Our Cottages in Rutland

RUTLAND & SURROUNDING AREAS

Cottesmore is situated in the East Midlands county of Rutland, a small but beautiful and unsung area waiting to be discovered. Nestling in Middle England one hundred miles north of London, it is bounded on the west and north by Leicestershire, northeast by Lincolnshire, and southeast by Northamptonshire. The historic town of Stamford is just over the border in a protruding part of Lincolnshire.

Both our charming thatched holiday cottages therefore make a perfect base from which to explore the immediate area as well as treasures such as Cambridge and Lincoln plus the major cities of  Leicester (incl King Richard III Visitor Centre and National Space Centre), Nottingham and Peterborough, all of which are within a 30-60 minute drive.

Rutland 's greatest length north to south is only 18 miles; greatest breadth east to west, 17 miles. It is the smallest (in terms of area) normal unitary authority in mainland England (only the City of London is smaller!).

The two principal towns are Oakham, the county town, and Uppingham, whilst there are many quintessentially English villages to be enjoyed.

At the centre of the county is a vast and picturesque reservoir, Rutland Water, which is an important nature reserve, serving as an over-wintering site for wildfowl and a breeding site for Ospreys. It is the proud annual home of the British Bird Fair. Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Europe, covering some 1225 hectares (3100 acres). Completed in 1977, the reservoir is in the centre of Rutland and has a 25-mile circular track for walking and cycling. Rutland Water is also the home of Rutland Sailing Club (boat hire available) & Rutland Sailing School.

The quiet country roads and scenery are perfect for cycling and tandem holidays. Walkers too will not be disappointed with a seletion of excellent rural walks to choose from. 

Oakham and Uppingham are charming market towns, famous for their public schools. Oakham hosts its own summer festival. Melton Mowbray including its renowned Pork Pie shop and annual Cheese Festival lies just to the north of the county.

Historic Stamford is a beautiful town (resembling a minature version of Bath) with marvellous shops and on its outskirts boasts the jewel of Burghley House and Park, home to the Burghley Horse Trials (05-08 September 2019) and a popular location for filming. The Stamford Shakespeare Festival (11 June - 31 August 2019 - Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar & The Blithe Spirit) is held annually at Tolethorpe Hall where a picnic on the lawns, a stroll around the lawn, pond and flowerbeds and shrubberies all add to the magic of a visit to Rutland Open Air Theatre.

Geoff Hamilton's legacy of his famous Barnsdale Gardens are very close to Sticky End in Cottesmore, whilst other are splendid gardens are within easy travelling distance by car from all our holiday cottages.

Rockingham Motor Speedway and Rockingham Castle lie just 25 minutes drive south. The stunning Belvoir Castle stands splendidly in the Vale of Belvoir just 25 minutes drive to the north. Several Nation Trust properties are within a 1 hour drive.

There are 3 good golf courses within a short drive.

Other notable activities include: Rock Wall, High Wire, Jogging, Rutland Water Aqua Park (Summer only), Nature Reserve, Birds of Prey Centre, Walking, Cycle hire.