ATTRACTIONS NEAR TO BARNSDALE

Fly Fishing on one of the World's finest trout lakes, Rutland Water. We offer all inclusive fishing adventures for individuals, couple, groups, corporate team building, click here for more details.

For cyclists and walkers the Rutland Water cycle path [18 or 26 mile circuits] passes our garden.

Birdwatching on the SSSI Rutland Water is world class, Ospreys are a common sight from the B&B from April till September.

Water sports are well catered for at Whitwell, with sailing and windsurfing and there's the sailing club at Edith Weston on the south shore.

For general holidays, we are in the middle of one of the most beautiful areas of England, the ancient county of Rutland is famous for it's rolling countryside, timeless villages with thatched cottages, village greens and traditional pubs. Visit the towns of Oakham and Uppingham, and the picturesque unspoilt villages of Hambleton, Wing, Exton, Braunston etc. and Stamford, a lovely old market town, is only a few miles away.

Rutland is REAL ENGLAND a secret gem, the Cotswolds without the crowds, see

This is a purely objective, personal view, the places we like and hope you like too.

I’ve added some comments, again, very personal, you may have other views.

PUBS & EATING PLACES

Finches, Hambleton Good beer (Grainstore, Oakham, and guests ie Tetleys, Timothy Taylors) quiet, friendly bar, nice outside in the Summer. Eating, great lunch bar meals, evening dinners bit ‘posher’ than pub food. Service sometimes slow when they’re busy, but often very good. On a Summers Day there’s nothing better than sitting on the terrace overlooking the lake with Guinness and moules marinier….mmmmmmm!

01572 756575 recommended

Barnsdale Lodge Hotel Quality Hotel, excellent food, slightly higher price than standard pubs. Lovely cosy bar, excellent service. Private dining rooms for hire.

Walkable 01572 724678 recommended click here for website

Nick’s Restaurant Market Place, Oakham 01572 723199. Exquisite dining experience. Expensive but value.

Barnsdale Country Club Closest to the Lodge, 200yds. Non members welcome. Lacks atmosphere but easily walkable. Osprey Restaurant.

01572 757901

Fox & Hounds, Exton Good pub in a picturesque village just 1 mile away. Great food, Italian specialities. Good Ale and comfy lounge.

01572 812403 recommended click here for website

The Odd House, Oakham Great value pub grub, good beer. For huge, great value meals, this is the one. A favourite with fishermen

Admiral Hornblower, Oakham Lively, young, upmarket pub, good beer, very good food. Excellent carvery on Sunday lunchtime. Excellent beer garden in the centre of town.

Grainstore, Oakham Micro brewery, award winning beers, music occasionally. Boozing shed atmosphere.

Hambleton Hall Exquisite food & surroundings, V. Expensive. A real experience

White Horse, Empingham Quality, no nonsense Pub Food and good beer

Noel Arms, Whitwell Recently refurbished, decor suspect, worth a try a bit of an unknown. Good food but never busy.

Fox & Hounds, Knossington Excellent food & friendly atmosphere

Don Paddy's, Uppingham Bistro atmosphere in Market square, great food, great atmosphere, terrific beer and wines. Owned by my good friend and former colleague Robert Wills, he’s made it a great place. live music. Lovely pavement café feel. recommended click here for website

The Vaults, Uppingham Friendly proper Pub in Uppingham Market Square

RESTAURANTS

Indian, Oakham Great Indian cuisine

The Dining Room Superb Contemporary Indian Cuisine, recommended

Chinese, Rutland , Oakham Good Chinese Food recommended

Choy’s Uppingham Really good food

Oakham Takeaway. Mill street Good Chinese takeaway.

Nova Vita, Oakham Romantic ambience in town centre

ATTRACTIONS

Owl & Bird of Prey Centre Great fun, Exton. Owls, Eagles, Vultures, Red Indian Camp, axe throwing, Rutland Bowmen.

Barnsdale Gardens The famous gardens, just up the road.

Bird Centre, Egleton Main UK bird watching centre.

Cycling, Whitwell Good quality bike hire, reasonable prices.

Rokblok, Whitwell Climbing Rock & Assault course, brilliant for kids

Sailing, Whitwell Day hire, dinghies, windsurfing

Walking 19 or 25 miles around the lake.

Fishing Say no more!! See Rob!

Normanton Church Museum in ‘sunken’ church in Rutland Water

Museum, Oakham Great rural history

Rockingham Castle Occasional events: Civil War re-enactment, Knights, Medieval, Jousting

Car Racing, Rockingham USA style stadium, fast, rocar racing ‘Days of Thunder’

Burghley House, Stamford. Lovely House with deer park & good lunches

Belvoir Castle (pronounced Beaver!) Best Castle in the area

TAXIS

Prestigue Taxis 07740 741548

Rutland Cabs 01572 757891

Berridge Taxis 01572 756088

VILLAGES

Exton, just up the road. Thatched cottages

Egleton Interesting Saxon Church, site for the British Bird Fair, 2 miles.

Wing… actually there are so many picturesque villages, it’s best to just drive round & see them.

TOWNS

Oakham, Rutland’s Market town

Uppingham, smaller very quaint, the shops still close for lunch and have half day closing!!

Stamford, beautiful ancient town good architecture, great Restaurants, pubs.

Hope you enjoy your stay in England’s smallest county.

In emergency please call for assistance, I’m usually upstairs or phone 07711 182853.

Please ask if there’s anything you need.

Breakfast is between 7.30 and 9.30 am

It’s usually a full English breakfast but please let me know if you have any special requests or dietary needs the evening before.

I can offer a Barnsdale Breakfast home smoked rutland trout & scrambled eggs at a £3.50 premium.

Departure time is 10.30am

Arrival time is after 4.00pm or by arrangement