Rutland Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Rutland Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Rutland might be England's smallest county but it punches well above its weight for sightseeing. Rutland Water is the obvious starting point - this massive reservoir offers walking, cycling, watersports and wildlife watching. The 23-mile track around the perimeter makes for a great day out if you bring bikes to your cottage.

Oakham Castle (LE15 6DR, open 10am-4pm Mon-Sat) is free to enter and houses a unique collection of ceremonial horseshoes. Every peer of the realm who visits Rutland must give a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor - a tradition dating back 800 years! It scores 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor.

Stamford (just over the Lincolnshire border) is worth a visit for its gorgeous limestone buildings. It's been used in countless period dramas including Pride and Prejudice. The town scores an impressive 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor with visitors praising its independent shops and cafes.

Barnsdale Gardens (LE15 8AH, open daily 9am-5pm) was created by Geoff Hamilton of Gardeners' World fame and features 38 different garden styles. It's perfect for getting ideas to take back to your own garden. Tripadvisor score: 4.5/5.

Pet Friendly

I've found Rutland to be fantastic for dogs. Many cottages welcome pets, often with enclosed gardens where they can run safely while you enjoy the hot tub. The countryside is criss-crossed with footpaths where leads aren't always necessary.

Rutland Water has specific dog-friendly areas - the north shore between Whitwell and Barnsdale is best. There's even a dog-friendly beach at Whitwell Creek where your four-legged friend can splash about.

For eating out, The Wheatsheaf in Stretton (LE15 7QD) welcomes dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. The Fox and Hounds in Exton (LE15 8AN) is another good option with a dog-friendly beer garden.

We recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - especially if you're staying in a cottage with a hot tub. Nobody wants dog hair in there! Many cottages provide dog beds and bowls but it's worth checking before you travel.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Rutland

Rutland Water Nature Reserve (LE15 8BT) is home to the Rutland Osprey Project which successfully reintroduced these magnificent birds of prey to England. The Lyndon Visitor Centre gives you the best chance to spot them between March and September. There are 31 bird watching hides around the reserve. The wetland habitat attracts thousands of wildfowl in winter. We spent hours here watching kingfishers darting across the water.

Normanton Church Museum (LE15 8TP) is Rutland's most iconic building. When the valley was flooded to create Rutland Water in the 1970s, the lower half of this church was filled with rubble and the building sits majestically in the water. It now houses exhibitions about the history of Rutland Water and the villages lost beneath the waves. The unusual setting makes it one of the most photographed churches in England.

Oakham itself deserves exploration with its market square and butter cross. Market days (Wednesday and Saturday) bring the town alive. Oakham School buildings dominate parts of the town - it's one of England's oldest public schools dating back to 1584. The narrow lanes hide independent shops and cafes. Don't miss Otters Fine Foods deli on Mill Street for picnic supplies to take back to your hot tub cottage.

Is Rutland really a county?

Yes! Rutland is England's smallest county. It was temporarily merged with Leicestershire between 1974 and 1997 but regained its independence and is now a unitary authority.

Can you swim in Rutland Water?

Swimming is only permitted during organised events like triathlons. However, there's an Aqua Park with inflatable obstacles open in summer months that's great fun if you're staying in a cottage nearby.

What's the best time to visit Rutland?

Spring and summer offer the best weather for enjoying outdoor activities and your cottage hot tub. The Rutland Water Birdfair in August is popular with wildlife enthusiasts.

Are there good restaurants in Rutland?

Despite its small size, Rutland has excellent dining options. The Olive Branch in Clipsham holds a Michelin star, while Hitchen's Barn in Oakham offers superb seasonal food.

Is Rutland good for cycling?

Absolutely! The 23-mile track around Rutland Water is perfect for families. Rutland Cycling has hire centres if you don't bring your own bikes to your cottage.

Can you see the villages under Rutland Water?

When water levels are extremely low, you can sometimes see remnants of Normanton and Middle Hambleton. The church tower at Normanton was saved and is now a museum.

1. Official Rutland Tourism Website
2. Rutland Water Information
3. Rutland Osprey Project