What to do in Rutland

Rutland is one of Britain’s smallest counties, but it is still packed with sites of historic and aesthetic appeal. We spent one day here so it was a dog friendly highlight tour of Rutland for us.

Rutland Water Reservoir

Set around beautiful Rutland Water and covering 4,200 acres of open countryside, the park offers everything from walking and cycling to fishing and watersports. It is surrounded by a 25 mile path along its perimeter, part of which includes the Rutland Water Nature Reserve to the south-west. You can also take a cruise on the Rutland Belle and get a different view of the reservoir. We had a wonderful walk here just chatting away to each other, it wasn’t too busy but then we did visit in February.

Parking charges start at 1hr for £1.70, 3hrs for £4, 5hrs for £8 and 5+ for £10.

We drove through many of the local villages to get a real feel for Rutland, these are the ones we recommend. If you can stop in then to explore that would be better, we didn’t with having Barney in the car.

Oakham

Oakham is the county town. Apart from being close to Rutland Water, it has many historic sites around the town. Firstly there is Oakham Castle, and the adjoining All Saint’s Church. Near the Church is Oakham School, founded in 1584, and still in use today. It faces Oakham’s current marketplace, which has a Buttercross and contains stocks under its shingled roof. The popular market is still held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and provides a nostalgic impression of an English market town.

Hambleton

Hambleton sits on a stretch of land that juts out into Rutland Water. This dreamy village doesn’t so much consist of streets but more beautiful old buildings and cottages lined along a couple roads.

Exton

This charming spot is the definition of a chocolate box village with thatched roofs and colourful gardens everywhere you look.

Empingham

Stroll through the streets to admire the pretty cottages here, in particular make sure to walk down Church Street to see a gorgeous view down to the church.

Edith Weston Village

Edith Weston sounds like an author of romantic novels from the 1930s and a strange name for a village. In fact, it is the name of Edward the Confessor’s queen, on whom he bestowed Rutland County, Edith of Wessex.

Situated on the south shores of Rutland Water, the village has some lovely old houses constructed with thatch and local Rutland limestone.

Barnsdale Gardens

Originally created by Geoff Hamilton for the Gardeners’ World TV show, Barnsdale is home to 38 pocket-sized, themed garden ‘rooms’, built in his trademark, practical style, and full of inspiration for garden-lovers of all agesEntrance to the Gardens Fees: March - October is charged at adult: £12 and children: £8, or November - February is charged at adult: £9.50 and children: £6. Dogs are not allowed in the gardens, meaning we didn’t stop here but thought it was worth a mention anyway.