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.

Whatever your age or ability, we’ve got just the bike for you from hybrid and mountain bikes, to the latest electric bikes, tandems, gel saddle covers, helmets and kids’ bikes, tag-a-longs, child seats and buggies – all current season models from Specialized, replaced every year.
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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.
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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.
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Two picturesque walks from the village of Exton, starting at The Fox and Hounds at the village green.
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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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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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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.
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Part of the new Discover Rutland Food & Drink Map is this Southern Route of 23.7 miles. The route follows rural roads and an option to join the Rutland Water cycle paths.
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A place to find affordable pieces of practical and quirky items for the home, both large and small.
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Part of the new Discover Rutland Food & Drink Map is this Northern Cycle Route of 24 miles, with a shorter 14 mile option. The route follows rural roads.
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Rutland’s best kept secret! In 2014, we celebrated 40 years in business as a wholesale plant nursery, so we decided to open our most ambitious project yet – the Garden Centre and Café. Focusing on a wide range of plants and core elements of gardening.
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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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Rutland County Museum, located on Catmos Street in Oakham, is the perfect introduction to the smallest county in England.
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