Places to visit when relaxing at Rutland Rural Retrets

Rutland’s most famous landmark was saved from flooding when Rutland Water was created in the 1970s. Now with the floor raised almost half way up the church, it is a fascinating building with a unique history. Normanton Church has become a stunning location for civil weddings and musical concerts.  

The Museum, located in Oakham, houses a collection of objects relating to local rural and agricultural life, social history and archaeology. 

www.rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk

Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre is a bird and wildlife sanctuary set in Burley Bushes woodland in a quiet part of Rutland. Meet birds of prey from around the world.

www.rutlandwildlifesanctuary.co.uk

Barnsdale Gardens were made famous by Geoff Hamilton through the BBC television series Gardeners' World. Dubbed a theme park for gardeners, it links 39 themed garden 'rooms',  on its 8 acre site through its landscaped walkways ranging from romantic, cottage style plantings to more modern designs. 

www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Rutland Farm Park is a small 18-acre working farm in the market town of Oakham. Open all year round it provides a wonderful opportunity for you to explore their tracks and meet and feed their wonderful and friendly animals.  

www.rutlandfarmpark.co.uk

Set in the wonderful grounds of Tolethorpe Hall, each summer more than 34,000 people from throughout the UK and from overseas attend the Stamford Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed summer season of plays in June, July and August.  

www.tolethorpe.co.uk

Welland Viaduct, crosses the valley of the River Welland between Harringworth in Northamptonshire and Seaton in Rutland. The viaduct is 1,275 yards (1.166 km) long and has 82 arches, each with a 40 feet (12 m) span. It is the longest masonry viaduct across a valley in the UK. Built by the contractor Lucas and Aird, a total of 30 million bricks were used in the viaduct's construction. Completed during 1878, it has since become a Grade II listed building.  

 From Good Friday through to the end of October, the Rutland Belle sets sail daily from Whitwell Harbour on a leisurely cruise around the reservoir. Visitors can enjoy an audio commentary from the knowledgeable and amiable Captain whilst admiring the views of the county from the water. 

www.rutlandwatercruises.com

This impressive staircase of locks in Foxton are a popular tourist attraction. The flight of ten locks are located on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal. The locks are also designated as a country park with lovely walks along the canal and into the surrounding countryside. 

Fineshade Wood is a beautiful destination. Head into the woods to walk, run or cycle the trails. Next to the café is a Cycle Centre where you can hire a bike if you haven't already brought one with you to explore to undulating hills of Rutland!

www.forestryengland.uk

 Made up of two of the most ancient woodlands in Leicestershire, stepping into Launde Woods is like stepping back in time.  Big Wood to the west, Park Wood to the east. The atmosphere is awe-inspiring, with a feeling of peace and grandeur.  

Just a 10 min drive from RRR (or walkable if you fancy a longer walk!) towards the next village of Loddington. Park up and immerse yourself. From our experience you will often be the only people in the wood and it is MAGICAL! Our dogs love it!

Just a 2 minute walk from Launde Woods, why not treat yourself to a cuppa and a slice of something tantalising from the dairy tea room at Launde Abbey after your ramble. Dogs warmly welcomed in the outdoor cafe area and the gardens are beautiful not to mention the surrounding landscape! 

There are numerous informal trails and paths along the forest roads and tracks, some surfaced, some not.

The car park is set amongst majestic larch and includes a large grassed area for picnicing. Quieter than Fineshade, busier than Launde.

 At the National Space Centre, you can find out all about the history and future of space exploration, the planets and the farthest reaches of the universe.