-seat black box drama studio (The Williams Studio).
Add to itinerary+
The Barnsdale experience is all about enjoying exceptional food and drink. Our homely 1760 Brasserie and breath-taking Orangery, are accompanied by a number of fabulous private spaces.
Add to itinerary+
If you’re looking for where to don your cossie and do some lengths, this useful list should help…
Add to itinerary+
From Farm, To You, By Lou X Visit Our Farm Shop for Meat, Poultry, Farmhouse Pies, Artisan Burgers, Craft Sausages & More.
Add to itinerary+
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.
Add to itinerary+
Tucked away off the Market Place in Oakham, and backing onto Cutts Close Park, there is also a cafe on the grounds (check separate opening times).
Add to itinerary+
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.
Add to itinerary+