Welcome to discover-rutland.co.uk
This is the official tourism website for Rutland
Rutland is an excellent choice for group visits with its rural aspect and welcoming environment and whether you visit for business or pleasure, groups are well catered for. Let us help to advise you on suitable accommodation and places to eat and drink. If you're looking for a convenient sandwich stop, a hearty evening meal or perhaps you need to know where's best for your group to stay, we can help.
Leisure Groups
Special interest groups will discover that there are plenty of reasons to visit Rutland. Garden enthusiasts will probably already know that the famous Barnsdale Gardens is set within the county; but there are also lots of specialist garden centres and beautiful landscapes to admire. Those with a passion for antiques and collectables will be spoilt for choice in the pretty market towns of Oakham and Uppingham. Active groups can spend a weekend on Rutland Water, trying out watersports under the careful eye of professional instructors. History buffs will be able to immerse themselves in rich heritage and learn about the wonderfully preserved historic buildings here.
The market towns of Uppingham and Oakham make ideal places for a coach group to stretch their legs. There are plenty of interesting and unusual places to visit and purchase gifts and souvenirs, and a number of historic buildings and attractions are within walking distance. Outside of the towns, coaches are welcome at most attractions including Barnsdale Gardens, The Rutland Falconry & Owl Centre, and Rutland Water.
Accommodation-wise, there are many hotels which cater superbly for the groups market, and are able to accommodate individual requirements of each group in a beautifully rural setting. If you prefer a smaller place to stay and your group knows each other well, why not consider booking up a couple of holiday cottages or bed and breakfasts? Accommodation around popular events such as The British Birdwatching Fair and Burghley Horse Trials gets booked up quickly, so it is recommended that you book well in advance if you wish visit during these times.
For recommended short break itineraries to make the most of your visit, please contact tourism@rutland.gov.uk
For further tourist information please contact the Tourist Information Centre at Sykes Lane Empingham on 01780 686800or email tic@anglianwater.co.uk
Business Groups & Conferences
Rutland is the perfect place to hold your conference or seminar; situated in a tranquil rural location which is conducive to discussions and learning, but with ease of access to main roads such as the A1 and A47 and accessible by rail too.
There are a number of fine hotels in the county with fully equipped, modern conferencing facilities, training rooms and catering facilities tailored to suit your needs. Venues here are flexible in their approach and are easily able to cater for a range of groups from small numbers to over two hundred people, so there will be somewhere to suit your needs ideally. Each hotel or conference facility is indvidual in its style and offering but does not compromise on quality. A dedicated conference guide for Rutland has been produced by Rutland Business, providing full information about the county's conferencing venues and facilities.. Copies are available by telephoning the Conference Desk on 0845 838 7885 or emailing enquiries@rutlandbusiness.co.uk.
Some of the big attractions through 2010 include:
East Midlands International CiCLE Classic Event
Rutland Open Air Theatre at Tolethorpe Hall
Oakham Festival & Uppingham Fringe
We recommend booking accommodation well in advance, particularly around The British Birdwatching Fair (August) and Burghley Horse Trials (September).
Coach parking is available at Kilburn Road Coach Park in Oakham. To find out where this is, as well as other car parks in the county, please visit Rutland County Council's website and type 'car parks' into the search criteria.
For further information on group travel and for suggested itineraries, please contact us, or the Tourist Information Centre at Sykes Lane Empingham on 01780 686800.
