Get back to nature in Rutland Water, staying in one of these great local properties around the reservoir – bookable on Culture Trip.
Rutland Water is a man-made lake in the heart of the Rutland region in the East Midlands, which reels in nature lovers for refreshing countryside breaks. A trip here can involve fishing, walking, hiking, golfing, swimming or birdwatching – to name just a few activities – all around England’s largest reservoir by surface area. The local hotel scene is awash with purpose-built cabins and chalets that immerse guests in the natural surroundings, or lovely home-from-home B&Bs and period properties, such as farmhouses and coaching inns.
This picturesque Victorian country house gives guests a taste of grandeur. The suave interiors of its bedrooms and suites, all individually designed, reach new heights of comfort – lit warmly by standalone lamps and framed by heavy, floral-print curtains. Hambleton’s sprawling land is gorgeous, with gardens and grounds rolling right up to the edge of Rutland Water itself. The in-house restaurant has held a Michelin star since 1982 for its high-quality fine dining. Push the boat out with the evening tasting menu or get a cheaper taste of chef Aaron Patterson’s haute cuisine on the set lunch menu, where starters like ham hock ravioli are followed by mains of pan-fried seabass in a bouillabaisse sauce.
Boasting one of the best golf courses in the Rutland area, with 45 holes over 276 acres, Greetham Valley Hotel is always a hit among golfers. Guests can choose between booking for a stay at the modern hotel or at one of the chalet-style, self-catering lodges, which house up to six adults. The hotel has over 50 rooms, while the lodges bring you close to nature, with great views out over Rutland. Plus there’s the on-site Valley Restaurant, Lakeview Restaurant and Lounge Bar, catering for everything from fine dining through to light lunches and snacks, like toasties and cheesy chips.
This sweet B&B is based in Manton in the centre of Rutland. It’s a beautiful family home run by hosts Colin and Sally, who offer two bedrooms in their recently renovated farmhouse, or five self-catering cabin lodges. It’s in a great spot for hiking, with walking routes close by, plus there are neighbouring restaurants and traditional pubs offering both local and international cuisine. Broccoli Bottom is a five-minute drive from Rutland Sailing Club, the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre and Rutland Fishing Lodge – so all of Rutland Water’s top activities are on the doorstep.
A five-minute drive from Rutland Water, in the lovely small market town of Oakham, this charming countryside pub and hotel has 10 ensuite bedrooms of varying sizes. Room decor is neutral in palette, for a calming, peaceful stay – ask for the four-poster bed, to make your weekend really special. The pub downstairs serves fine dining made with local produce in the bright, smart restaurant space – go for a grazing board of thyme-and-honey-baked camembert or parma ham, bresaola and mozzarella antipasti, while you choose between the roasted lamb rump and the slow-cooked pork belly in apple and fennel for your main course.
This charming Georgian property, built into a renovated row of cottages, dates back to 1730. Now a warm, welcoming traditional hotel, Candlesticks can be found in Stamford town centre, just a 10-minute drive east of Rutland Water. There are eight cosy bedrooms to choose from and a delectable restaurant downstairs serving French, English and Portuguese cuisine in silver service – so scrub up nice after your day of hiking.
A great period property in the market town of Oakham, Wisteria Hotel is in a quiet spot just a few minutes’ drive from Rutland Water. The bedrooms pop with modern, snazzy design and bursts of colour while retaining a classic feel – some include a four-poster bed. Hotel restaurant Hunters Bar & Kitchen is found in the 17th-century hunting lodge and provides mouthwatering lunches and high tea to take away for your picnic. In the evening, stay in for dinner with a local craft beer.
This huge, pub-hotel is another fine period property on the outskirts of Oakham, less than 10 minutes from Rutland Water by car. Based in a sprawling, colourful farmhouse, the Old Pheasant is loved for its crisp, clean rooms or family suites, vast gardens and heartwarming countryside views. Head downstairs for classic pub grub – you can’t go wrong with beer-battered cod and chunky chips – where there’s also a fun games room. To top off the old-school British pub vibes, dogs are welcome here, too.
A modern, purpose-built guesthouse, Spanhoe Lodge hosts guests in spacious bedrooms with tasteful interiors and all the mod cons. Handily, the rooms can adjoin for families and groups, to provide some flexibility and privacy. There’s in-house catering in the restaurant or a large outdoor dining area in the grounds, serving an irresistible platter of home-made scones, clotted cream and fruit preserves, plus fresh-baked cakes and pastries, for afternoon tea. You’ll want to spend your mornings at the heated outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, set in the spacious grounds, before – somewhat reluctantly – making your way to nearby Rutland Water.
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