With February Half Term on the horizon, it’s time to get some dates in your diary and discover Rutland! There’s so much fun to be had, here are just a few ideas…
Rutland Water
Rutland Water’s Sykes Lane, is a great family destination offering a selection of activities for outdoor family entertainment. Here, you will find a fantastic enclosed adventure playground, the Rutland Water Visitor Centre with Mini Golf Course and a refreshment kiosk for that all-important coffee!
It’s also a great place to cycle or walk across the dam to Normanton (2.3 miles) or follow the track the other way to Whitwell (1.5 miles), both locations have a handy cafe to rest little legs before the journey back! 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!
Taking in the 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.
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.
Admission is free. The grounds are fully accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters with ramps to the grassed areas, meaning that young children and grandparents can easily and safely enjoy a day out.
The grounds also adjoin Cutts Close park, with a play area and skate park. Whilst you are nearby, why not swing by Warners Traditional Sweet Shop on Market Street and grab some delicious fudge or sweets?!
There is also a varied programme of events at the museum plus activities for children…
All Dressed Up! – 15 and 22 February
Join Rutland County Museum for some dressing-up crafts from 10.30-12 and 2-3.30.
Make anything from Egyptian headdresses, and Victorian and Jester hats to masks and accessories such as fans, pocket watches and more…
£2.50 per child (free for under 4s). Suitable for all ages
No need to book, but places will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is also the chance to listen to excavation leader and world ichthyosaur expert, Dr Dean Lomax at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, who will take you on a Jurassic journey and talk about the discovery and excavation of the Rutland Sea Dragon. Learn more.
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 along with 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 £28.
Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre
Just a short drive from Rutland you can find Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre with animals to meet, outdoor spaces to discover, a recently restored 18th-century watermill and a large indoor soft play centre. They also have an array of free educational activities throughout half term including:
- Make your own bird feeder
- Pick up a bird spotter sheet from our sensory garden and see what birds you can spot on your visit
- Enjoy a self-led bird-egg trail around Sacrewell
- Bird-themed story time
Activities will vary each day and start at 10am. They are included in your normal daily admission.
In addition to their February half-term activities, the wonderful small businesses in the artisan courtyard are also offering workshops and activities too…
Chocolate monster workshop – 15th February
Make your very own chocolate monsters and chocolate bars then box up ready to take home with you. Pre-booking is essential, £20 per person.
Make your own chocolate – every day throughout half term
Join Stamford Heavenly Chocolates for a walk-in workshop to make your own chocolate treat. No pre-booking is required, simply visit their shop, £4.50 per bar.
Djibo Art
Valentine’s craft – until 14th February
Decorate a wooden disk for your loved ones. No prior booking is essential. 2 discs for £5.
Paint a pot workshop – everyday throughout half term
Join Djibo Art for a walk-in workshop to paint a pot. £7 a pot.
Art and craft gifts – available to purchase in the shop.
The surrounding fields of The Dairy Barn Café are often filled with cattle and sheep eagerly waiting to say ‘hello’. Whilst you’re enjoying their company, why not try the variety of Ferneley’s Ice Cream flavours available and let off steam in the play areas?! There is also an adventure golf course for the family to try… all farm themed of course!
Fun at Belvoir Castle
There is lots going on at the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland…
Snowdrop walks with the Head Gardener– 11 – 12 and 18 – 19 February
Starting at midday from the Cannonade Terrace. They are included with garden admission, and no booking is required.
Spectacle of Light – runs until Sunday 19th February
These amazing light installations and soundscapes are already proving a hit with lots of families especially the Harlequin Tree, the Moon Silhouette, The Tri-Lantern Meadow and Curve. As well as the immersive light trail around the gardens, children are loving the chance to toast marshmallows on fire pits. Entry is from 6pm to 8pm.
The Belvoir Castle Adventure Playground – open at weekends and every day from 11 February onwards.
Spanning four acres, the playground is inspired by the iconic architecture of Belvoir Estate and its past and present explorers. Featuring a giant timber castle, along with a ship and towers, set within the woodlands, the playground has something for all ages to explore.
The Engine Yard – open every day
The estate’s artisan shopping village is open every day, with free parking available for stays of up to 4 hours and an array of fabulous shops on offer. The Fuel Tank Kitchen is introducing a new children’s menu in time for half term offering popular staples such as scampi and chips, sausage and mash as well as smoothies, milkshakes and babyccinos.
Walks
Snowdrop Walk at Rockingham Castle 12th & 19th February
At Rockingham Castle, the Wild Garden is full of wide varieties of Snowdrops for you to explore through a Snowdrops trail this February. Winter can bring some cold and frosty days however, this is the perfect time of year to get outside and learn what nature can teach us. This is the perfect chance to take beautiful photographs and explore nature with friends, family and your four-legged friends!
Snowdrop Walks at Deene Park – 19th & 26th February
At Deene Park swathes of snowdrops, of all varieties, have shaken off the winter blues and are saying ‘hello world.’ Step into their garden this February and enjoy these shy, delicate beauties for yourself.
Snowdrop Walk with Burghley Head Gardener 14th & 15th February
Take a tour of the private South Gardens and Sculpture Garden with Head Gardener, Joe Whitehead. Admire the swathes of snowdrops, see all the newly planted areas ready for the open season and find out what the team has been working on over the winter season.
Have a leisurely wander through the trees, get the kids to let off some steam at one of their exciting play areas, go on a bike ride or try one of a range of forest activities! Whilst you’re there, why not take a look at the stunning selection of the Earth Photo exhibition 2022 shortlisted images, from categories including People, Place, Nature, Changing Forests and A Climate of Change?
Have you read our blog detailing just a few of the fabulous walks around Rutland? Many of them have a cosy pub en route allowing you to stop for a delicious lunch on your way around – the perfect way to spend a day this half-term.
So, now all that’s left to do is start planning your visit! Why not utilise our Itinerary Planner feature on our website to get started?!
