……plan your explorations of Castles, Stately Homes and Gardens
Rutland is England’s smallest county and is an idyllic rural destination to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life
Rutland Water
Rutland Water is set within three thousand acres of beautiful countryside on the borders of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The reservoir was built in the 1970’s to supply water to the growing populations and industry in the East Midlands. It now also offers a range of outdoor leisure pursuits, a world renowned nature reserve and 25 miles of track for cycling and walking
The internationally famous nature reserve provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries. There is over 30 bird watching hides and nature trails from two visitor centres and is home to the British Bird Watching Fair each year in August
Ospreys breed in and around Rutland water and are regularly seen over the reservoir between April and September
www.lrwt.org.uk/rutlandospreys
Hire a bike and cycle through the beautiful countryside, along traffic-free tracks, purpose built, nature spotting and enjoying the fresh air.
Rutland Sailing School specialises in dinghy and catamaran sailing offering training and instruction for a range of abilities by professional staff .
www.rutlandsailingschool.co.uk
Enjoy trout fishing from the shore or from hired boats. Have an introduction to fly fishing and receive friendly, helpful tuition. Or for more experienced anglers arrange to fish with a world class expert
Enjoy the scenery from the water by taking a boat trip on the Rutland belle. Depart from Whitwell on the North shore and call at Normanton South shore to enable you to spend some time on the opposite shore. Or why not book a place on one of the Osprey and Wildlife cruises.
Barnsdale Gardens
These gardens, designed by Geoff Hamilton the former presenter of BBC Gardner’s World until his death in 1996, are open to the public. There is also a nursery selling a range of plants, a coffee shop and a gift shop.
Rutland Hall
Situated on the west shore of Rutland Water it has spectacular views whilst enjoying pitch and putt or lawn bowls. Other outdoor activities include tennis, crazy golf and children’s outdoor play area. The leisure and fitness club within the complex has a swimming pool, steam room and Jacuzzi, gym and health spa. A days membership is required and can be organised to used all of these facilities.
Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre
View at close proximity a collection of both native and foreign birds of prey, sit and listen to the songbirds, stroll further on into the various habitats via grassy woodland walks and open field perimeter tracks to delight with the sights and sounds of woodland animals, wildlife and plant species.
Local Towns
Oakham
Uppingham
Stamford
Visit the market town of Stamford. Stroll around the small shops and open market stalls taking in the architecture of the 19?? stone buildings. Enjoy lunch in one of the eateries or take afternoon tea at the George Hotel. In the evening enjoy a drink followed by dinner in one of the many restaurants that cater for a wide range of ethnic foods.
Stamford Arts Centre
The centre provides a variety of theatre, music, film, dance and art and also accommodates the tourist information centre and gift shop in the Georgian building located near to the pedestrianised High Street with parking nearby. A variety of hot and cold snacks are available in the coffee shop and the Cellar Bar is open in the evenings to enjoy a drink.
Burghley House
Take a tour around this stunning 16th century house built by the first Lord Burghley, William Cecil. Explore the gardens and enjoy a walk in the grounds before taking lunch or afternoon tea in the Orangery Restaurant
Easton Walled Gardens, Near Stamford
01476 530063 www.visiteaston.co.uk
Discover the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of Lincolnshire’s ‘lost garden’. Have a light lunch or a homemade cake in the tearoom and browse the shop stocked with seasonal gifts. Postcode: NG33 5AP
Tolethorpe
Box office: Stamford Arts Centre or visit www.stamfordartscentre.com
The Stamford Shakespeare Company present an annual season of plays in June, July and August, on an open air stage, in the enchanting grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall. Enquire about ticket availability at Stamford Art Centre or book online
Sacrewell Farm
This working farm has something to please everyone whatever the weather– farm animals, tractor rides, 18th century watermill, wildlife trails and rambles, indoor playbarn and outdoor play park
English Heritage
Bede House Lyddington
National Trust
Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire
01476 566116 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/belton-house
A classic English country-house estate set in formal Italian and Dutch gardens and a deer park. The estate also includes a restaurant, cafe, indoor play area and outdoor adventure playground, gift and garden shop. Postcode: NG32 2 LS
Woolsthorpe Manor, Water Lane, Woolesthorpe by Colsterworth, Lincolnshire
01476 860338 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/woolsthorpe-manor
Visit the family home and birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and see the famous apple tree that inspired his thoughts about gravity and where he made important discoveries about light and gravity. Postcode: NG33 5PD
