There’s lots of choice for family fun in Rutland this February Half Term. Here’s a few suggestions that Mum, Dad, sons, daughters, and even grandparents will enjoy…
Fineshade Wood, Forestry England
NEW: Forest Superheroes
You can’t beat the great outdoors for a brilliant family day out. Fineshade Wood is a hidden gem set in the countryside south of Rutland and offers the perfect woodland setting for a family adventure.
The Superworm activity trail includes lots of fun activities to complete. The new self-led trail encourages children to become superheroes of the forest themselves. The trail should keep the young ones entertained for around an hour, leaving plenty of time to find more fun and explore the forest and the fab adventure playgrounds.
Special Superworm trail packs are available to buy on site from Grounds Café for £3.50 with additional activities, including stickers, a superhero mask, creature fact cards, at-home activity sheet, pencil and crayon.
Fun for everyone!
Rutland Water’s Sykes Lane, Empingham is a great family destination offering a selection of activities for family entertainment. Here, you will find a fantastic enclosed adventure playground, the Rutland Water Visitor Centre with Mini Golf Course and refreshment kiosk for that all important coffee!
It’s also a great places to cycle or walk across the dam, or follow the track the other way to Whitwell. If the family dog is with you, take your furry family member to the dog park (accessed from the back of the Sykes Lane car park) where they can safely run off the lead – there really is something for all!
Meet the creatures
Rutland Zoo (formerly Bugtopia) is also at Sykes Lane. It is the place to go to meet a collection of fascinating creatures. It’s a not-for-profit organization that’s home to rescued insects, mammals and birds.
The zoo is open daily between 10am and 5pm. It’s advisable to book ahead for busy times.
Visit a stately home
Burghley House is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. Immerse yourselves in the Garden of Surprises or enjoy tranquil walks next to the lake in the Sculpture Garden.
Also, this half term, why not take a tour of the private South Gardens and Sculpture Garden with their Head Gardener, Joe Whitehead?! Admire blankets of snowdrops across Burghley’s beautiful landscapes and find out what the team has been working on over the winter season! For more information, click here.
Farm friends
Animal lovers are sure to enjoy a visit to Rutland Farm Park. It is a small 18-acre working farm in Oakham where friendly pigs, horses, sheep, chickens and ponies are waiting to greet you! When it’s time for a refreshment, the cosy tearoom has a variety of rolls, paninis, baked potatoes and light bites to choose from and you can choose from a selection of hot and cold drinks.
There is no need to worry about parking because it is free! Family tickets can be bought for £23.
Immerse yourself in history
The Great Hall at Oakham Castle is famed for its unique collection of over 230 ornate ceremonial horseshoes donated by Peers of the Realm. There is also a varied programme of events plus activities for children!
Join the Castle’s knowledgeable guides for a fascinating insight into the history of the Norman Great Hall, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at Castle Cottage Cafe, stroll around the Motte and Bailey Castle grounds and explore the sensory gardens. For Half Term only, experience a guided tour for half price (Available 16th and 17th Feb 2022 at £1.75 per person).
Admission is free. The grounds are fully accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters with ramps to the grassed areas meaning that both young children and grandparents can easily and safely enjoy a day out.
