Local Attractions
Rutland Water
7.5 miles (approximately)
Rutland Water is the main visitor attraction in the county. The reservoir appeared in the mid-1970’s when the River Gwash was damned and two villages flooded to create 12.6km² lake – now one of the largest manmade lakes in Western Europe.
The perimeter of Rutland Water is 23 miles (18 if you don’t include the peninsula) and along the shores are several tourist areas where visitors can go to walk, view wildlife, cycle and partake in water sports. Rutland Water is owned by Anglian Water and so information about things to do can be found on their website: www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water
There are four main car parks – each with different attractions.
· Whitwell – LE15 8BL
· Sykes Lane – LE15 8QL
· Normanton – LE15 8AH
· Barnsdale – LE15 8AB
We have listed the main attractions below.
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Rutland Water is one of the best places to observe wildlife in the UK. It is a protected wetland area with lagoons and islands, breeding ospreys and 31 birdwatching hides.
The Nature Reserve includes:
· Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre: www.lrwt.org.uk/awbc
· Lyndon Visitor Centre: www.lrwt.org.uk/lyndon-visitor-centre
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust website is a good place to find information about Rutland Water Nature Reserve but also many other areas across the counties that you can visit to experience nature and wildlife at its best.
0116 2629968
The Rutland Belle (Whitwell)
The Rutland Belle is a cruise boat that takes visitors across Rutland Water. It operates from April-October and travels from the North shore to the South shore, stopping at Normanton on route. There is commentary that highlights the points of interest, and it is a great way of experiencing the scenery and wildlife. The trip lasts approximately 45 minutes, and we would recommend checking times and prices before booking your trip.
Bull Brig Lane, Whitwell, Oakham, LE15 8BL
01572 787630
Aqua Park Rutland (Whitwell)
Rutland Aqua Park is on the north shore of Rutland Water (next to the Rutland Belle) and is a brilliant place for children. It is open from mid-May until the end of September, but opening times do vary depending on school holidays. Each session is one hour and there is a minimum age requirement of six. You need to book your session in advance and all equipment is either provided or can be hired.
Bull Brig Lane, Whitwell, Oakham, LE15 8BL
01780 693201
Rutland Sanctuary Zoo (Sykes Lane)
Also known as “Bugtopia”, the zoo is on the north shore but at Sykes Lane. It is a “bug zoo” and a great place for children and adults who are interested in insects and bugs! It is open daily from 10am-5pm but we recommend calling and booking a slot as it can get very busy at peak times.
Sykes Lane, Empingham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8QL
01780 460518
https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water-park/other-activities/bugtopia
Normanton Church (Normanton)
Normanton is one of the visitor areas on the south shore. There is a large car park, cycle shop and café so is a good place to walk or bike from. A short walk from the car park is Normanton Church which is an iconic church on the shores of the water which is now used as a wedding venue.
LE15 8AH
Fineshade Woods
Fineshade is great place to go for a walk or bike ride, particularly with children. It does get busy at peak times but has a good selection of walks and cycle tracks for all levels of ability. There is a great café, children’s play area, Gruffalo orienteering and a “superworm trail”. It is worth checking the website for any seasonal activities or events that might be happening.
Forestry England Visitor Centre, Fineshade, NN17 3BB
www.forestryengland.uk/fineshade-wood
3.5 miles
Wakerley Woods
Wakerley Woods is as close to Missy’s House as Fineshade and is another great area for walks and cycle rides. There is a picnic area and large car park but no café or playground and as a result is possibly a bit quieter than Fineshade.
Wakerley Great Woods, NN17 3BA
www.forestryengland.uk/wakerley-great-wood
3.5 miles
Fermyn Woods Country Park
Fermyn Woods is another great place for walks, bike rides and spotting wildlife. It is on the other side of Corby but, like Fineshade has a visitors’ centre, café, playground and a range of walks and cycle tracks. Again, it would be worth checking their website for any seasonal or school holiday activities.
Lyveden Rd, Brigstock, NN14 3HS.
www.forestryengland.uk/fermyn-woods
6.5 miles
Barnwell Country Park
Barnwell Country Park is five minutes outside Oundle so a good place to go if you want to combine it with a trip to the town. As with the other local country parks, there is a good track to walk or cycle around, a visitors’ centre with café and a large children’s play area. There are also two fishing lakes. In the summer months there are often child friendly outdoor theatre performances, so it is worth checking the website for more information.
Barnwell Road, Oundle, PE8 5PB.
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/barnwell-country-park
8 miles
Sacrewell
Sacrewell is a heritage farm and country centre with a selection of animals to see and feed, a recently restored water mill, large children’s soft play area and tractor rides around the farm. During the holidays they have various “themed” weeks which are fun for children.
Great North Road, Thornhaugh, Peterborough. PE8 6HJ
9 miles
West Lodge Rural Centre
West Lodge Farm is an award-winning farm park where children and adults can have hands on experiences of farm and country life. There are lots of opportunities to explore the whole farm, the livestock, the walks and nature trails, the fields, the streams and the machinery.
Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering, NN14 2SH
www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk
10 miles
Hammerton Zoo Park
Hammerton Zoo is an animal park on the outskirts of Cambridge. It specialises in endangered, unusual and rare breeds and is a lovely day out for younger children.
2 Hamerton Rd, Steeple Gidding, Huntingdon PE28 5RE
15 miles
Wicksteed Park
Founded in 1921 Wicksteed Park is a Grade II English Heritage Listed Park and Garden.
There are 147 acres of gardens, but the main attraction now seems to be the amusement park within the grounds.
Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ.
12 miles
Cinemas
Stamford Arts Centre Cinema
01780 763203
Savoy Corby
01536 266685
Showcase Cinema de Lux Peterborough
01733 555636
Odeon Kettering