Description
If you want to make sure you tick off the key Rutland highlights, make sure you go through our top 5…
- Uppingham for art & antiques
This quintessentially English market town has kept its old traditions and traders; the majority of Uppingham shops are still family run and provide a high level of personal service. You can find these on High Street and Market Place – but there are lots of unique retailers hidden away along ancient alleyways. Uppingham is renowned for its excellent range of antiques stores, fine art galleries and book shops, so you can pick up a piece of history, or marvel at the million pound masterpieces.
- You can’t miss Rutland Water!
Rutland Water lies at the very heart of the county of Rutland and is as spectacular in beauty as it is in size. Set in 4200 acres of open countryside makes it the largest man-made reservoir in Europe and an amazing spot for every type of water sport. Grab your wetsuits and test yourself on the AquaPark inflatable assault course, or if you don’t fancy getting wet, head aboard the Rutland Belle at Whitwell to take a leisure cruise across to the iconic Normanton Church.
- Relax in a country pub
Rutland is justly proud of its farming and agricultural background and it is thanks to this strong tradition of supporting local produce that there is an excellent selection of quality food and drink available in the county. The local pub is still an important feature of village life, which means you are never far away from a great place to eat.
- Oakham of old
A visit to Rutland would not be complete without enjoying sometime in the pretty county town of Oakham. If you like to shop, you will love the boutiques, art galleries and artisan jewellers. If you like history, follow the Oakham Heritage Trail and discover the hidden gems around town, starting at the excellent Rutland County Museum, it takes you to many historical buildings including Oakham Castle. If a relaxing pint is what you’re after, Oakham has its very own brewery: The Grainstore Brewery offers real ale drinkers a real treat, pop in and sample the many brews on tap.
- Get on your bike
One of the best ways to explore England’s most rural county is by bike. You can hire from Rutland Cycling at Whitwell or Normanton and enjoy the circular road free track around the water. The full route around the Rutland Water, including the peninsular is 23 miles, however if you miss the peninsular out it is approximately 17 miles. There are many fabulous rest-stops along the route to stop and have a break, either in a country pub, a handy cafe or, if you’ve brought your own refreshments, there is no end of great spots to stop and enjoy the views with a picnic!
