Rutland is a treasure trove of activities, nature, and superb entrepreneurial businesses. When it comes to a visit, it’s difficult to know what to focus on first. A good plan is to locate your base first from which you can venture out.
Rutland Hall Hotel is a perfect place to escape to, with its 70 acres of rolling parkland, it’s (dog-friendly) on-site facilities which include a 22m indoor swimming pool, gym, and crazy golf course, plus Blossoms, a superb restaurant, lounge and bar.
Once you’ve checked in and enjoyed the on-site facilities, it’s time to discover what kids activities near me are worth checking out. If you’ve got primary school aged children, you probably don’t want to venture too far afield, so here’s a list of 10 experiences on the doorstep of Rutland Hall.
Sunny activities
1. Water sports on Rutland Water
Just moments from the hotel, Rutland Water offers a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more advanced there’s plenty of options here. You can hire a canoe, paddleboard, kayak or sailing dinghy, or if you prefer you can book a session at the super popular Rutland Aqua Park. Sited on the South Shore, based at Edith Weston, you will find Rutland Sailing Club, a very active club with a busy What’s On calendar of events throughout the year.
2. Banana Boat Rides, Dry Ski Slope & Tobogganing at Tallington Lakes
For children aged 8 or over, a Banana boat ride at Tallington Lakes will suit any young thrill seeker. Absolutely no experience is necessary, all you need to do is hang on and tell your driver to go as fast or as slow as you dare. A full briefing and equipment is provided before each ride.
If getting wet is not your thing, how about hanging out on the dry slopes at this local leisure park? You can learn to ski or snowboard via private lessons. The centre has a main and a nursery slop and qualified instructors are on hand to get you on the piste!
3. Burghley House, Stamford
Burghley House, is a magical estate and is home to one of the grandest houses in the Country. Sited just 10 minutes’ drive away from Rutland Hall, the magnificent Burghley House comprises 18 State Rooms, 12 acres of stunning gardens (including a Garden of Surprises and a Sculpture Garden) , a deer park, and a super popular children’s adventure playground. There’s also a restaurant and a café to keep everyone fully fuelled up during your visit. You can lose days here, there’s so much to do.
4. The Rock Blok at Whitwell Leisure Park
Located within Whitwell Leisure Park, next to Rutland Water Cycle Hire, The Rock Blok features a variety of canopy and rock climbing adventures, designed to challenge and thrill. It’s a safe environment where your children can scale new heights and gain confidence. You can drop in for a taster session, or pre-book your session.
6. Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary, Exton
Getting up close and personal to birds of prey is something that this county offers too. Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many birds of prey including owls, hawks, buzzards, falcons, eagles and vultures. Some of these incredible species can be held and flown by you while others preferred to be admired from a distance. It’s a great experience that makes for great family pictures!
Cloudy alternatives
6. Escape rooms, Oakham
One Way Out Escape Rooms offer 75 minutes of head scratching, problem solving fun. With four special games aimed at 8 years upwards, the Oakham-based, family-run, Escape Rooms recommends Rhyming Room, Yellowbeard’s Treasure, Tagalong and Perfect Egg for your family-friendly fun. There’s plenty of other games suitable for other ages too.
7. Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford
This multi-arts venue, based in the centre of Stamford, offers a 166-seat theatre, which doubles up as a cinema. Stamford Arts Centre houses a spacious gallery exhibition space accommodating artwork and photography produced by local and international artists alike. The centre also has several multi-functional rooms, and a café. Alongside regular workshops for adults and children, the centre holds additional children’s workshops during the school holidays ranging from drama, singing, dancing and art.
8. Rutland Belle
Rutland Water Cruises have been operating boat trips, cruising around the reservoir from April to October every year since 1986. During May and September, the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust run dawn and evening Osprey Cruises.
The double decked Rutland Belle is accessible for wheelchair users and has a maximum capacity of 110 people. Sailing from Whitwell, it stops at Normanton before continuing on its circuitous route. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes. This cruise is a perfect choice if there’s a chance of rain, as it has an all-weather covered lower saloon complete with a fully licensed bar.
9. Whissendine Windmill
Explore Whissendine Windmill, a 6-storey working mill that was built in 1809 and learn all about its history from the current owner, Nigel Moon. He’s passionate about mills and is a font of knowledge on the history and workings of his mill which he bought in 1995. You can buy flour direct from Nigel who will bag it while you wait. Best to ring ahead to make an appointment.
10. Gates Garden Centre, nr Oakham
Just 4 miles from Oakham sits Gates Garden Centre – a mecca for any plant lover and gift buyer. For the children, there are lots of shopping opportunities (including a ginormous Christmas shop), a model village, plus a large restaurant to indulge in.
Why Stay at Rutland Hall Hotel?
So that’s a taster for some of the kids activities you can enjoy in Rutland. And when the day’s done, why not book a table at Blossoms, our family-friendly restaurant, lounge & bar at Rutland Hall Hotel, before retiring for a comfy night’s stay in one of our lakeside lodges.
If you’re looking for a last minute bargain stay, check out these deals.
What our guests say…
We know once you’ve been, you’ll want to make a return visit – just like our guest Martyn K…
Superb hotel, went for wedding anniversary and they decorated the room. A really nice touch. All staff very friendly, taking time out to actually chat to their customers…
Food was superb in the restaurant… Breakfast was outstanding. Made to order dishes available by the very skilled chefs a very nice touch.
Everywhere was spotless and tidy.
we look forward to returning soon.
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