Family Holidays Overview
- European Destinations
- Rest of World Destinations
Family Holidays: Rutland Family Holidays
Take the Family holiday rating 
Why
Rutland is a relatively unknown gem, situated in the middle of England. It doesn't have the high profile of the Cotswolds or the Lake District (or the crowds) and yet it is equally stunning. The area is renowned for its beautiful Georgian stone-built market towns and villages.
England’s smallest county offers a world of outstanding natural beauty that more than justifies its claim to be ‘100% real England’.
The main attraction for families is undoubtedly Rutland Water, an attractive manmade reservoir that is the focus for walking, cycling, watersports, climbing and wildlife activities. The varied visitor attractions around this charming slice of England offer lots for families to do all set within beautiful countryside guaranteed to help you relax and unwind.
- Top left: Oakham Castle
- Top right: Boys sailing on Rutland Water
- Bottom left: Cyclists at Rutland Water
- Bottom right: Tolethorpe picnic
When
Easter to October is probably the best time for families to visit to ensure access to all the visitor attractions although there is plenty to do all year round. Check individual attractions for opening times. You might like to time your visit to coincide with the annual East Midlands Food & Drink Show (October) in nearby Melton Mowbray; the Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September 2008) or to enjoy a picnic and open air performance of Wind in the Willows by the Stamford Shakespeare Company at Rutland Open Air Theatre in the grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall, two miles north of Stamford (June to July for this play with the full programme running to end of August).
How
Rutland is located right in the heart of the country, close to Leicester, Peterborough and Nottingham. It’s only 90 minutes drive from London and only 60 minutes from Birmingham.
By road
Rutland is just off the A1, roughly halfway between London and York. The A47 from Leicester to Peterborough also passes through the county.
By rail
Oakham is served by the Birmingham and Norwich rail line, operated by East Midlands Trains. Leicester and Peterborough stations (both 26 miles from Oakham) have regular services from London and Northern England. See the Train Line for further information..
By bus
National Express operate services to Stamford, Leicester and Peterborough. For more information about bus services in Rutland see the online bus timetables
By air
East Midlands Airport at Castle Donington in North Leicestershire is Rutland’s nearest airport.
Do
Rutland Water
The largest manmade reservoir in western Europe lies at the heart of the county and is great for outdoor activities and wildlife. From biking and boating to butterflies and birdwatching, there’s lots for all the family to enjoy. Head off for a gentle stroll, take a bat and ball and enjoy a game in one of the many green spaces or stop at one of the two children’s play areas and enjoy a picnic or eat at the Harbour Bar and Café or the Water Edge Café Bar with spectacular views of the lake.
Walking
Rutland is the perfect place for walking with its quiet winding country lanes, gentle rolling fields, ancient royal forests and pretty villages. Choose from nine circular routes around the shoreline of Rutland Water. Or try the town trail of Oakham, available from Rutland County Museum and Visitor Centre. Rutland also has seven heritage trails ranging from four to 11 miles. Each is themed using existing pathways and lanes to link important places, people and events. More details available from Rutland Water Tourist Information Centre.
Cycling
Enjoy miles of traffic free tracks around the stunning landscape of Rutland Water. A wide range of bikes can be hired including children’s bikes, tandems, trikes and trailers. Try out an easy 12 mile route or the more challenging routes of up to 25 miles around the reservoir. Start from the Rutland Water Cycling centres at Whitwell or Normanton where you can hire your bike.
Watersports
The water sports centre at Rutland runs a number of courses for children including RYA junior levels in sailing, windsurfing and powerboating with additional short courses during school holidays. There are also Splash and Dash days of water based activities such as canoeing, kayaking and raft building for seven to 14 years and junior fun sessions for five to seven years during August. More information
Rock Climbing
The outdoor adventure facility Rockblok is located on the North Shore of Rutland Water. Have a go at scaling the eight metre climbing wall before abseiling down, or try out the High Ropes Adventure Course. Minimum age guide is seven years. Trampolines for use by all age groups. Kids club every Sunday for four to nine years from 11.30am to 12.30 pm and 10.30am to 11.30am for 10 and over depending upon ability climbing and/or abseiling. Booking advisable. Or just turn up for a taster session available every day including weekends, no booking required.
Water Cruises
Enjoy a leisurely trip around the reservoir and see the best views from the water, with opportunities to spend time on the opposite shore. Head out onto the water with a cruise on the Rutland Belle which departs from the harbour at Whitwell. Runs Easter to October.
Nature Detectives
Organised environmental activity days on the internationally famous Nature Reserve at Rutland Water for children aged seven to 11 years. They are run by qualified teacher-naturalists assisted by the Reserve Wardens. Children can explore the Nature Reserve and have a go at pond dipping and bug hunting. They can also learn about the Ospreys that began breeding here in 2001 and enjoy craft activities. Try an explorer day at half term or become a nature detective in the summer. Entrances at Egleton and Lyndon Visitor Centres. For further information on children's activities click here.
Butterfly Farm and Aquatic Centre
Experience the tropical world of butterflies flying among fruiting banana trees and colourful fish alongside a freshwater aquarium and the creepy 'Twilight Zone'. Also home to parrots and other tropical birds, many other animals are free to roam in the lush vegetation, such as Iguana lizards and Giant African Land snails. Open Easter to end of October. Entrance at Sykes Lane Car Park, Empingham.
Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre
Set in 42 acres of unspoilt woodland, the centre is home to a fascinating variety of birds of prey, owls, hawks, falcons, buzzards, vultures and eagles. Some of the 90-odd birds can be handled (check first with a member of staff!) and others prefer to fly for visitors. There are daily falconry demonstrations, depending on the weather.
Open Bus Tour
Explore England’s smallest county via an open top bus. The Rutland Water and Oakham tour runs every Wednesday throughout most of July and August. Under 5s are free. Hop on and hop off to visit any of the attractions which include Rutland Water, Oakham, Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre, Empingham and Manton villages and Grainstore Brewery. Buy a ticket on the bus.
Further afield
Twinlakes
Just over the county border in Leicestershire, lies the leisure park of Twinlakes with its farmyard and indoor and outdoor rides and play areas. Lots for kids of all ages with some ride height restrictions.
Burghley
This grand stately home in Lincolnshire is set in lovely parkland and is open March to October with parts of the garden open all year round. The Gardens of Surprise includes the newly created Historical Garden of Surprises and the Contemporary Sculpture Garden which remains open daily 11am to 4pm free of charge. Opened in 2007 the new Historical Garden of Surprises is a fantastic addition to the gardens at Burghley. Hidden inside a Yew hedge is an experience that will delight the senses with mirrors, mazes, water attractions, a moss house, sculptures and a grotto.
Travel reading
Eco Escape - The New handbook to responsible escapism
by Laura Burgess
Buy from Ecoescape - only £8.99 - Save an Exclusive 10% by quoting 'TTF01'
Search our site
