In May 2023 we opened ‘The View’, a new 100-seater restaurant with panoramic views across stunning Rutland Water to the hills beyond.
The perfect pit-stop if you’re heading north on the A1 between Stamford and Grantham, boasting a crowd-pleasing menu of all day breakfast, burgers, kids’ favourites and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Make sure you pop into the interactive and informative Rutland Water Visitor Centre & Gift Shop at Sykes Lane near Empingham. You will find lots to be learned; with items telling the history of the reservoir, and explaining the wildlife on the nature reserve, not forgetting the array of local information you can pick up to plan your time in the area, alongside maps, cycle routes, souvenirs and gifts.
Canoes, kayaks, SUP’s, katakanus and row boats are all hired on a first come first served basis from our Watersports Centre at Whitwell, we do not take prior bookings. You can also bring your own equipment to use with a launch permit.
Sleeps 6/8: 1 x double. 1 x double or twin.
Self-catering lakeside cottages & suites. This charming accommodation offers full self-catering facilities that make for easy family living – and are dog-friendly too.
Stretton lakes is situated in 120 acres of farmland in the county of Rutland. Six fishing lakes have been created over the past 40 years to create an idyllic setting surrounded by woodland and open farmland.
The magic of Tolethorpe is something special which we highly recommend you experience for yourselves. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds in front of Tolethorpe Hall, then take your seat in the covered auditorium, and see an open-air stage like no other, with amateur productions from the extremely talented Stamford Shakespeare Company.
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The Barnsdale experience is all about enjoying exceptional food and drink. Our homely 1760 Brasserie and breath-taking Orangery, are accompanied by a number of fabulous private spaces.
Originally created by Geoff Hamilton for the Gardeners’ World TV show, Barnsdale is home to 38 pocket-sized, themed garden ‘rooms’, built in his trademark, practical style, and full of inspiration for garden-lovers of all ages. Go for great ideas for your own outside spaces or simply have fun exploring- there magical hidden corners, ponds full of tadpoles and newts, and an allotment with chickens and giant organically grown veg.
A chance to try quality telescopes and binoculars before you buy.
Once part of Normanton Estate, local residents fought to save ‘St Matthew’s Church’ from demolition when the reservoir was created in the 1970’s. Now deconsecrated and with a new floor level, Normanton Church has it’s own embankment making it a prominent feature on the water.
We are proud to offer the very best fresh, seasonal food, served in generous portions. Wherever possible, we source our ingredients from local producers, so our sandwiches are freshly made using Hambleton Bakery’s award-winning bread and in season our salads come direct from our very own allotment.
Two chocolate box, thatched country cottages in the heart of the charming village of Cottesmore, which has a great pub, shop and chippy close by, plus Rutland Water only 5 miles away. Dicks Cottage sleeps 8 and nearby Well Cottage sleeps 4.
Spanhoe Lodge is situated in the East Northamptonshire Village of Laxton, just 2 miles from the Rutland Border and the Welland Valley Viaduct. Close to market towns of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford, and near to Rutland Water Nature Reserve. Whether for a romantic break, time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a special occasion or business, Spanhoe Lodge offers everything you want and more.
Victory Cottage is a beautiful thatched chocolate box cottage, set in a quiet location within Cottesmore village with countryside views to the front and village church to the rear of the cottage.


















