If you’re planning your next getaway in England, here’s one place I bet you haven’t considered: Rutland. This tiny landlocked county tends to get overlooked but, if you read this week’s county spotlight, you’ll see that it has a lot to offer.
Rutland
The ceremonial county of Rutland was established in 1997. Its neighbouring counties are Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. It has an area of just 147 square miles, and the only smaller ceremonial counties are the Isle of Wight, the City of London, and the City of Bristol. It fits a lot into its small size, hence the county motto: Multum in parvo (Much in little).
The county has just two towns: Oakham and Uppingham. The total population is a little under 40,000.
The origin of the county’s name is uncertain. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book at Roteland. Some historians think it may come from the Anglo-Saxon for “cattle land” while others think it may have meant “red land” or “Rota’s land”.
Fun Facts
- According to a 2012 study, Rutland was one of the happiest places in the UK, along with Shetland and Orkney.
- The smallest parish in the county is Martinsthorpe, with a population of zero and one building.
- It is home to one of three UK beers with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Status. (See below in Food and Drink for more on that.)
Where to Go
Why not start your vacation with a visit to the County Museum in Oakham. Here you can learn about the area’s history and heritage. Then it’s just a short stroll to Oakham Castle. The Great Hall, built in the 1180s, is one of Europe’s finest surviving examples of Norman architecture. The walls are adorned with a large horseshoe collection, some examples dating back to the 15th century.
Also make time to explore the area’s other town, Uppingham. It’s a traditional market town with lots of little family-owned shops and antique galleries. Perfect for an afternoon of browsing.
At the heart of the county is Rutland Water, one of the largest reservoirs in Europe. The park covers 4,200 acres, of which 1,000 acres has been designated a nature reserve. The reserve attracts more than 25,000 waterfowl depending on the season. Rutland Water is also the county’s largest tourist attraction and is a hub for water sports, including windsurfing and sailing. To keep the kids entertained, try the Aqua Park, the UK’s largest inflatable obstacle course. Add in cycling and hiking trails, a beach, and the Rutland Belle Pleasure Cruise, and you’ve got everything you need for a fun-filled day out.
If you’re a fan of Gardener’s World, you’ll also want to pay a visit to Barnsdale Gardens, where you can see 38 different gardens all designed and built by the late Geoff Hamilton.
What to Do
The Rutland Walking and Cycling Festival takes place over about ten days at the end of May each year. Events include the Rutland Round, a 65-mile circular walking route around the county split over six days, as well as other group rides and hikes. Classic car lovers will enjoy a different type of fun with the Annual Stilton Cheese Run, a classic car event that retraces the historical 39-mile route through the county to deliver cheese.
Rutland Food and Drink Week highlights local food and drink producers with a series of food markets, beer festivals and themed menus. This year’s event will take place from the 17th to the 23rd September. If you’re visiting in the spring, there is also a food and drink festival in Oakham in March. The 10th Annual Cider and Sausage Festival will be held at Oakham’s Grainstore Brewery at the beginning of June. Keep an eye open for other beer festivals at various times throughout the year. Check at Discover Rutland for dates and locations.
If music or theatre are more your style, Rutland has something for you too. The Stamford Shakespeare Company offers open-air performances throughout the summer in the grounds of Tolethorpe Hall. The 2022 season include Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies, Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, and Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web. Meanwhile, Rutland rocks for much of July. The Rutland Music Festival features local bands and tribute acts at the showgrounds and the Grainstore Brewery hosts the Alehouse Rocks Music and Beer Festival at the end of the month.
Rutland Food and Drink
As you may have gathered, there’s a lot of events celebrating the local food in Rutland. For a true five star experience, dine at the Michelin-Starred Hambleton Hall. Alternatively, stop by The Olive Branch Pub, voted 2021’s Pub of the Year by The Good Pub Guide. At both locations, you’ll find lots of locally-sourced produce.
The Grainstore in Oakham brews the earlier-mentioned PGI-status Rutland Bitter. It earned special status in 1974 but when the Ruddles Langham Brewery closed in 1998, there was no one left to brew it. Fortunately, in 2010, Tony Davis of The Grainstore revived Rutland Bitter for all to enjoy. Enjoy a pint and take a tour to see where and how the local beers are made. And, if you happen to find any at Hambleton Bakery, try a Rutland Pippin – a pastry filled with ham, stilton, sausage, and apple puree.
Where to Stay
Both Hambleton Hall and The Olive Branch Pub operate as hotels with a friendly welcome waiting for you. If you prefer self-catering, check out some of the rental cottages available through Holiday Cottages in the advert to the right of this article.
For further information, including sample tour itineraries, go to Discover Rutland.
