Rutland is famous for being the smallest county in the UK, but despite its size, the county really packs a punch for things to do.
Rutland is a great option for those looking for active activities and things to do, the county is also home to Rutland Water: the largest man-made lake in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe.
But don’t worry if you’re not looking for watersports, there are plenty of things to do in Rutland and places to visit in Rutland that are perfect for a day out or a weekend getaway.
Use this guide to plan your Rutland itinerary!
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Rutland: Things to do
Get out on the Water at Rutland Water
Of course, a visit to Rutland isn’t complete without seeing Rutland Water, things to do here are countless!
Whether you want to get out on the water or not, there are plenty of things to do at Rutland Water, both on and off the water!
Check out their website to book watersport activities:
- Kayaking
- Windsurfing
- Sailing
- Canoeing
There are regular sessions with qualified instructors to take you out on the water whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
There are a few locations for renting equipment around the reservoir since it’s so big! But the Whitwell Watersports Centre has a first-come-first-serve rental for canoes, kayaks and SUPs if you want to head out on the water yourself or with your group for a relaxed day on the water.
If you’re not a fan of being on the water, there’s plenty of things to do around The Water too:
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Walking
- Wildlife spotting
- Sightseeing
There are countless walks to do in the area which covers over 4000 acres.
For the ambitious walkers, the entire route around Rutland Water is 24 miles or 16 miles if you skip the Hambleton Peninsula.
But don’t worry if that sounds like too much, pick up a walking map from the visitor’s centre at Sykes Lane and check out the many other walks.
The walk from the visitor’s centre to the picturesque Normanton Church is just 2 miles each direction and a great way to see the reservoir, enjoy nature and see the stunning Church.
Cycle around Rutland Water
Cycling is a great way to see Rutland Water and to get around and see things to do near Rutland Water, especially if you want to enjoy nature but aren’t a fan of walking.
You can bring your own bike or you have the choice to hire a bike at one of the two locations at Rutland Water. Whitwell on the North Shore or Normanton on the South Shore both have bike rental stores open 7 days a week and full day rental is just £24.99.
There are several options ranging from the standard mountain bike to electric bikes to tandems and kids bikes.
Visit the picturesque village of Exton, Rutland
Exton is a stunning, picture perfect village that has to be seen!
From the pristine village green and country pubs to thatched cottages and peaceful country setting, visiting Exton is perfect for those who love the quintessential village style.
It’s a UK photographer’s dream too, with idyllic thatched cottages covered in climbing wisteria and roses.
There are a few Exton walks you can go on to take in this beautiful village as part of a countryside ramble.
Check out the walks from Whitwell to Exton – a lovely way to spend an afternoon and perhaps you can end your walk here at Exton’s pub!
See the windmill at Whissendine
If you’re looking for more unusual Rutland attractions, the county is also home to a fully operational 19th century windmill which still produces flour. It stood for decades until its current owner bought it in 1995 and restored it to full functionality.
You can visit the windmill for free when it’s running. Its flour is sold at the village store.
Go walking
Walking has already been covered for the area around Rutland Water, but the county is full of countryside walks to enjoy between the small towns and villages too.
There are countless walks and public footpaths – check out the right of way footpaths on the Rutland Council website or follow the countryside trails and roads near you – there are so many to discover!
Asking locals at your accommodation or hotel is also a great way to get off the beaten track and discover the favourite walks or locals.
Explore the market town of Oakham
Oakham is a historic market town which is over 1000 years old.
Oakham is one of only two towns in the whole county and is a great base for your time in Rutland, with accommodation options, things to do and plenty of choice for food and drink.
In Oakham, explore the Buttercross and old Market Place, don’t miss the amazing goodies at Curtis Bakery if you’re looking for a snack. Or for a lunchtime pub trip or evening meal, The Lord Nelson is perfect and has great outdoor seating too.
For brewery fans, don’t miss the Grainstore Brewery & Tap.
For other things to do in Oakham, there’s the Rutland County Museum, Rutland Castle and Farm Park for kids.
Enjoy pub dinner at one of the best pubs in Rutland
If you’re looking for places to visit near Oakham, head to Braunston which is less than 10 minutes drive.
The beautiful village itself is well worth exploring, but the village pub – The Blue Ball – is an award winning country pub and finalist in the Great Food Awards 20/21. So it’s a must-visit if you’re searching for places to eat in Rutland!
The quintessential English pub interior is complemented by the thatched roof and lovely outdoor area, perfect for a casual drink or evening dinner in a picturesque village.
Visit Barnsdale Gardens
For those who are green fingered and planning things to do near Oakham, Barnsdale Gardens is a great option, with beautifully landscaped gardens, the biggest selection of plants in the UK, a plant nursery you can purchase from and a tearoom.
This is an award winning garden, being awarded UK’s number one garden in 2019.
Entry to the plant nursery and tearoom is free. Entry to the Gardens varies between the high and the low season so check the website for the latest prices and opening times.
Visit Uppingham Galleries
Uppingham is the second town in Rutland and for things to do in Uppingham, it’s a treasure trove for art lovers.
The town is home to Goldmark Gallery, Woodbine Contemporary Arts, North Street East Gallery and the Rutland Antique & Arts Centre.
Experience the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre
A great activity for families and kids to enjoy is the Falconry and Owl centre a few minutes outside of Oakham.
Admission is just £7 for adults and £4 for children. Family tickets are £19.
Here you can hold birds of prey and interact with them. They also have a big cat project which provides sanctuary for big cats no longer suitable for breeding programmes. Dates to see the big cats are limited to just a few dates a year so check availability on the website to book this experience in advance.
Summary: Rutland Things To Do
Hopefully this guide has helped you plan things to do in Rutland to suit you and your trip.
Rutland is a great place to visit all year round and is an underrated UK destination, especially for those who do watersports or enjoy lake walking. Rutland is a great alternative to places like the Lake District and perfect for days out or weekends away in the Midlands.
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