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.

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.

Start Date: 04/01/2010

Set beside the church of the picturesque ironstone village of Lyddington, Lyddington Bede House originated as the medieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln.
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.
It’s the perfect time to discover Rutland – let the clean air fill your lungs and focus on relaxing with those you love, you can ease into a slower pace and really savour every experience with mouth-watering meals and Rutland’s unbeatable hospitality.
Crowning a hill outside the county of Rutland, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir like an illustration in a romantic fairy-tale. There is something for everyone with our parklands, Retail Village, Adventure Playground & more!
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.

05/04/2025 - 28/04/2025

Roll Up, Roll Up! The Easter Circus Adventure Trail is Here! Step right up to our circus-themed Easter Trail in the Adventure Playground at Belvoir Castle!
Tucked away off the Market Place in Oakham, and backing onto Cutts Close Park, there is also a cafe on the grounds (check separate opening times).
Global Birding aims to inspire birdwatchers to come together as a global community and celebrate birds, by participating in birdwatching, birdwatching events, citizen science and conservation. The major event is Global Birdfair 14-16 July 2023  which attracts a multitude of exhibitors and visitors who are passionate about conserving nature worldwide. Global Birding is the brainchild of Tim Appleton MBE, co-founder of the first and biggest Birdfair which he ran for 31 years.  Prior to creating and managing Rutland Water Nature Reserve, he worked for Sir Peter Scott at the world famous Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Rutland’s most famous landmark was saved from flooding when Rutland Water was created in the 1970s. Now with the floor raised almost half way up the church, it is a fascinating building with a unique history.
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.
Two circular walking routes taking in the countryside around Empingham and Rutland Water, starting at The White Horse.
Peterborough Cathedral is widely recognised as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. It is the burial place of Katharine of Aragon and also Mary, Queen of Scots, who was later reinterred at Westminster Abbey.
Part of the new Discover Rutland Food & Drink Map is this Northern Cycle Route of 24 miles, with a shorter 14 mile option. The route follows rural roads.

17/04/2025 - 21/04/2025

Join us this Easter for our exciting BRAND NEW event taking place across the entire bank holiday weekend! Packed with fun activities and challenges, it’s an experience the whole family will love.