The Vale of Belvoir offers a fantastic backdrop for hot tub cottage holidays. This stunning rural area spans Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, with the magnificent Belvoir Castle at its heart.

Visitors love exploring the castle (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) and the Engine Yard artisan shopping village. The area's rolling countryside provides excellent walking opportunities along with cycling routes that connect picturesque villages with traditional pubs.

The Vale has royal connections - King Charles and Queen Camilla have stayed at Belvoir Castle several times as guests of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, enjoying the same landscapes you can see from your hot tub.

Accommodation ranges from cosy one-bedroom cottages perfect for couples to large converted barns that sleep 10+ for group gatherings. Many properties feature private hot tubs in enclosed gardens, ideal for stargazing in this area of minimal light pollution.

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Sightseeing

The Vale of Belvoir packs in plenty of attractions despite its peaceful rural setting. Belvoir Castle (NG32 1PE) dominates the landscape and offers a fascinating day out. Open Sunday-Thursday, 11am-5pm from March to October, this historic home of the Duke of Rutland scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor for its stunning interiors and gardens.

Nearby Belton House (NG32 2LW) is a National Trust gem scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The house, gardens and adventure playground make it perfect for families. It's open daily 9:30am-5:30pm in summer.

For market town charm, head to Melton Mowbray (famous for pork pies) or Grantham. The Melton Carnegie Museum (LE13 1LX) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and tells the story of the area's food heritage. It's open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm.

I recommend visiting on Tuesdays for Melton's street market - it's been running since 1077! You can stock up on local produce to enjoy back at your cottage before an evening dip in the hot tub.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love the Vale of Belvoir almost as much as their owners! Many cottages welcome pets, often with secure gardens where they can play safely while you relax in your hot tub.

The Vale has miles of footpaths across gentle countryside - perfect for daily walks. The Grantham Canal path offers flat, easy walking with several sections where dogs can paddle safely.

When you're ready for refreshment, The Wheel Inn at Branston (NG32 1RU) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden, serving good pub grub. The Dirty Duck at Woolsthorpe (NG32 1NY) is another dog-friendly option with water bowls provided.

For off-lead fun, try Denton Reservoir (NG32 1LA) which has a circular walk with sections where dogs can swim. Just remember to pack a towel for muddy paws before getting back in the car - or the hot tub!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Vale of Belvoir

Belvoir Castle and Gardens tops my list. This fairy-tale castle sits on a hill with views across 16,000 acres of estate land. Inside, you'll find opulent state rooms with paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Holbein. The gardens were redesigned by Capability Brown and include formal gardens, woodland and a Japanese garden. One visitor wrote: "The views are spectacular - worth the entrance fee alone." Don't miss the Engine Yard retail village at the castle entrance for local food and crafts.

Twin Lakes Park (LE14 3PF) is brilliant for families. This theme park and zoo has over 70 attractions including roller coasters, water rides and animal encounters. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor, with visitors praising the range of activities for different ages. One family noted: "We spent the whole day here and still didn't do everything." Open 10am-5pm daily during peak season with slightly reduced hours off-peak.

Belton House and Gardens offers a perfect day out combining history and outdoor fun. The house itself is a fine example of Restoration architecture, while the gardens include an Italian garden, orangery and wilderness garden. Kids love the massive adventure playground and the deer park is great for spotting wildlife. A recent visitor commented: "The adventure playground is one of the best we've seen at any National Trust property."

What's the best time to visit the Vale of Belvoir?

Spring and summer are lovely for enjoying the countryside at its best, but I find autumn particularly special when the woodland colours change. Winter offers crisp walks and cosy pubs with roaring fires. Many cottages offer seasonal hot tub breaks with Christmas lights and decorations making evening soaks magical.

Can I buy local food products in the Vale?

Absolutely! The area is famous for Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies. Visit the Melton Mowbray Food Festival in October or the weekly farmers' market. The Melton Cheeseboard shop (LE13 1XY) stocks over 150 cheeses and local produce - perfect for a cottage feast.

Are there any good walks directly from the villages?

Yes, most villages have footpath networks. The 7.5-mile Belvoir Castle circular walk from Woolsthorpe is popular, as is the 5-mile Grantham Canal walk from Harby. Ask your cottage owner for local walking maps - many provide these for guests.

What's the best village pub in the area?

The Chequers at Woolsthorpe (NG32 1LU) gets my vote for its excellent food and local beers. The Martin's Arms in Colston Bassett (NG12 3FD) has won awards for its food. Both get booked up quickly, especially for Sunday lunch, so reserve ahead.

Is there anywhere to hire bikes?

Rutland Cycling at Belvoir Castle (NG32 1PE) offers bike hire including e-bikes. The gentle terrain makes this area perfect for casual cyclists and there are routes to suit all abilities.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Beyond the obvious swimwear, bring flip-flops for getting to and from the hot tub, extra towels and plastic glasses if you fancy a drink while soaking. Many cottages provide robes, but check in advance.

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