Quiet, peaceful Rutland is England's smallest historic county, a place for ramblers who like their unspoilt rural vistas dotted with historic houses and castles, and the occasional pretty village with an interesting museum, and a tea shop, or a pub. Most of the best places to stay in Rutland are picture-postcard perfect, with a backdrop of either green and pleasant vistas, a pretty market town, charming rural village, or a lovely landed pile. Our pick of the properties includes a country house hotel with michelin starred dining and a charming pub with rooms.
Rutland’s two old market towns, Oakham and Uppingham, are only six miles apart, but they still both have regular farmers markets. They also both boast charming high streets lined with little independent shops, cafes, and several very good pubs — Uppingham has a couple of galleries too. Its villages offer more of the same, differentiated by their local produce and pubs. All these local producers and markets have turned Rutland into something of a foodie county, and if you’re interested in tasting the region's delicacies, C Clipsham has a Michelin-recommeded pub, Exton has a modern British restaurant popular with foodies, and Hambleton Hall has a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Rutland is also home to Europe's largest man made lake, Rutland Water, Anglian Water's drinking water reservoir. As well as its practical uses, Rutland Water has become home to a vast array of wildlife, from fish, to waterfowl, to migrating birds: Rutland's Egleton Nature Reserve, on Rutland Water, is host to the annual British Birdwatching Fair. The lake is also a fantastic place for watersports of all ilks.
This pretty little county is a popular year round destination. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Rutland (plus a table in the restaurant!), you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.