Rutland is the smallest county in England, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. The region is dominated by its sole reservoir and surrounded by sprawling woodlands, creating an environment teeming with wildlife. Considered one of the best nature reserves in the country, Rutland is also becoming one of the most popular destinations for weekend breaks. And with only a couple hours away from Greater London, more and more tourists are venturing into its borders for relaxing visits, birdwatching trips, and lakeside holidays. Take a break from your usual spots and book your getaway to Rutland today!
Rutland Water Luxury Lodges, Log Cabins & Cottages With Hot Tubs
Looking for the right holiday home? You’re in luck because Rutland has many beautiful country accommodations. From traditional thatched cottages to modern farmhouses, all properties are newly-refurbished and equipped with the essentials to make your stay more comfortable. Depending on the choice of lodging, guests have exclusive use to indoor swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms, or direct access to local footpaths and hiking routes. And if you’re travelling with dogs, there are tons of pet-friendly homes to choose from. Escape into the idyllic countryside with these properties across Rutland!
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Farm View House
Rutland near Somerby, Rutland
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2Country home located in quiet village of Somerby. Enclosed lawned garden with patio, outdoor furniture, and hot tub. Two well-behaved pets are welcome.
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The Pinfold
Wymondham near Melton Mowbray, Lincolnshire
Sleeps 5 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2Holiday lodging perfect for couples or family holidays. Spacious living room for movie nights and private patio area for al fresco dining. Minutes away from local pubs and shops.
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Willow Lodge
Greetham, Rutland, Lincolnshire
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2Wooden lodge with underfloor heating. Features garden with BBQ, sun loungers, and pod sauna. Shared swimming pool can be booked in advance for private use.
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Rose Cottage
Rutland Water, Rutland
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2Traditional thatched cottage nestled within village of Empingham. Only a mile away from Rutland Water’s north shores. Idea base for family weekend breaks.
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Waterlily
Rutland
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1Luxurious lodge with spacious deck. Includes open-plan kitchen, breakfast bar, and sauna. Can be booked for romantic breaks of long-term holidays.
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The Old Sweet Shop
Melton Mowbray
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2Historical home with lots of character and quirks. Property boasts traditional English-walled garden. Only a stone’s throw away from award-winning pubs.
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3 Bedroom Lodge
Langham, Rutland
Sleeps 5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2Contemporary holiday home with minimalist design. Sunny porch overlooking holiday park grounds. Onsite facilities include sports and entertainment venues.
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2 Bedroom Lodge
Langham, Rutland
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1Holiday lodge for families on short breaks. Located closely to quaint towns of Oakham and Uppingham. Walking and cycling routes from property to nearby reservoir.
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The Croft Farm
Peterborough
Sleeps 18 Bedrooms 9 Bathrooms 7Renovated farmhouse found in idyllic village of Wansford. Luxurious interiors with rustic charm. Can accomodate large groups or milestone celebrations.
About Rutland Water & The Area
Rutland Water is an artificial lake and water reservoir located in the county of Rutland. The latter region is the smallest county in England, making the town of Oakham its main centre. Stretching over a thousand hectares, Rutland Water is the largest reservoir in the United Kingdom. It draws its waters from the neighbouring bodies of the River Nene and River Welland and distributes its storage through the East Midlands.
Aside from being an important source of water, the Rutland reservoir is also home to 25,000 wildfowl during the winter and has used its habitats for breeding ospreys throughout the years. Rutland Water is a popular tourist destination as well, attracting visitors with its tranquil ambience and stunning landscapes. The area surrounding the lake has plenty of nature trails and birdwatching spots. And if you fancy a slice of history, you can always visit the bustling town of Oakham.
Things To Do On Your Rutland Water Hot Tub Break
Despite being the smallest county in England, there are plenty of things to do in Rutland. The reservoir’s neighbouring lands are worthy of exploration for eager walkers and hikers. Meanwhile, the county’s collection of castles and gardens is enough to satisfy curious holidaymakers. For guests who are fond of wildlife, there are tons of spots scattered across the region where you can feel closer to the animals. Here are more tips on how to make the best out of your Rutland getaway:
Explore the natural surroundings around Rutland Water.
Rutland Water is one of the biggest man-made reservoirs in England and is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. Since its completion in 1976, this large body of water continues to be the life source of its natural habitats and thriving ecosystems. The lake is also a popular destination for family holidays. Visitors often use the open waters as their venue for watersports events such as sailing, rowing, or jet skiing. There’s a 23-mile-long pathway circling around the lake which guests can use to explore the entire vicinity of Rutland Water.
Spend the day learning about history in Oakham Castle.
Oakham Castle is a fascinating relic of the past and is considered England’s most complete Norman Great Hall. Once part of a grand manor, the building standing today is the only left of its kind in the area. It’s also one of the most well-preserved halls, boasting impressive Norman architecture such as rounded arches and pillars. Guests can wander through the halls and admire the tidbits of history through its artefacts. If you look closely, you might be able to spot some centuries-old graffiti from the English Civil War!
Enjoy an afternoon of strolling the grounds at Barnsdale Gardens.
Barnsdale Gardens is the result of long years of hard work by Geoff Hamilton, who was also the host of the BBC programme, Gardener’s World. With at least eight different gardens, it’s dubbed the largest collection of individual gardens in England. Each section features a unique theme, making it a “theme park for gardeners.” There’s also a selection of tea rooms where guests can take a break and enjoy homemade tea and biscuits. The gardens are open every day, so feel free to drop in whenever you like!
Get closer to wildlife at the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre.
The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre is located within the small village of Exton in Rutland. It serves as a dedicated sanctuary for owls and other birds of prey, both of which you can admire through their woodland exhibits. The centre also offers falconry demonstrations for avid twitchers. If you’re lucky, you might be able to run into some rare big cats such as leopards and pumas. It’s the perfect day out for families and adventurous guests.
Take a day trip and hike the entire length of Viking Way.
The Viking Way is a long-distance walking trail that stretches for over 100 miles. Starting in Oakham, the route will take you along many ancient settlements and villages before ending in North Lincolnshire. Hiking the entire length will take several days, so it’s recommended to book a few holiday homes in advance where you can rest. The path is also lined with a number of cafes and restaurants in case you feel your stomach grumbling!