Rutland Water is the largest man-madelake in England (by surface area) and is considered one of the best designed, both aesthetically and environmentally. With over 3,000 acres of countryside, there are plenty of activities found on and around the water for families, couples and individuals wishing to explore.From walking to sightseeing, the water has it all.
If water sports are your thing, look no further.Rutland Watersports Centre is a great place to experience paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing;there’s something for all ages and abilities.You can hire Canoes, kayaks, SUP’s, katakanus and row boats on a first come first served basis from Whitwell’s Watersports Centre. For Sailing boat and windsurfing equipment hire 24hrs pre-booking is required which you can book directly on the phone. Keen sailors also have the option to bring their own equipment to use with a launch permit.Look out for the Rutland Belle, which you may spot taking visitors on tours across the water from April until the end of October.
Cycling around Rutland Water is a favourite activity amongst locals and visitors, the mainly off road circular route is 23 miles – or you can miss out the peninsular to make it 17 miles. Cycle hire is available from Whitwell, or bring your own bike and enjoy one of the best cycle routes in England! There are some excellent pubs en-route, such as The Horse & Jockey at Manton, where you can reward yourself with some refreshment, or the handy cafe’s on the waters edge at Normanton (Waterside Cafe) and Whitwell (Harbour Cafe).
For those who prefer a slower pace, the Rutland Water Nature Reserve is internationally famous and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, regularly holding in excess of 25,000 waterfowl. Home to the Rutland Osprey Project, it is a fantastic place for birding and getting closer to nature. It also made international news in 2022 for uncovering the fossil of the Rutland Sea Dragon – Britain’s largest complete fossil of an Ichthyosaur.
The reserve occupies shoreline and shallow water lagoons along 9 miles of the western end of Rutland Water and covers a total area of 1000 acres. There are over 30 bird watching hides (many of them accessible for wheelchairs/pushchairs) and nature trails from two visitor centres with experts to help you with identification;
The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre at Egleton (LE15 8BT), is the main gateway to the larger part of the reserve where you can discover a huge variety of birds and wildlife and visit the many hides. The visitor centre offers fantastic views, gift shop, optics shop, interactive information and some light refreshment.Lyndon Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre (LE15 8RN) lies on the south shore of the reservoir. Enjoy hearing the stories of the Rutland Osprey Project in the visitor centre (complete with facilities, refreshments and a shop), then enjoy a walk through the meadows, stopping off at a hide or two on the way, to Manton Bay – and see nesting ospreys for yourself.
Rutland Water offers some of the best fishing in the region, if not the UK, and is a true haven for anglers. Trout in the reservoir can grow up to an amazing 15lbs, and huge Pike, that can grow up to 40lbs, lurk beneath the water. The reservoir not only attracts leisure anglers but also plays host to some top level competitions attracting discerning anglers from far and wide.Fishing novices need not worry though – fly-fishing tuition is available from friendly guides at Rutland Water Fishing Lodge, offering everything that’s needed for a day’s fishing. It’s not necessary to bring anything except perhaps some wellie boots!
Remember to obtain your fishing permit from local tackle shops or alternatively from the Vendor Huts at Normanton car park or at Whitwell car park at Rutland Water. In addition to the normal fishing permits needed within Rutland, you can also obtain ‘Predator Permits’ (both annual and daily). These have proved very popular and double-figure Pike, as well as Trout and Zander, are regularly caught at both Grafham and Rutland Waters.Located at Normanton, The Fishing Lodge is able to supply everything that’s essential to get started in this exciting sport including tuition from professional guides, tackle and motor-boat hire.
Perhaps one of the most iconic features of Rutland Water is Normanton Church which was saved from demolition back in 1970 when plans were outlined to flood the area to create the Rutland Water we have come to know and love today. The church now sits safely on a new level of rubble topped with concrete above water level, on its own peninsular. It is a spectacular sight to behold and creates a picture-perfect backdrop for your Rutland selfie.
Come rain or shine Rutland Water offers a plethora of things to do, so why don’t you plan your next break or day out to one of England’s finest landmarks?!
