It may be the smallest county in the UK, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do in Rutland. Based in the heart of the country, Rutland offers beautiful countryside, quaint little towns and a variety of activities that you can get involved in.
Of course, Rutland Water tends to be a big attraction of the county. Built in the 1970s and the largest man-made reservoir in the country, Rutland water plays host to a number of great organisations. Try your hand at water sports at the water sports centre on the north shore or sailing at Edith Weston and make a splash every summer at the Aqua Park - a very popular attraction on the long, hot days of summer. There's also cycling from our Rutland Cycling Hire Centres located at Whitwell and Normanton. If you still have time to spare, there's Lyndon nature reserve and the chance to see the Ospreys if you time your visit correctly! And when the day is done there's a lot of lovely restaurants dotted all round the county to fulfil all your culinary needs.
Useful Links
You could also visit one of the many pretty villages and stop at the cosy traditional pubs and churches. The towns of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford (technically in Lincolnshire but very close!) provide lots of modern amenities such as a swimming pool, supermarkets and lots of shops - both well known chains and independent retailers. The castle in Oakham is a brilliant place to learn more about the history of the area along with the museum at the other end of the town.
Our favourite local Businesses and organisations
Rutland Cookery School
Rutland Cookery School has been established by acclaimed chef Robin Stewart so he can share his love of cookery and pass on tips, techniques, short cuts and insights which he has learned during his career working in professional, 5* kitchens. Based just outside Oakham in purpose built kitchens, Rutland Cookery School caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced cooks and offers an array of courses from bread making to vegetarian, essential kitchen skills to Italian, knife skills to patisserie.
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Leicestershire & Rutland Sport (LRS)
A local network and support team for physical activity and sport across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland working as a partnership with the local authorities of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (LLR) and a range of partners including Schools, School Sport & Physical Activity Networks (SSPANs), local and national organisations, clubs, coaches and volunteers. Their main objectives:
- Getting more people to take part in physical activity and sport.
- Improving our citizen's physical and mental well-being.
- Developing our paid and unpaid workforce.
- Creating a strong voice for physical activity and sport.
- Building a physical activity and sport environment that is safe, fair and customer focused.
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Grafham Village
Although technically in Cambridgeshire, Grafham feels local to us here at Rutland Cycles due to our Grafham bike store. This handy little website keeps you up to date with all the events and happenings in and around Grafham - providing a great service to local resident and visitors alike by promoting local events that may normally fly under the radar.
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Farmstay.co.uk
Farm Stay UK is a �Not-For-Profit� farmer owned consortium, registered under the Industrial & Provident Societies Act. The main objective is to more effectively market the accommodation provided by its members thus helping increase occupancy rates and incomes. Farm Stay UK is the market leader in its field, recognised for its innovation and success within the tourism industry at home and abroad. Farm Stay UK is committed to providing quality accommodation to its guests, working closely with both national and local tourism agencies and currently with over 1000 accommodation businesses. A regional and local structure still exists to this day to promote better co-operation and best practise at a local level. Our members are in all corners of the UK across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Their purpose:
- To promote the concept of farm tourism in the UK
- To help members expand their businesses through pro-active marketing/sales support
- To assist farmers in broadening their income base through diversification
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Southwestlincs.com
An excellent website that gives you all the information you need when visiting our local towns. From shopping to fishing - there really is something for everyone. A fantastic site that keeps you informed about seasonal events and also about the best things are great county has to offer visitors and local alike
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Extonbury
Rutland's answer to one of the most infamous music festivals in the world, Extonbury never fails to disappoint. A great annual event combining the best of Rutland's music, food and culture in one brilliant day out! Extremely popular over the last few years, this years Extonbury promises to be better than ever!
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Exton Village Hall
In one of Rutland's most beautiful villages, Exton Village Hall is a great venue for clubs, parties, dance classes or any other social activity. Fully heated with two function rooms and a well equipped kitchen they can provide the perfect venue for any event.
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Want to know more? Click here to visit Discover Rutland's website for a full in depth review of everything happening in our great county.