The Local Area
Rutland is the smallest county in England, measuring just 16 miles square. It is thought to be at the ‘heart of England’, conveniently located in the East Midlands. Just one hour from London by train (from Peterborough or Kettering stations), Places to visit:
Rutland is probably best known for Rutland Water, a beautiful 3,100 acre reservoir, the largest man-made lake in Western Europe. It offers a vast range of sports and leisure opportunities including cycling along miles of traffic free paths, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, golf, a nature reserve and bird sanctuary.
There are a range of places to visit around the water, including: Rutland Water Nature Reserve (including the birdwatching centre & Osprey project), Rutland Water Cycling (a hire centre and shop), Rutland Water Fly Fishing (which provides flyfishing tuition, guided trips and coaching), the Rutland Sailing Club (for windsurfing and dingy sailing), The Rock Blok (an outdoor climbing adventure centre) and the Butterfly Farm and Aquatic Centre.
Uppingham is probably most famous for its public school, founded in 1584. Tours of the school are available. The School Theatre is very popular and the annual ‘Upp-the-Arts’ is a theatrical and musical festival that attracts famous actors, comedians and musicians. Uppingham is also well known for its antique shops (notably the Antique Centre), galleries (Goldmark Gallery) and boutiques.
Oakham is Rutland’s County town. As well as shopping and sightseeing, visitors can enjoy taking in the splendid Great Hall of Oakham Castle (one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture in England) which boasts a display of horseshoes presented by all visiting Royals when they pass through the county.
 |
 |
 |
- For gardeners: The late Geoff Hamilton's famous Barnsdale Gardens
- For car enthusiasts: Rockingham Speedway
- For history lovers: Rockingham Castle, Belvoir Castle & Burghley House (where the last Pride and Prejudice movie was filmed)
- For shoppers: Stamford has a range of delightful individual shops & boutiques
- For fishermen: Eyebrook Reservoir is another reservoir nearby which offers excellent trout fishing
We are particularly lucky to have, in the local area, a wide range of really good places to eat!
Uppingham boasts a range of good places to eat out, including three local pubs, a French inspired restaurant, a brassiere and a tea shop (Baines bakery and tea shop is a local institution). There is also an excellent Chinese restaurant and take-away (Choys) , specialising in Chinese, Thai and Malay food, as well as an award winning fish and chip shop.
There are many more excellent places to try a short drive away including:
Hambledon Hall, one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, is just 10 minutes drive away and is renowned for its restaurant run by Aaron Pattinson.
- The award winning pub, The Olive Branch, is only 20 minutes drive.
- The well-known George Hotel at Stamford.
