ATTRACTIONS NEAR TO BARNSDALE

Probably the best attraction is our idyllic location. Facing South and West over Rutland Water, we are in the best position to see amazing sunsets from the Lodge, watch also, for ospreys hunting over the bay.

rutland water sunset from lakeside B&B

Award winning Rutland Water 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. Cycle Hire at Whitwell 1 mile from the B&B, mention us, 10% discount for Lakeside B&B residents.

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 http://www.discover-rutland.co.uk/

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

The Horse & Jockey, Manton http://www.horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk/ right on the cycle track, good food, warm welcome.

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

Barnsdale Country Club Hotel, Bar, restaurant and time share resort. Closest to the Lodge, 200yds. Non members welcome. Easily walkable. Good food. 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

Wheatsheaf, Greetham Excellent food, great beers/wine http://www.wheatsheaf-greetham.co.uk/ highly recommended

The Plough, Greetham Excellent beer (Timothy Taylor's Golden Best!) great pub food.

Blue Ball, Braunston Good food in the oldest pub in Rutland, lovely ambiance. http://www.theblueballbraunston.co.uk/ recommended

The Berkeley Arms Wymondham Superb food, the full package, service, welcome, beer, amazing food http://www.theberkeleyarms.co.uk/ highly recommended

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 recommended

Noel Arms, Whitwell Recently refurbished, decor suspect, Excellent food.

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. highly recommended

The Vaults, Uppingham Friendly proper Pub in Uppingham Market Square

Kings Arms, Wing Excellent Gastro Pub recommended

Exeter Arms and White Hart, Lyddington Both excellent eating pubs in this picture postcard village.

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

RESTAURANTS

Voujon Balti, Oakham Great Indian cuisine

The Dining Room Superb Contemporary Indian Cuisine, recommended

Rutland Chinese , Oakham Good Chinese Food

Choy’s Uppingham Really good food

Oakham Takeaway. Mill street Good Chinese takeaway.

Italian Restaurant on Church Street Oakham Not authentic but fun.

ATTRACTIONS

FLY FISHING Rutland FlyFishing Adventures www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk for total beginners, improvers and guiding for experienced anglers. Individuals, couples, groups and corporate team building days.

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 & sculpture gardens

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

TOWNS

Oakham, Rutland’s Market town

Uppingham, Even 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 down by the lake or phone 07711 182853.

Please ask if there’s anything you need.

Breakfast is between 7.30 and 9.30 am by arrangement

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