If you want to be kept up to date with what's going on in Rutland, sign up to receive the Discover Rutland e-newsletter. You won't be bombarded with junk mail, but you will get useful information and special offers about once a month.

Click here to sign up Or email tourism@rutland.gov.uk with that request.

Summer is on it's way!

Rutland Walking Festival 2012

This weekend sees the start of a fortnight of walks celebrating the beautiful countryside in England's most rural county. Join us from Sunday 20th May to Saturday 2nd June for two weeks of different length walks exploring Rutland. View the programme of walks here - or if you would like to receive a copy and any other Rutland information request a brochure

If you would like to walk the 64 mile circular around the county of Rutland in seven sections, with the auther of the route Jone Williams - 'Walk the Rutland Round' from 27th May - 2nd June. Each section is around 10 miles or under, you will park at the finish of each section and a bus will take you to the start. Booking is essential. More information of the Festival page.

The Ospreys are back!

Now in it's eighteenth year, the Rutland Osprey Project has again been rewarded with three nesting pairs at Rutland Water. Following the incredible journey these birds have made from West Africa, they are now settling back in at Rutland Water, with addictive blogs and updates from the volunteers, you will soon know all about the soap-opera type drama's that occur with these creatures!

The Ospreys at the Manton Bay nest are now caring for two eggs, and you can follow their progress with the live web-cam at www.ospreys.org.uk Better still, you can visit the centre at Lyndon, where you can find out more about these magnificent birds and see if you can spot them from the various hides around the water. The eggs are expected to hatch around the 20th May, so come and see the new family of Ospreys later this month.

New Rutland Water Visitor Centre with Mini Golf!

Mini Golf at Rutland Water Make sure you pop into the new interactive Rutland Water Visitor Centre on your next visit to Rutland. There are lots for kids to get their hands on, with items telling the history of Rutland Water and explaining the wildlife on the nature reserve, plus a fantastic mini golf course providing fun for the whole family. Not forgetting the array of local information you can pick up to plan your stay in the area.

Sykes Lane, Empingham, Rutland, LE15 8QL | 01780 686800

Oakham Festival - 15th June to 1st July 2012

Singer at Oakham Festival Oakham Festival offers an eclectic mix of music, drama, dance, exhibitions, compeititions and comedy. Events include: Comedy from ITV show winner Patrick Monaham - Theatre performances such as Oliver and James & The Giant Peach - Music of all shapes and sizes, from Freddie Mercury & Queen Tribute to the Festival Orchestra COncert and the Sonny Society Jazz Band.

Celebrate the Arts in Oakham, there's something for every one. View the Oakham Festival programme here.

Did you know...

Nurdling in Rutland Rutland hosts the annual World Championship of Nurdling! Nurdling dates back to the middle ages, competitors throw old pennies on to a drilled hole in a wooden seat. This takes place at The Jackson Stops in Stretton and the winner is known as the 'Best Tosser'.

The Nurdling World Championship 2012 is on Saturday 26th May. The Jackson Stops, Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7RA | 01780 410237 | www.thejacksonstops.com

2012 Celebratory Offers

There are lots of reason to celebrate this year, and where better to get into the 'Best of British' mood than in England's most rural county. Take a look at the Jubilee and 2012 Games offers and availability in Rutland with money off accommodation and things to do.

View the Best of British Breaks in Rutland here.

Discover Rutland Money Saving Vouchers

There is a page full of great money saving vouchers in the 2012 Discover Rutland Visitor Guide, including: Rutland Fly Fishing

Activities:

22% off a full day's fishing experience for two people with Rutland Water Fly Fishing

10% off entry on the Rutland Belle cruiser on Rutland Water

10% off outdoor activity taster sessions with Outdoor Adventure at Rutland Water Rutland 8 Yachts sailing

20% off Cycle Hire with Rutland Cycling

Free Upgrade from 3 hour cycle hire to all day hire at Grimsthorpe Castle

£55 for 2 hour Sailing Experience & three course meal with Rutland 8 Yachts and The Horse & Jockey, Manton

20% off food in the lovely tea room at Barnsdale Gardens Greetham lodges

Accommodation:

20% off standard self catering tariffs with Greetham Valley Holiday Breaks, Greetham

3 nights for the price of 2 at Spanhoe Lodge, 5* guesthouse near Harringworth

25% off accommodation at Barnsdale Hall Hotel, on the shores of Rutland Water Tithe Barn

£10 off the standard B&B rate at 3* Belton Old Rectory, Belton

Free Welcome Hamper with a three night stay at The Tithe Barn, Cottesmore

To recieve these vouchers and find out the relevant terms and conditions, request a brochure./useful-info/brochure-request

More dates for your diary

We've got lots of events happening this year, see what takes your fancy from the list below...

Rutland Walking Festival 2012: Sunday May 20th – Sunday June 2nd
Bigger and Better than ever before… Come and enjoy the picturesque countryside that Rutland has to offer with the variety of walks taking place over 2 weeks. www.discover-rutland.co.uk

Cider & Sausage Festival: Thursday 31st May - Monday 4th June
Join The Grainstore Brewery, as they go a bit ‘West Country’, by celebrating all that is great about English Cider and Sausages with the 2nd Rutland Cider & Sausage Festival. Featuring some great live entertainment each night, the 'National Leg Wrestling Championships' and loads of great sausages cooked in loads of different ways! www.grainstorebrewery.com

Rutland County Show: Sunday 3rd June 2012
A lovely rural show which is a firm favourite in the Rutland calendar. The show includes a range of animal showing classes, country stalls, funfair and a wide variety of displays such as vintage cars and agricultural machinery. Showcasing the best of Rutland, this show is not to be missed. www.rutlandcountyshow.co.uk

The British Birdwatching Fair – ‘Birdfair’: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th August 2012
A popular international event which encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry, whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. www.birdfair.org.uk

Grainstore Brewery Beer Festival: Friday 24th – Monday 27th August 2012
The Rutland Beer Festival held at The Grain Store Brewery, brings together a wide range of real ales from around the UK. Featuring over 70 Real Ales also they offer a wide selection of traditional ciders. www.grainstorebrewery.com

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials: Thursday, 30th August – Sunday, 2nd September 2012
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is a very popular social event in the sporting calendar. Set in the stunning parkland of Burghley House, Stamford the Horse Trials is an unforgettable Event for all to enjoy. www.burghley-horse.co.uk

Rutland Food Festival: Saturday 15th September
A celebration of all the wonderful food and drink on offer in and around Rutland. Come and sample thirst quenching ciders and beers, nibble on pork pies and cheeses and savour organic freshly cooked sausages and Dexter old spot burgers. www.discover-rutland.co.uk