Download the 7 Heritage Trails, each with a circular walking and cycling route exploring Rutland villages and fascinating local history.
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.
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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.
Keeping our minds and bodies active is vital in the upkeep of our mental health and Rutland is the perfect place to do so. Whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries in the great outdoors and get your brain focused on some arts and crafts, or get some adrenaline pumping with fun activities, you will never be stuck for things to do in Rutland.
Oakham is a unique place as it has one of the oldest continually active courts in England. There are numerous sites linked to crime and punishment and the last remaining New Drop Gallows in England, all within a short walk.
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.
14/11/2024 - 18/11/2027
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.
Peter Barker Fine Art is an art gallery based in central Uppingham, Rutland’s core cultural and arts epicentre, exhibiting exceptional realistic and impressionistic art. The gallery is owned and run by award-winning professional landscape, marine and wildlife artist, Peter Barker and family.
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…
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.
Peterborough Cathedral is widely recognised as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. It is the burial place of Katharine of Aragon and also Mary, Queen of Scots, who was later reinterred at Westminster Abbey.
A guided walk through Uppingham’s Heritage. There are 20 identified sites numbered on the map.
Countryside for all routes have been designed with accessible requirements in mind
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.
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;
Rutland has a plethora of offerings to keep youngsters amused – and their parents as serene as possible – through the spring and summer season.
