It’s been said that ‘…time wasted at the beach is time well spent’. Just because Rutland is land-locked, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of being beside the seaside; lazing on the beach, building sandcastles and burying willing family members. Once you’ve dusted off from your sandy shenanigans, there’s plenty more to see and do with the little (and big) ones in Rutland and the surrounding area. Don’t forget your picnic and a change of clothes!
A popular destination during the warm, summer months, the Beach at Rutland Water (a man-made sandy beach) provides excellent opportunities for building sandcastles and paddling. At the nearby Rutland Water Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane, there’s an adventure playground, an off-lead dog walking area, a 12-hole mini golf course and information about the history of the reservoir and the wildlife living there.
Rutland Water Nature Reserve occupies shore line and shallow water lagoons along nine miles of the western end of the reservoir. It is managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Anglian Water and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, covering an area of 1000 acres. There are nature trails to explore, over 30 bird watching hides and two visitor centres – Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre at Egleton and the Lyndon Visitors Centre – providing a wealth of information to help you with identification.
For seasoned sailors, Rutland Watersports Centre at Whitwell is a great place to visit if you have your own boat or windsurfer, as you can sail for a day, or house it at the Watersports Centre for up to a year. There are a wide range of annual launch season tickets to suit all requirements. Or simply hire what you need from the site!
National Sailing Academy, Rutland Water Sailing Club, is a centre of excellence for training and development at Edith Weston. Training and coaching are available for catamarans, powerboats, canoeing, windsurfing and performance sailing. The club is at the forefront in the UK in actively encouraging people of any ability to go sailing, and is the home of Rutland Sailability. The entire clubhouse and waterfront is wheelchair accessible and specially adapted boats, changing facilities and training are available for absolute beginners through to our Paralympic hopefuls.
For those wanting to experience a thorough soaking, Aqua Park features a collection of bespoke big impact water obstacles and returns to Rutland Water’s Whitwell creek from late May. Boasting climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers, blast bags and the UK’s biggest slides, it promises summer fun for adults and children alike. Adrenaline junkies will jump at the chance to take on the UK’s tallest obstacle: The Rutland Mammoth, plummeting into the water from the staggering 5.5 metre drop or down its giant slides. If that wasn’t enough, you can show off your flips and tricks from the Action Tower XL and the Tornado Tower. Also, NEW for 2023, experience the Inflatable Sea Dragon! Booking is essential, for more information visit www.aquaparkgroup.co.uk/rutland.
Once you’ve had enough of being in the water, why not set off to travel around it? There’s something immensely satisfying about being able to look at the blue blob on a map and say ‘I walked around that today!’. Walking and cycling the circular route offers spectacular views over the water with a plethora of pretty picnic spots, pubs and cafés providing rest and refreshment. No trip to Rutland Water is complete without a visit to the iconic Normanton Church – known as The Lady of The Lake. Landmarks don’t get more stunning than this; it’s the perfect subject for photographers and artists alike.
Established in 1981, Rutland Cycling has hired out over a million bikes over the years, so when you arrive at either of the Hire Centres at Rutland Water, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. Trained, helpful staff will give you a map and talk you through the route options. Whatever your age or ability, they’ve got just the bike for you; from comfortable hybrids, sporty mountain bikes as well as the latest electric bikes, tandems, kids’ bikes, ‘tag-a-longs’ and buggies. Even those who aren’t in peak physical condition can benefit from the freedom of cycling, by hiring one of Rutland Cycling’s fleet of electric bikes (e-bikes).
Once you’ve built up an appetite, it’s time to reward yourselves with a tasty treat. No trip to the beach is complete without the obligatory ice cream! Finalist in the Farm Retail Association awards 2019, Ferneley’s Ice Cream creates ice cream using their own milk from their own herd of cows, which graze on the Rutland border. The Play Area and mini golf is a big hit with children (and adults!) and many footpaths pass in close proximity, making The Dairy Barn Café an ideal starting point for a lovely circular walk. It’s also situated close to route 64 on the national cycle way and welcomes cyclists, providing a dedicated bicycle park which is clearly visible from the patio seating. Dogs are welcome and there will always be fresh water available for man’s best friend.
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Should the weather be too damp for al fresco adventures, Rutland County Museum runs regular family activities, crafts and story times during school holidays. On the days without a special event, there’s always plenty to keep little (and not so little) ones entertained. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the children’s area, playing with the old-fashioned games or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could challenge yourselves to complete one of the museum trails. When you’re ready to go outside for some fresh air, there’s an excellent play area and skate park in nearby Cutts Close.
Visiting the grounds of Oakham Castle and the Great Hall is totally free of charge. As if that wasn’t family-friendly enough; you can even bring your four-legged friend – so long as (s)he’s on a lead. A variety of demonstrations, re-enactments and events are held throughout the year and there are always dressing-up clothes, toys, colouring-in books, story books, quizzes and trails for visitors to enjoy.
Just a 10-minute walk from Oakham High Street, Rutland Farm Park is a family owned and run working farm. With a wonderful array of animals to see, a playground and tea room, it has everything you need for a fun family day out. If you like, you can feed the animals and birds and cuddle rabbits and guinea pigs, before thoroughly washing your hands ready for a tasty afternoon tea.
Slightly further afield at Burghley House, its ‘Garden of Surprises’ is particularly popular with children and the young at heart who enjoy a paddle on a warm day. It exudes a real sense of fun; with a moss house, basins of water, a mirrored maze and water jets. There are various events aimed at children during school holidays, including craft workshops and trails. NEW for 2023, their Adventure Playground is already a favourite with visitors providing hours of fun for the little ones.
There is always a plethora of activities taking place in and around the county. Visit our What’s On page to start planning your Summer!
