Pictures of Rutland

Rutland is famous as the smallest of the English counties, it is also one of the most highly picturesque, second only to the famous Cotswolds for its beautiful landscape, leafy lanes and mellow stone buildings.

Fabulous Rutland Water, built during the second half of the 20th-century is perhaps Rutland's biggest tourist attraction. This lies near to Oakham and is one of the largest man-made lakes of western Europe. The 3,100 acre reservoir is set amidst stunning scenery, not only does it provide a pleasurable place for Anglers from all over the region, but is also a source of water for domestic consumption and industrial usage for Rutland and the wider regions of other nearby counties. The crest of the dam is 1,200 meters long and the water reaches to a maximum depth of 34 meters.

When visiting the reservoir take time to explore Normanton Church. This is now a museum dedicated to the inception of Rutland Water, it also has fossil's and other interesting objects. In order to preserve the church, its level was raised and its masonry proofed against damp. The church rests on an especially built causeway. At night when illuminated by floodlighting, the building casts an eyrie atmosphere over the water, but at the same time makes a breath-taking landmark which can be seen for miles around.

Rutland Water has several visitor centres, it caters for birdwatching, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and cycling. There is access to many miles of footpaths and some lovely picnic areas. This is a popular place to visit at any time of year, you can even explore the water from the comfort of the "Rutland Belle" a pleasure cruiser taking passengers on a 45 minute trip around this highly scenic reservoir.

Apart from its famous water the landscape of Rutland has a wealth of tiny villages to explore, each one epitomising all that is best of English rural life. The delightful market town of Oakham lies in Rutland, this was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, and visitors will find the town attractive with plenty of places of interest to see.

Uppingham, is another of Rutland's hidden gems, this has a famous school founded in 1584 by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, it is now modernised to meet demanding standards but the original schoolroom still exists in Uppingham churchyard. The Falcon Hotel is a former 16th-century coaching inn, retaining much of its original charm and character. The town was originally granted its market charter by Edward I in 1238 and although it is evident that times have changed, there is still much here to give pleasure to the visitor.

Hopefully, this little glimpse of Rutland will tempt you to explore the delights of this very special little county - it may be small, but it certainly has a lot to offer.