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.

Founded in 1993, Cavells is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers visiting Rutland. Nestled in the charming market town of Oakham, the boutique showcases over 100 handpicked brands including sought-after names like Essentiel Antwerp, Weekend MaxMara, Veja, and Luisa Cerano.
Add to itinerary+
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.
Add to itinerary+
It is said that the East Midlands has the best riding countryside in Europe and the area historically attracted many hunts due to the rolling hills making it easy to view horses for miles around. The region had many private stables and of course the Internationally famous Burghley Horse Trails.
Add to itinerary+
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;
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+
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.
Add to itinerary+
Bat and Bottle are Rutland’s only specialist importers of Italian wine.  Truly multum in parvo, we wear Decanter’s Retailers Awards title for Best Italian Wine Merchant, and runner up Best Subscription Wine Club , as well as having been awarded the inaugural (2020) London Wine Fair Wine Buyers Award for:  ‘Best Online Specialist Wine Buyer’. We have even represented UK small businesses at Downing Street… Our small warehouse on Oakham Enterprise Park is packed with artisan italian wines – shoppers are welcome to drop in whenever we are open; we sell directly to the public and there is no minimum purchase.
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+
Rutland’s most famous landmark was saved from flooding when Rutland Water was created in the 1970s. Now with the floor raised almost half way up the church, it is a fascinating building with a unique history.
Add to itinerary+
Visit beautiful Burghley, a magical home of magnificent State Rooms, awe-inspiring works of art and priceless treasures.
Add to itinerary+
A premier woodland-themed outdoor activity center. It offers 18-hole adventure golf, a high ropes aerial assault course with a 41-meter zip wire, axe throwing, and hybrid sports like foot golf and disc golf. The Big 5 Combo: Includes Axe Throwing, Aerial Assault, Adventure Golf, Foot Golf, and Disc Golf. Action Trio: Combines 18-hole golf, axe throwing, and the aerial assault course. Golf Trio / Combi: Mix-and-match packages available for lighter, after-school activity sessions. Ideal for family days out, birthday parties and group activities.
Add to itinerary+
Founded in 1994, The Grainstore Brewery was formed through the collaboration of two friends, Tony Davis formally Head Brewer and Production Director at Ruddles Brewery and Mike Davies of Davro Fabrication. With Tony’s 30 years of brewing experience behind them, and Mike’s engineering and steel fabrication expertise at their disposal, the two set to work on a derelict Victorian grain store situated next to Oakham Railway Station.
Add to itinerary+
Rutland has a plethora of offerings to keep youngsters amused – and their parents as serene as possible – through the spring and summer season. 
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+