If you’re looking for a perfect adventure to entertain teenagers and young adults, Rutland is the ideal (and underestimated) place!
There are many great family days out for you to cherish those moments of quality time with your kids. As children get older you may find yourself spending more time apart, whether they are in exam season, or off to university, it is key to find activities that everyone will enjoy!
Starting the day off with brunch will always be a hit. Whether you like sweet or savoury, Dairy Barn Cafe at Ferneley’s caters to the family’s taste buds. As busy as brunch can be, starting the day off right (and not too early!) is great. Their kitchen provides fresh homemade and high-quality food every day between 10 am and 3 pm, with the menu ranging from waffles to paninis or a Full English. Dairy Barn Cafe supports local, using local farms and businesses as suppliers where possible, meaning this is a great place to tase Rutland!
Whilst visiting, you can take advantage of Fernley’s acclaimed homemade ice cream, with a cabinet regularly boasting as many as 18 different flavours, it is hard to resist. Regardless of age, no kid can refuse ice cream for breakfast! There’s even an adventure golf course on-site to ignite your competitive spirit.
You can break free from the ordinary and forget the typical teen dread of being cooped up with the whole family; One Way Out Escape Rooms in Oakham will provide an experience full of shared excitement and collaboration. With a large selection of six permanent rooms and two seasonal games, you’ll want to come back to tackle them all! From a classic who-dun-it room of ‘Framed’ to ‘Toy Shop’ where the toys are brought to life, this year-round favourite offers 75 minutes of excellent escapades.
Are you worried about your older kids leaving the nest and fending for themselves? Ease their transition into independence by giving them a taste of cooking, without the risk of burning down your own kitchen! Hoggy’s Grill, founded by former English cricketer Matthew Hoggard, provides 3-Course Gourmet and 3-Course Basic Classes as well as an Ultimate Burger Class on the last Friday of each month. These inclusive classes cater to all dietary needs with fish, vegetarian, and vegan menus available. Complete with drinks and nibbles you can get cooking, with Hoggy on hand for advice and guidance and you finish the class by eating your creations and marvelling at your newfound skills.
Hoggy’s Grill is based at the Rutland Nursery, which, complete with a shop and cafe is worth your while for a family visit. If their plants and events don’t intrigue you then we’re sure their shop will. Filled with brands such as Yeti, Nkuku and the infamous Jellycat, we can guarantee you will enjoy a stop here on your trip!
The scenic cycle route around Rutland Water is always a favourite activity and provides a great sense of achievement. The Horse and Jockey pub in Manton is an award-winning pub located on the route and is one of the county’s wonderful eateries that offer more than just food! This venue is often host to live music, showcasing the talent of Rutland and you are sure to have a merry singalong with everyone! Also keen to show its love for sports with major events broadcasted, you can enjoy The Horse and Jockey’s wide selection of local and regional ales (with your kids if they’re of age!) whilst keeping up with the action.
Rutland Water offers many thrilling water sports activities perfect for older kids and families seeking outdoor adventures. From sailing and windsurfing to kayaking and paddleboarding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the reservoir. For those craving an adrenaline rush, the Aqua Park is a known favourite! With inflatable obstacles, slides, and jumps floating atop the water, it’s an exhilarating playground for kids and adults alike.
If you are seeking a different aquatic thrill, Rutland Water offers open-water swimming sessions in partnership with Inspire2Tri. Weekly sessions throughout the summer season help participants master strokes and techniques for open-water swimming. Two courses are available: 500m for confident swimmers and 250m for recreational swimmers, with individuals ages 8 and up are welcome, and those under 16 needing adult supervision. It’s a great way for families to tackle a new challenge together and experience Rutland Water in a completely unique way.
One unmissable spot for the whole family (especially those with older kids) is Rumble Live Action Gaming at Rutland Water. This award-winning live-action gaming arena offers laser tag within beautiful woodlands. It takes laser tag to a whole new level, with state-of-the-art equipment, exciting game modes, and even the chance to snag weapon upgrades and extra lives just like in everyone’s favourite video games. It’s a fantastic way to bond with your family and get moving in the fresh air. Plus, Rumble Live is open throughout the weekends during their operating season, with additional sessions during school holidays and peak times to ensure you can find the perfect time for your family adventure. For a sneak peek of the action, they even have a TikTok channel.
So break free from the “teenager dread” of family outings and discover a hidden gem packed with exciting possibilities. With its abundance of activities and eateries, Rutland is the ideal destination to reconnect and cherish those precious moments with your young adults, all this is just one combination of hundreds of possibilities in Rutland – we do suggest you’ll need more than just a day to take in all that the small but mighty county can offer!
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