Visitor Guide (See Advert Page 11)
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FREE This brochure is the official tourism guide for Rutland and was produced by Leicester Shire Promotions Limited on behalf of Rutland Tourism with support from Rutland County Council. Special thanks to Richard Adams, Roger Rixon, Andy Ward at Creative Link Solutions, The Leicester Mercury, Shakir at iways, RSPB Rutland and the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre for their photography, and to Philip Dawson for use of the Rutland map. Particular thanks Rutland London go to Chris Hartnoll of CHFI who has provided photography for this guide Visitor Guide (see advert page 11). All information was believed to be correct at the time of going to press. Leicester Shire Promotions cannot accept liability for inaccuracies, omissions or subsequent 07/08 alterations in information supplied. You are advised to check opening times, prices, etc with establishments before your visit. Large print format also available. Please call 0116 225 4000 for details. Produced for by in partnership with Getting to know Rutland Out & About Useful Information Where to Stay © Leicester Shire Promotions Limited 2007 7-9 Every Street, Leicester LE1 6AG www.gorutland.com Getting to Know Rutland 3 History 5 Oakham 9 Uppingham 13 Stamford 15 Rutland Water Out and About 17 Short Break Ideas Rutland. England’s smallest county 23 Gardens and Nature and arguably its finest too. Lying halfway 25 Museums and Stately Homes between London and York, nestling close 27 Historic Buildings and Churches to Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln and 29 Outdoor Activities Peterborough, Rutland offers visitors 32 Leisure a world of outstanding natural beauty 33 Rutland Map that more than justifies its claim to be 35 Events ‘100 per cent real England’. 37 Eating and Drinking Authentic through and through. Travel Essentials This is real England. 45 Getting to Rutland Welcome to Rutland. We hope you enjoy your time here. 46 Win a short break in Rutland So what’s on offer? Well, why not start with classic A warm welcome to the English countryside boasting two of the prettiest Further Afield Rutland Visitor Guide 2007 towns in the Midlands, well over 50 delightful 48 Leicestershire English villages, and the spectacular man-made Whether you’re seeking ideas for a 48 Lincolnshire lake acknowledged by Sir David Attenborough as weekend away, an overnight stay, or 48 Northamptonshire one of the finest examples of creative conservation simply something to do with the family in Great Britain. Or how about choosing from more or friends for the day, this guide is packed Useful Information than 112 delightfully varied visitor attractions with details about what to see, places to 49 How to Book including museums, stately homes, nature and stay and things to do. There’s a focus on 49 Useful Numbers wildlife centres, historic sites, buildings and churches, activities, attractions, entertainment, birdwatching locations, mile upon mile of walking, shopping, restaurants and accommodation. Where to Stay riding and cycling trails, acres of gardens, garden This guide offers the most comprehensive centres and nurseries, and the most inviting of visitor information available about Rutland. 50 Accommodation Introduction waterscapes offering a wealth of possibilities. 52 Accommodation Listings You can also find all this information 65 Local Tourist Information Centres Alternatively, simply sit back and unwind. You’ll and more online at www.gorutland.com discover that Rutland’s historic market towns, where thousands of enjoyable possibilities gentle rolling hills and quintessential English villages are waiting for you. combine to make it the perfect place to relax and get www.gorutland.com So read on for a journey through England’s away from it all. You may even rediscover yourselves. www.rutnet.co.uk finest county heritage. We hope you don’t Sounds too good to be true? Well that’s why the wait too long before you visit. www.anglianwaterleisure.co.uk locals whisper ‘so much in so little’! Sue Barron Chair, Rutland Tourism 1 Contents visit www.gorutland.com Welcome to Rutland 2 Rutland was first recognised as Rutland has always depended on its an official Shire County in the 12th land to make a living. It is first and Century, although its history goes foremost a farming county, with lush back much further. Many of the town pastureland and rolling fields of arable and village names date back to the crops. The Rutland County Museum early Anglo Saxon period, around tells the story of Rutland’s agricultural the 7th Century. heritage over the centuries. Around Rutland you will also see old quarries No one is certain where the name that bear witness to the iron ore Rutland came from. Some claim it industry that once thrived in these refers to the rich red