Campsites in Rutland

Rutland is England’s smallest county but that doesn’t mean it isn’t packed full of intriguing and exciting attractions. Situated in the East Midlands and bordered by Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, as well as Northamptonshire, this county is more than able to make a big impression, from exhilarating outdoor experiences to fascinating museums.

• Rutland Water Nature Reserve
• Barnsdale Gardens
• The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre

Sightseeing

Right at the heart of the county, you'll find beautiful Rutland Water Nature Reserve - your choice for glimpses of local wildlife that live in the reserve such as badgers, water voles, otters, deer and toads. The reserve is also home to the Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre which is a great starting point for a fun session of birdwatching, with a pair of binoculars ready for the ospreys that live in the area.

Let your green fingers be inspired at Barnsdale Gardens, or just enjoy a quiet spot to watch nature at work. Barnsdale boasts the biggest collection of individually designed gardens in Britain, 39 in total, along with tea rooms and a plant nursery.

The sight of the Great Hall of Oakham Castle is something you won't soon forget. The Great Hall dates from the 12^th century and contains a collection of large commemorative horseshoes as well as a number of 12^th century sculptures. Lyddington Bede House is another highlight, originally part of a palace for the Bishops of Lincoln, it later became an almshouse and today visitors can explore the bedesmen’s rooms.

Add a little learning to your leisure with Rutland's museums. Rocks By Rail The Living Ironstone Museum wows with its nature trails, train rides and workshop tours. Open a window into the world of times gone by at the Rutland County Museum which will give you all you need to know about local archaeology, rural trades and the military.

Culture lovers can enjoy shows and performances in Rutland courtesy of the Uppingham Theatre. From compelling drama performances and hilarious comedy acts, to fantastic music events and children’s theatre shows, you won't be disappointed. The Rutland Open Air Theatre situated within the grounds of Tolethorpe Hall should be your next stop for innovative theatre. The theatre is home to the Stamford Shakespeare Company which performs a string of plays during the summer on an enticing open air stage.

Foodies will love sampling the treats on offer at the Rutland Food Festival, or there's great motivation to get out and about and explore stunning surroundings during the Rutland Walking Festival.

Finally, the lure of a charming English village is hard to resist and Rutland has many such villages to tempt explorers. Spending a day, or even a few days, if there's time to spare, simply soaking up the picturesque sights of Rutland’s villages is all you need for relaxation.

 

Activities

Rutland Water Park is surrounded by a a large looping trail, packed with walking opportunities, a choice of cycling routes and bike hire facilities for anyone without a a pair of wheels. It really is the heart of the county.

Permits are available for people who are keen to fish at Rutland Water, or if you're not afraid to get your toes wet, you can go the whole hog with sailing and windsurfing.    

Back on land, Barnsdale Gardens (featured on Gardeners' World)  offers the chance to admire the largest collection of individual gardens in the country. 

See things from a different perspective and grab some superb views and thrills at the RockBlok. This outdoor activity centre offers a range of exciting activities for kids as well as adults, from rock climbing and abseiling to a high ropes course - guaranteed to have your adrenaline flowing.

If non-stop action is in order, get landed in jail – MCG The Gaol, that is. In a location that once served as a real prison the participants will battle it out in an intense game of airsoft! During a game that is sure to get hearts racing, players can test their stealth skills as they sneak from cell to cell and access different building levels.

 

Family Days Out

Fancy getting up close to spectacular birds of prey? Well, families can do exactly that by swooping into Simon Tebbutt Falconry or the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre. Bird flying experiences provide the opportunity to handle these magnificent creatures and see them in flight. The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre also has a small number of Big Cat days each year where limited numbers of visitors can see the centre’s four Amur leopards which are some of the most endangered big cats in the world.

There’s also the opportunity to discover Rutland Water at a laidback pace through a fun cruise. A trip on the Rutland Belle will have your gliding around the tranquil reservoir and osprey cruises pop together an informative talk with a cruise to see these superb birds in a natural setting and hopefully spot them fishing too!

Oakham is Rutland’s county town and self-guided walks there are the perfect choice for families - you can take in the sights, learn facts and stop to refuel whenever the little ones need it.

Families can also express their creative sides with a fun pottery painting session at Oakham Studios. Suitable for all ages, there are many pottery pieces to choose from and all necessary equipment is supplied. Plus, being able to take home finished pieces after they have been fired means families can have lovely souvenirs of a great day out together.