Discover Rutland…
Attractions in Rutland
Rutland Water is only a five miles from Moss Cottage. The site spans over 3,000 acres there are 4 landscaped parks around its shores where you can enjoy a walk or picnic.
There is a cycle path around Rutland Water which totals 27 miles, or 16 miles excluding Hambleton peninsular with ice cream and coffee stops en route! There are cycle hire centers at both Whitwell and Normanton.
As the largest man made reservoir in Europe, covering 3,100 acres and totaling 5 miles in length, Rutland Water naturally attracts and welcomes sailors and windsurfers from beginner to International standards. Also close is Rutland Sailing Club where sailing boats and tuition are available www.rutlandsc.co.uk. There is also a watersports centre at Whitwell where you can hire sailing boats, windsurfs, canoes and kayaks and also offers tuition.
Rutland Fishing lodge, and fly-fishing up to international level is common place on the reservoir. Boats and equipment can be hired at the fishing lodge, and lessons are available www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk
Boat trips are available on the water courtesy of the Rutland Belle. www.rutlandwatercruises.com. Recently the nature reserve, in conjunction with the Rutland Belle have introduced visitors a chance to take guided trips to areas of the reservoir where you are most likely to see Ospreys. The Osprey and Wildlife boat tours sail for a sunrise trip at 6am and later again at 5:15pm on selected dates. For more details please visit www.ospreys.org.uk/lyndon-reserve/cruises
The new Rutland Shorelink bus service launches – a new bus service which links sites around Rutland Water with Uppingham. The bus service will operate 7 days a week, including bank holidays, between 9am and 7pm.
Tickets prices are as follows: £2.50 for adults (single) £4 for adults (day ticket) £1.50 for children (single) £2 for children (day ticket) £2 per bike
National free bus passes are accepted on all buses after 9:30am.
The service operates as a Hail and Ride service and will stop at any location around the route as long as it is safe to do so. The timetable can here found here.
Oakham
The market towns of Oakham, Oundle and Stamford are well worth a visit, Market days are Fridays in Stamford and Uppingham, and both Wednesday and Saturdays in Oakham. Stamford is the largest of the local towns and is renowned for its Georgian buildings.
Other attractions within a short drive to the cottage include Burghley House. Burghley is regarded as the largest and grandest house of the first Elizabethan age. It was built between 1555 and 1587 and the main part of the House has 35 major rooms.
Burghley Horse Trials
Burghley Horse Trials where international riders compete for over a 3 day event www.burghley.co.uk
Barnsdale Gardens
Barnsdale Gardens are only 9 miles away from Moss Cottage, on the North side of the reservoir. The gardens were created by Geoff Hamilton for BBC Gardeners’ World, and are now Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens with 38 now on show over the 8 acre site. There is also a nursery selling unusual plants and tearooms serving seasonal snacks and light meals which uses local produce wherever possible www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle has been the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland for one thousand years and is believed to date back to Norman times. The castle and gardens are opened periodically between May and August, mainly on Sunday and Mondays www.belvoircastle.com
Tolethorpe Hall
Tolethorpe Hall dates back nearly 800 years and is best know now for the annual season of plays held throughout June, July and August by The Stamford Shakespeare Company in Rutland Open Air Theatre which is in the grounds of Tolethorpe Hall. You can picnic in the grounds prior to the performance before taking your seats (which are protected by the elements!) and watch the drama unfold in the natural surroundings.
Rockingham Castle
Rockingham Castle is situated on a spectacular hilltop site in the attractive village of Rockingham. The Castle and Grounds are open periodically from April until September. The castle gardens also host numerous events throughout the year such as jousting and a popular Christmas shopping event, which takes place in November.
For more information in activities and events in Rutland, the Discover Rutland website may also be of use: www.discover-rutland.co.uk