colour of the parts. The limestone from the quarry soil, but it is more likely that Rutland at Clipsham built famous buildings was Rota’s Land, a ruler who owned like Canterbury Cathedral, York a large estate in the area soon after Minster and the Houses of Parliament. the Roman period. Historic buildings of Rutland include the Great In the 1970s the Gwash Valley was flooded Hall of Oakham’s Norman Castle, which is filled to create the reservoir we see today. Two tiny with horseshoes from visiting aristocracy over the hamlets vanished under the waves, and the floor centuries. The famous Bede House at Lyddington of Normanton Church was raised three metres was built as a palace for the Bishops of Lincoln to preserve it for future generations. It is now in the 15th century and remains an important a museum dedicated to the creation of Rutland’s historic site at the heart of this pretty village. large man-made lake. Rutland is well known for its beautiful churches. The 1970s was a turbulent time for Rutland. Rutland is a little piece of old England, hidden away in the heart So why not pick up a copy of the Rutland Church Not only did the county endure a dramatic Trail and explore the 15 churches detailed inside change of landscape, but it was also merged of the country. It is a place where Kings once hunted deer in the the leaflet. with neighbouring Leicestershire, despite fierce opposition from local people. However, the valleys, where tiny villages were bequeathed to Mercian Queens Perhaps the most famous church of all, is Rutland independent spirit prevailed, and in Normanton Church, which now stands proud on and where charming thatched cottages, ancient churches and 1997 it regained its status as a separate county the shore of Rutland Water. fine Georgian architecture are all reminiscent of a bygone age. and to the present day, remains one of the most charming rural areas in Britain. 3 Getting to know Rutland visit www.gorutland.com Getting to know Rutland 4 A walk around Oakham The historic heart of Oakham clusters around the Market Place, just off the High Street. There seems to have been two market squares, which now form the L shape you see today. The ancient county town Here you will find the 400 year old Butter Cross where dairy products were once sold; the stocks, of Oakham is packed full of unusual for having five holes, and the town pump. historic buildings, interesting To the north of the Market Square is Castle Lane, leading to Oakham Castle. In the left hand corner landmarks and stylish shops. of the Market Place near the Butter Cross you will see the arched gateway of Oakham School, It was mentioned in the whilst on the right is Church Passage, leading to All Saints Parish Church (for more information Domesday book in 1086, and about all of these buildings turn to pages 27-28 or purchase a copy of the Oakham Heritage Trail remains a traditional bustling from Rutland County Museum and Visitor Centre). English market town. Dean’s Street near the church is a reminder of when the town was divided into two parts; Deanshold (ruled by the Dean & Chapter of Westminster) and Lordshold (ruled by the Lord of the Manor from the castle). On Melton Road at the end of Dean’s Street you can find the cottage of Jeffrey Hudson – ‘the smallest man from the smallest county in England’. Born in 1619, he grew to be only 39 inches in height. Just outside the town centre on Catmose Street is the Rutland County Museum (see page 25), which is dedicated to the history of agriculture and rural life. It explores many aspects of farming and country trades that have virtually disappeared, including the village blacksmith, carpenter, shoemaker, cooper and tinsmith. Oakham is also home to Catmose art gallery, theatre and cinema located at the Vale of Catmose College on Cold Overton Road. Opened in 2003, Shopping Eating & Drinking Catmose Arts has quickly established itself as one Oakham’s stylish boutiques, interior design shops and If you are looking for a cup of tea or coffee, enjoy of Rutland's leading centres of cultural excellence, exclusive gift shops will delight both shopaholics a relaxing rest in Castle Cottage Garden Tearooms offering art, film, music and drama (for events visit and those who are simply content to browse. The close to the Church. The Green Room is situated www.valeofcatmose.co.uk). High Street is the heart of the shopping area where in Flore’s House on the High Street, The Rutland you will discover chic designer clothing, handmade Coffee House can be found just off the High Street See Oakham map on page 8. jewellery and classic original furniture. Crown Walk in Crown Walk, or Gracies on Mill Street. Also on (opposite the Market Square on the High Street), the High Street is The Admiral Hornblower Rutland County Museum The Maltings and Mill Street are also good places Restaurant & Bar.