Oakham is a unique place as it has one of the oldest continually active courts in England. There are numerous sites linked to crime and punishment and the last remaining New Drop Gallows in England, all within a short walk.
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.
Featured Listings
Connie makes beautiful items for every day home and table ware – designed with function, purpose and beauty in mind. Using simple forms which Connie enhances with different techniques such as carvings, patterns, colours and textures.
Connie has a very clear vision of her pieces in her mind, which constantly challenge and drive her.
The Rutland Showground
Rutland has a plethora of offerings to keep youngsters amused – and their parents as serene as possible – through the spring and summer season.
A place to find affordable pieces of practical and quirky items for the home, both large and small.
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;
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.
A family-owned, independent garden centre with a restaurant and cakery on the outskirts of Oakham, located within a selection of tempting shops at Rutland Garden Village courtyard with children’s play area.
One of the best ways to experience Rutland Water is to enjoy a cruise on the only the Rutland Belle. With space for up to 110 passengers, 60 of those places in the under-cover saloon and the remaining on the open top deck.
Award winning farm shop, butchery and eatery just south of Rutland, New Lodge Farm has been owned by the Singlehurst family for over 100 years, focusing on cattle and sheep production by using traditional organic methods of farming.
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.
14/04/2025
Join us for an exciting Easter adventure trail on the Lyndon Nature Reserve – the home of the Rutland Osprey! This family-friendly trail and walk is perfect for beginners and nature lovers of all ages. Wander along the nature reserve path, learning all about the Ospreys that call Rutland Water home.
Inspired by the Rutland county motto Multum-in-Parvo or Much-in-Little, we designed a range of Gins to capture the essence of this wonderful area. Using ingredients that have been sourced locally, we’ve come up with some beautiful and unique gin flavours that we hope you enjoy as much as we do.
Award winning family run Garden Centre for all things plants, food, lifestyle, garden and home. Open 7 days a week.
THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN SEVENTY MINUTES!
Highest Quality. Designed by original thinkers, beautifully built by skilled craftspeople.
Start Date: 01/01/2019
Enjoy learning a new skill, hobby or language in our informal hands-on workshops! Develop your skills, confidence and knowledge and try new things.