Description
Do you and your partner or bestie enjoy trying different cuisines or getting stuck into food-inspired activities whilst on holiday? Then look no further than our food-inspired weekend away itinerary to help you plan your next trip to Rutland; jam-packed with foodie activities and even providing inspiration for food-themed accommodation!
Friday
Depending on when you arrive in Rutland, you could catch Uppingham’s morning market and meander this quaint town, or make your way straight over to Rutland Nursery to browse the new store before you partake in an Ultimate Burger Class with Hoggy’s Grill which costs £60 per person. Please note these take place on the last Friday of each month and vegan or vegetarian dietary requirements can be catered for upon request.
Now it is time to check in to your accommodation. There a plenty of options across the county but for a foody theme why not try Vineyard and Canvas which provides luxury glamping options within canopies or cabins? The premises offers the option to utilise homegrown veg and eggs from their very own hens. There is also the option to cook over an open fire. Prices start from £130 per night (minimum 2-night stay).
If glamping isn’t your style, consider Clematis Cottages situated on a hilltop with views of rolling countryside, fields and forests. Whilst staying, you can try their very own chutneys, piccalilli, preserves and artisan jellies. There is even the option to partake in honey-tasting from bees kept on the land. Fruit and veg boxes can also be ordered. Prices start from £110 per night (minimum 2-night stay).
Saturday
Wake up bright and early and head straight to the market town of Oakham. Here, have a mooch around the market (Farmers Market every third Saturday) plus the wealth of shops on offer. Make sure to stop off at Warner’s Traditional Sweet Shop and pick up a bag of old-school sweets, delicious ice cream or homemade fudge! Sweets start from £1.49 per 150g. Don’t miss award winning Hambleton Bakery down Gaol Street to pick up some fresh bread, pastries, and cakes! A loaf of fresh Hambleton Sourdough starts at £3.10. For savouries, pop into Otters Fine Foods where you can find a selection of cheeses, chutneys, crisps and local produce like Rutland Rapeseed Oil! A collection of local cheeses including ‘Rutland Red’ costs just £21.
As it edges nearer lunchtime, you can eat in at Otter’s Fine Foods with cheese platters, sandwiches and lots more on the menu. Enjoy a cheddar and chutney sandwich with crisps, coleslaw and salad for just £9.15 accompanied by an iced caramel latte for £3.75.
If this doesn’t tickle your fancy there are many more options within walking distance including GA Sushi with Maki, Uramaki, and Oyako Don on their menu and so much more. Urumaki dishes start from just £14.30 and Oyako Don from just £10.39. Nip into the popular local brewery, The Grainstore, on Station Approach and enjoy a pint of Rutland Panther.
After lunch, head to The Rutland Vineyard to enjoy a walk around their very own nature trail along the Jurassic Way with amazing views. After a stroll, head inside and delve into a homemade tray bake or delicious cheese board (with three local cheeses via Rennet and Rind) and a cup of coffee made from the best coffee beans from Stamford Coffee Company. Or, if you fancy something a little stronger, there are a host of English still and sparkling wines on offer. Make sure to check opening times ahead of your visit.
Continue the relaxation at Rutland Water witha gin cruise on the Rutland Belle starting at 5:30pm and lasting until 9pm. Tickets cost £50 per person and include a gin cocktail on arrival, individually boxed finger food, an acoustic guitarist, and a quiz! Gin’s include locally inspired flavours from Multum Gin Parvo.
After a jam-packed day. Head back, relax, and rest up for tomorrow…
Sunday
After a well-deserved lie-in, a Sunday pootle around the county is in order. Either utilise the cycle trail on our food map, or take a scenic drive to include around the county. Here’s a suggested 50 mile route on google maps (about 2 hours without stops) with plenty of temptation along the way, including:
Rutland Garden Village | Rutland Nursery | PYO Fruit Farm at Rutland Water | Rutland Vineyard | Harringworth Viaduct | Lyddington Bede House | Gates Farm Shop | Northfield Farm Shop | Whissendine Windmill | Rocks by Rail | Hambleton Bakery | Farmer Lou
Of course you can always add your own detours to take in the town’s if you missed them earlier.
As it’s Sunday, you may want to enjoy a Sunday Roast in one of our fantastic pubs or restaurants, or you could enjoy a Sunday Thali at Sarpech Indian Restaurant in Oakham which is a complete meal on a plate for £19.95 per person (open from 3pm).
With full bellies, it’s time to head home and start planning your next visit to Rutland! View our other itineraries here for inspiration.
Cost breakdown for 2 people
Accommodation for 2 nights: £220 – £260
Activities:
- Hoggy’s Grill Burger Class £120
- Rutland Belle Gin Cruise £100
- A delicious 150g bag of Warner’s Traditional Sweets £1.49
- A fresh loaf of Hambleton Sourdough £3.10
- A Collection of local cheeses from Otters £21
- Lunch in Oakham £13.95 – £28.30
- Sunday Thali £39.90
- Plus extra spending money 🙂
Total: £550