Rutland welcomed Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in May 2024, highlighting more reasons to visit Oakham and see the new Royal installations. Follow in their footsteps with this day itinerary below;
TV presenter Julia Bradbury, known for her work on BBC’s Countryfile and who has travelled across the UK and many parts of the world, is a big fan of the county and believes that we offer something for everyone here.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, then you’ll find lots of thing to enjoy in this rural retreat. Outdoor sports are extremely well catered for with plenty of walking and cycling routes available, plus fishing, golfing and the huge choice of watersports that take place on Rutland Water.
Rutland is a great place to pursue an interest in your surroundings, whether you have a passion for wildlife and nature, an enthusiasm for gardening or a keen interest in photography and landscape painting. There are two nature reserves around Rutland water, with many hides providing a great opportunity to spot a rare bird to two – or you can visit one of the many stunning gardens open to the public. Treat yourself to a trip to the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens – explore the gardens, take a gardening course and buy stunning plants to take home with you for a lovely reminder of happy memories in Rutland.
If you prefer to stay indoors there are plenty of places for you to explore too: theatres, art galleries and shopping in our two Market Towns that offer a huge variety of boutiques, farm shops and family run stores .
Rutland is very proud to offer visitors and locals an abundance of locally produced food and drink. There are numerous award winning pubs, restaurants and hotels in the county, with each able to inform you of the provenance of their menus.
Rutland is also a great base for you if you’re keen to explore the East Midlands. Many of the finest English stately homes are easy to reach from Rutland; museums, concerts, outdoor cinemas, sports facilities, family friendly attractions and things to do make our county a superb choice for you and your family.
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The 18 hole course is set in scenic countryside just south of Rutland. The course is a demanding challenge for all levels of golfers, which also has a proactive club and offers a varied programme of events and competitions throughout the year.
Rutland Water Open Water Swimming is a popular choice for both professional and recreational swimmers as well as those wanting to engage in group coaching sessions.
See fantastic national touring productions, comedy acts, music performances, local talent and much more in this new 400 seat theatre built within the shell of the original Corn Exchange Hall, or in the more intimate Theatre Lounge, seating 200.
Our family-run garden nursery, shop and restaurant is situated on the south shore of beautiful Rutland Water.
Fishing, birdwatching, walking, cycling, water sports – you name it – Rutland Water has it! Not only does it bring vital water resources for the surrounding regions, but it also provides a fantastic day out for all the family.
Oakham is home to the first permanent memorial to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was unveiled in April 2024 on what would have been her 98th birthday. Placed in Oakham Library gardens, the statue is accessible from the town footpath.
Jimmy’s Rutland Smokehouse was born over 10 years ago at The Kings Arms in Wing. It was the seasonal glut of Trout (and the need to preserve them) that got the ball rolling, and now you can pre-order a selection of tempting goodies and collect them onsite.
As the nights draw in and thoughts turn to staying indoors and the long, dark winter stretches ahead, we’ve got a real treat in store for you. Pack a weekend bag and head for the medieval charms of Uppingham.
The Rutland Gallery is an exciting contemporary art gallery located in the historic town of Uppingham, Rutland. The gallery exhibits work by both established artists and the leading emerging artists.
The award winning Castle and stunning grounds have been readied for the new season.
A place to find affordable pieces of practical and quirky items for the home, both large and small.
Otters Fine Foods brings a new dimension to the food shopping experience. We offer the most wonderful naturally smoked fish, meats and cheeses, all smoked using traditional methods with no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.
A single site vineyard in between two valleys located on Jurassic limestone soil.
Relax in the family friendly tearoom, serving delicious homemade meals and treats, wander the wild wood and browse a selection of boutique shops, all exclusive to this 210 year old windmill site.
Pack your bucket and spade and head to Rutland Water beach – the 1st inland bathing water location in England to have a Blue Flag and Seaside Award!
