Things To Do
PLACES TO VISIT
Bolton’s Cottage is a stunning barn conversion nestled in the picturesque village of Barleythorpe in the smallest county in England, Rutland. Barleythorpe is surrounded by the historical market towns of Oakham, Uppingham, Stamford and Melton Mowbray. There are a wealth of exciting activities and visits to suit all ages close by.
Rutland Water
The largest man made reservoir in Europe, Rutland Water, is located very close by with it’s internationally acclaimed nature reserves, footpaths and cycle tracks around the perimeter. The full circumnavigation totals 27 miles but you can enjoy a huge variety of shorter walks too www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/what-to-see/water-parks/rutland.aspx. Bikes to suit all abilities and requirements are available for hire from Rutland Cycling https://www.rutlandcycling.com, based at both Whitwell and Normanton. Rutland Sailing Club offers superb sailing courses for both children and adults from it’s sites at Edith Weston and Whitwell www.rutlandsailingschool.com. There is also a watersports centre at Whitwell where you can hire canoes, windsurfs, kayaks and boats. Rutland Fishing Lodge offers fly-fishing experiences, for all abilities, on the reservoir. You can hire boats and equipment from them and lessons can be booked You can view the reservoir from The Rutland Belle www.rutlandwatercruises.com which provides boat trips which run daily from May until September. . The Nature Reserve has successfully introduced breeding osprey to Rutland Water, you can view these birds on a live cam or take an opportunity to see them for yourself via special trips organised on The Rutland Belle www.ospreys.org.uk/lyndon-reserve/cruises You will find bird watching reserves at both Lyndon and Egleton. www.rutlandwater.org.uk The nature reserve site at Egleton has a visitor centre which has an array of activities from bird watching hides to bug hunting for children and also hosts the International Bird Fair every August www.birdfair.org.uk.
Burghley House, Stamford.
Burghley is an exceptional example of an Elizabethan house with parkland designed by Capability Brown The House and gardens are open from March to November but the parkland and restaurant are open all year round. The enchanting Garden of Surprises entertains both children and young at heart. It leads onto the captivating sculpture garden and lake where you can picnic, we would thoroughly recommend a visit. The international 3 day event, Burghley Horse Trails is at the beginning of September and will impact on opening times. It hosts world class riders competing for the prestigious trophy as well as fantastic shopping in the multitude of stalls, great fun for both equestrians and non equestrians www.burghley.co.uk
Barnsdale Gardens
These gardens are a short drive from the cottage. They were created by the famous Geoff Hamilton for BBC Gardeners’ World. They have a plant nursery and tearooms. www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
Belvoir Castle
Belvoir dates back to the Norman times and is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. The castle and gardens are opened periodically www.belvoircastle.com
Belton House
You can visit both the house and gardens or there is an adventure play ground, set in the woods which is fantastic for children of all ages.. It boasts zip wires, climbing frames, rope swings and much more. There is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic too. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house
Mini Monsters Soft Play Area
Mini monsters is popular 3 storey indoor children’s play area based on Long Row in Oakham. www.minimonsterssoftplay.com
Tolethorpe Hall
The Hall is nearly 800 years and is best known for hosting The Stamford Shakespeare Company plays held in the open air (but undercover) throughout the summer months. You can picnic in the surrounding grounds prior to the performance www.stamfordshakespeare.co.uk
Rockingham Castle
Rockingham Castle is a former Royal Castle and hunting lodge set in Rockingham forest. Please see their website for opening times and special events www.rockinghamcastle.com
The Pubs and Restaurants in Oakham include:
The Lord Nelson
The Nelson is a friendly and busy pub in the market place. They offer a special pizza deal if you order by 6pm and a full menu is available too. www.thelordnelsonoakham.com
The Grainstore Brewery
This pub and brewery is situated by the train stationed offers a wide range of ales brewed on site. Tours of the brewery can be arranged in advance. The Grainstore hosts it’s famous annual beer festival over the August bank holiday with many real ales and ciders on offer and often music in the evening. They also provide delicious breakfasts! www.grainstorebrewery.com
The Admiral Hornblower.
This is a very popular pub and restaurant in Oakham which is full of character. The have a large outdoor area to sit out in in the summer and often host delicious barbecues www.thehornblowerhotel.co.uk
Hitchen’s Barn, Oakham
This restaurant serves amazing fresh local food. It is run by a husband and wife team who have recently moved to town after running The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham. In 2012 their hard work was recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand which they have retained for ten years. You will need to book.
https://www.hitchensbarn.co.uk
Otter's Fine Foods
This wonderful deli is located on the high Street. It serves lunches, refreshments and even take away picnics!
https://www.ottersfinefoods.co.uk
Fika
This fabulous little brunch cafe is run by a brother and sister team. It serves excellent food and is a fantastic place for a coffee and a piece of their delicious cake. https://www.fikacafe.co.uk
The Rutland Angler
A very popular restaurant and cocktail bar in Mill Street.
https://www.facebook.com/angleroakham/
Other restaurants in the area include:
The Wheatsheaf, Langham
This small village pub serves good beer and excellent food. It is less than a mile away from the cottage. Turn left at the end of the lane onto the main road heading towards Melton, the first village you come into is Langham and the pub is right infant of you.
http://www.thewheatsheaf-langham.co.uk
The Finchs Arms, Hambleton
A small pub and excellent restaurant located overlooking Rutland Water in the beautiful hamlet of Hambleton, a couple of miles from Bolton's cottage.
The Olive Branch, Clipsham
The Olive Branch is a traditional pub which serves a selection of pub classics alongside a range of more ‘restaurant style’ dishes. They serve local and season produce and the menu changes frequently as a result. It is worth looking out for special event evenings which run throughout the year. www.theolivebranchpub.com
Hambleton Hall.
Situated on Hambleton peninsula with amazing views across Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall is one of the finest country house hotels in the country. The restaurant is award winning, ran by Michelin starred Aaron Patterson.www.hambletonhall.com
The George at Stamford
The George dates back to the 16th Century. There are two indoor restaurants;The Oak Pannelled restaurant, which offers a more formal dining experience and the Garden Room which is more relaxed and informal. You can also choose to dine in the private courtyard. www.georgehotelofstamford.com
The Berkley Arms, Wymondham
This is a lovely characterful pub serving good food in a beautiful local village. They have a garden to sit in if the weather is good or a cosy interior if the weather is feeling bit British!
Please also look at the Discover Rutland website for further information https://www.discover-rutland.co.uk