To celebrate English Tourism Week, we’ve teamed up with Charlie Pallett, aka The Rutland Blogger, to give us her Guide to 48 hours in Rutland!
One of the most popular topics in my inbox is requests and recommendations from people hoping to visit Rutland, after many have stumbled across the area via my photographs on Instagram and have fallen in love with how quaint, quirky and beautiful it is – and how it’s full of the most wonderful small business they cannot wait to enjoy…
So here is my guide to (what I would call) the perfect weekend in Rutland.
Where to stay
Whether you prefer a hotel location, self-catering location or a dog-friendly location, Rutland has it all!
My favourite hotel: The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham
The Falcon is located in the heart of Uppingham and is one of my favourite destinations for many reasons. The Falcon epitomises everything about the area with its traditional decor, calm ambience, delicious menu and impeccably stunning rooms.
My favourite self-catering: Topiary Barn & Box Barn, Uppingham
Also located in the heart of Uppingham, but hidden away a stone’s throw from the high street, you will find two self-catering accommodation, ran by Wendy Grindley – the owner of Uppingham Antiques Centre.
Topiary Barn and Box Barn are the perfect couple’s retreat for a weekend away.
Newly renovated and designed to perfection by interiors enthusiast and antique dealer, Wendy – both accommodations have that luxury feel as soon as you step in the door… Your holiday has begun!
My favourite dog-friendly accomodation: The Bee Cottage, Cottesmore
When I travel, I mostly always take my dogs, Arla & Otis.
If I was travelling to Rutland with my four-legged friends, I would definitely stay at The Bee Cottage.
A stunning, 16th century, thatched, picturesque cottage close to Rutland Water and nearby to many popular North Rutland attractions.
Bee Cottage
A Friday in Rutland
For me, there is nowhere better to start your weekend in Rutland than at Uppingham’s farmers market. Uppingham’s market is a historic event that has been occurring in the town for centuries and is still extremely popular today.
You can find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables from Faulkner & Sons, fresh fish from Cavner’s, olives and crepes from Tony at The Olive Kitchen as well as, homemade curries, fresh flowers from the markets very popular florist, a re-fill station for all your eco-friendly home refill needs, a bike repair stall and so much more!
A Friday in Uppingham is very special and there’s a very unique and happy feeling about the town each week when the town wakes up to the market.
But while you’re there, you must visit some of Uppingham’s most popular destinations; Baines’ Bakery, Norton’s Ironmongers, Culpin’s Butchers, The Rutland Book Shop, Uppingham Antiques Centre, Scandimania Coffee House, Rutland Antiques & Art Centre and Uppingham Fine Food – to name a few!
One of my favourite things to do in Uppingham on a sunny day is the follow the heritage trail and learn about the historic parts of the traditional market town, some of my favourites on the list; Beasts Hill, Norton’s Plough, Orange Street and Fossil Wall.
Then perhaps end your day at one of Uppingham’s watering holes and enjoy a bite to eat at Don Paddy’s, Lake Isle, The Crown, The Vaults or The Falcon Hotel.
Uppingham
A Saturday in Oakham
A Saturday is the perfect day to spend in Oakham during your weekend in Rutland.
A morning in Oakham for me would have to start at The Larder on Mill Street. Not only does The Larder serve my favourite coffee (that’s also roasted in Rutland!) by Two Chimps Coffee, but The Larder has the most delicious breakfast menu – thank me later!
Mill Street is one of my favourite streets in Oakham and if you love shopping, you’ll think so too! Some of my favourite shops on Mill Street include; Honeykins Vintage, Cowgirl in Couture, Olivers & Co, Nature’s Dispensary and Cavells.
Saturdays in Oakham also mean, market day! Oakham market occurs every Wednesday & Saturday and is also located near our next stop… Oakham Castle!
The Norman Great Hall which was built in the 12th Century is a historic gem of the county and isn’t just appreciated within the county, but is recognised as one of the best examples of Norman architecture in the country.
Another couple of places on my Oakham ‘must’ list are the to grab a ticket to the Grainstore Brewery tour, an ice cream from The Waffle Bowl and have a wander down to the railway crossing to appreciate the Grade II listed signal box – which was built in 1899 as a prototype for the Airfix plastic kit, now made by Dapol.
Oakham Castle
You (obviously!) cannot visit Rutland without visiting Rutland Water.
There is so much to do at Rutland Water, whatever your interests.
If you’re adventurous, you’ll love Aqua Park Rutland.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love Rutland Zoo.
If you enjoy cycling, you’ll be in your element with the cycle routes around Rutland Water.
And if you simply enjoy a walk with the family, my favourite place to start is Normanton. Where I recommend you park and soon discover one of the most famous buildings (and one of my favourite places) in Rutland, Normanton Church.
RJ Photographics
A Sunday in Rutland
Rutland has so many places to enjoy on a Sunday, especially if you enjoy a walk with the family and a Sunday pub-lunch – as there are many fantastic village pubs to choose from!
I’d recommend one of my favourite walks, to/through Lyddington – as your walk can begin wherever you like, in Uppingham, in Bisbrooke or in the village itself.
Lyddington is a beautiful village location for walking and admiring this quaint village. The village has many public footpaths to enjoy, however long or short you want your walk to be! It’s a wonderful place to explore on foot and you come across Lyddington Bede House, a Grade I Listed building and the former palace of the Bishops of Lincoln.
Another great thing about the small village of Lyddington is you’ve got two pubs to choose from to end your journey, The Old White Hart or the Marquess of Exeter – whatever takes your fancy!
Marquess of Exeter
So that, in short, would be my perfect weekend in Rutland. A county my family and I adore. Being lucky enough to have been born and bred in the area, there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing my favourite places to enjoy for those who’re just discovering our county and the many things it has to offer.
