Activities

Rutland Marathon

Attractions

Experiences & Hobbies

Family Fun

Outdoors

Shopping

Suggested Itineraries

Walks and Trails

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.

Cavells fashion shop retail

Cavells

Founded in 1993 cavells has evolved into one of the most successful independent fashion stores in the UK and now provides a wider experience. Offering a selection of stylish and select shopping for men and ladies, you will also find a Home sections, beauty salon and adjoining cafe.
Barnsdale Gardens bus group

Group Itinerary Inspiration

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…

Rutland Nursery

Our family-run garden nursery, shop and restaurant is situated on the south shore of beautiful Rutland Water.

Sacrewell Heritage Farm & Country Centre

Explore food, farming and the beautiful countryside on a visit to Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre. We have plenty to keep you entertained, with animals to meet, outdoor spaces to discover, a recently restored 18th century watermill and a large indoor soft play centre.

Rocks by Rail: The Living Ironstone Museum

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.

Rutland Belle 360

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.

Stapleford Estate

Stapleford Estate has recently reopened The Haven, our beautiful, tranquil lakeside venue. The Haven is available for hire for corporate or private functions, with options for bare venue hire, as well as full event support including catering.
Otters Deli - Cheeses (DR) small

A packed couples foodie weekend in Rutland for under £550!

Do you and your partner or bestie enjoy trying different cuisines or getting stuck into food-inspired activities whilst on holiday? Then look no further than our food-inspired weekend away itinerary to help you plan your next trip to Rutland; jam-packed with foodie activities and even providing inspiration for food-themed accommodation! Friday 

Eyebrook Reservoir

Start Date: 01/01/2010

Nestling on the borders of three counties; Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. Eyebrook Reservoir is a jewel hidden in one of the prettiest parts of England.

Otters Fine Foods

Otters Fine Foods brings a new dimension to the food shopping experience. We offer the most wonderful naturally smoked fish, meats and cheeses, all smoked using traditional methods with no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

The Viking Way

The Viking Way is a 149 mile long walking route through Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. Starting on the banks of the Humber, the route passes through rural Lincolnshire, attractive market towns, the city of Lincoln and then on through pretty villages and along an ancient trackway to reach Oakham, with the official end point at Oakham Library.

Rutland Watersports

Canoes, kayaks, SUP’s, katakanus and row boats are all hired on a first come first served basis from our Watersports Centre at Whitwell, we do not take prior bookings. You can also bring your own equipment to use with a launch permit.

Normanton Church

Once part of Normanton Estate, local residents fought to save ‘St Matthew’s Church’ from demolition when the reservoir was created in the 1970’s. Now deconsecrated and with a new floor level, Normanton Church has it’s own embankment making it a prominent feature on the water.

Priors Hall Golf Course

The 18 hole course is set in scenic countryside just south of Rutland. The course is a demanding challenge for all levels of golfers, which also has a proactive club and offers a varied programme of events and competitions throughout the year.
Willow weaving workshop

Tresillian House Workshops

Start Date: 01/01/2019

Enjoy learning a new skill, hobby or language in our informal hands-on workshops! ​ Develop your skills, confidence and knowledge and try new things.

Arts for Rutland

Arts for Rutland is a Registered Charity committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland. It consists of a small volunteer committee that aims to be representative of the county’s arts organisations and various creative disciplines.