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.

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.
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This beautiful market town is listed as one of the top 20 most desirable places to visit in the UK (The Times) and its high street has been voted one of the top five in Britain. Uppingham offers a rare glimpse of traditional English rural life that is abundant in culture, heritage and history.
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See fantastic national touring productions, comedy acts, music performances, local talent and much more in this new 400 seat theatre built within the shell of the original Corn Exchange Hall, or in the more intimate Theatre Lounge, seating 200.
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Small traditional family-run nursery specialising in herbs but offering much more including wild flowers, cottage garden plants and scented-leaf Pelargoniums. Extensive collections of thyme, mint and lavender.
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Two circular walking routes taking in the countryside around Empingham and Rutland Water, starting at The White Horse.
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Start Date: 01/01/2018

Supplying wines, beers and spirits to the local area and also to our online community. We pride ourselves in the quality of fine French wines, and only source from the very best suppliers in Europe, the US, Australia and beyond.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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If you’re looking for where to don your cossie and do some lengths, this useful list should help…
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If you’ve been inspired by our ‘Perfect Rural Escape’ tourism film, then here is a handy itinerary which includes all of the places featured.
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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.
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If you want to make sure you tick off the key Rutland highlights, make sure you go through our top 5…
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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…
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