TV presenter Julia Bradbury, known for her work on BBC’s Countryfile and who has travelled across the UK and many parts of the world, is a big fan of the county and believes that we offer something for everyone here.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, then you’ll find lots of thing to enjoy in this rural retreat. Outdoor sports are extremely well catered for with plenty of walking and cycling routes available, plus fishing, golfing and the huge choice of watersports that take place on Rutland Water.

Rutland is a great place to pursue an interest in your surroundings, whether you have a passion for wildlife and nature, an enthusiasm for gardening or a keen interest in photography and landscape painting. There are two nature reserves around Rutland water, with many hides providing a great opportunity to spot a rare bird to two – or you can visit one of the many stunning gardens open to the public. Treat yourself to a trip to the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens – explore the gardens, take a gardening course and buy stunning plants to take home with you for a lovely reminder of happy memories in Rutland.

If you prefer to stay indoors there are plenty of places for you to explore too: theatres, art galleries and shopping in our two Market Towns that offer a huge variety of boutiques, farm shops and family run stores .

Rutland is very proud to offer visitors and locals an abundance of locally produced food and drink. There are numerous award winning pubs, restaurants and hotels in the county, with each able to inform you of the provenance of their menus.

Rutland is also a great base for you if you’re keen to explore the East Midlands. Many of the finest English stately homes are easy to reach from Rutland; museums, concerts, outdoor cinemas, sports facilities, family friendly attractions and things to do make our county a superb choice for you and your family.

Play the most outstanding golf in Rutland! With Panoramic views of Rutland Water you have a choice of the challenging 18 hole Championship Normanton course or nine par 3 holes on the Hambleton course.
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Two picturesque walks from the village of Exton, starting at The Fox and Hounds at the village green.
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Relax in the family friendly tearoom, serving delicious homemade meals and treats, wander the wild wood and browse a selection of boutique shops, all exclusive to this 210 year old windmill site.
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Keeping our minds and bodies active is vital in the upkeep of our mental health and Rutland is the perfect place to do so. Whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries in the great outdoors and get your brain focused on some arts and crafts, or get some adrenaline pumping with fun activities, you will never be stuck for things to do in Rutland.
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Rutland welcomed Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in May 2024, highlighting more reasons to visit Oakham and see the new Royal installations. Follow in their footsteps with this day itinerary below;
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Woolroom is the leading provider of natural, healthy sleep in the UK and is based locally in Oakham.  Using British wool in all its products it offers all natural and chemical free sleep products including mattresses, duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and protectors for both adults and children alike.  Whilst its whole product portfolio can be found on-line it also has a small showroom locally in Oakham which can be booked by appointment for personal consultations.
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Rutland’s best kept secret! In 2014, we celebrated 40 years in business as a wholesale plant nursery, so we decided to open our most ambitious project yet – the Garden Centre and Café. Focusing on a wide range of plants and core elements of gardening.
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Peter Barker Fine Art is an art gallery based in central Uppingham, Rutland’s core cultural and arts epicentre, exhibiting exceptional realistic and impressionistic art. The gallery is owned and run by award-winning professional landscape, marine and wildlife artist, Peter Barker and family.
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Part of the new Discover Rutland Food & Drink Map is this Northern Cycle Route of 24 miles, with a shorter 14 mile option. The route follows rural roads.
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Start Date: 01/01/2018

Rutland Farm Park, in Oakham, is a place for families, adults and schools to come and enjoy a fun day out. Children of all ages will be able to meet and learn all about our range of farm animals.
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Small traditional family-run nursery specialising in herbs but offering much more including wild flowers, cottage garden plants and scented-leaf Pelargoniums. Extensive collections of thyme, mint and lavender.
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Tim Norton’s is your friendly Bosch Car Service Centre in Oakham, offering a wide range of products to the motorist. Rutland has seen us grow from humble beginnings to our present location in Long Row, which boasts one of the best staffed and equipped garages in the county and is ideally situated near Oakham Train Station.
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Exploring Rutland Water by e-bike is a fantastic way to take in the stunning scenery at your own pace. With hire points available at several locations, it’s easy to hop on and set off along the picturesque cycling routes that wind around the reservoir.
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The magic of Tolethorpe is something special which we highly recommend you experience for yourselves. Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds in front of Tolethorpe Hall, then take your seat in the covered auditorium, and see an open-air stage like no other, with amateur productions from the extremely talented Stamford Shakespeare Company.
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THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN SEVENTY MINUTES! Highest Quality. Designed by original thinkers, beautifully built by skilled craftspeople.
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