Rutland – So much to do, So much to see this Summer!

‘Multum in Parvo’ is the apt motto of the smallest county (Much in Little) especially for Summer 2019 where a plethora of festivals and events will be held with something to offer everyone.

June kicks off with one of Rutland’s biggest events, The Rutland County Show (Sunday 2nd June), which makes a great day out for all the family. This traditional agricultural show has judging of livestock, horses, produce and vintage vehicles and tractors, plus a variety of trade stands, dog agility courses, and main ring attractions this year include Broke FMX stunt display team, Falconry and Carriage Driving competitions.

A Mexican Fiesta is the theme for this year’s Uppingham Feast Day (Sunday 16th June) which promises to be a fun-packed day for all the family. The market town of Uppingham will be transformed with street entertainers, live music, hot & cold food, craft fayre, children’s entertainment, and a street market.

For music, art and theatre lovers the county offers the renowned Oakham Festival running from 23rd to 30th June with events including art exhibitions, lunchtime recitals, dance shows and so much more. Head to the Oakham Bandstand in Cutts Close to enjoy a different band every Sunday afternoon from 23rd June to 18th August, including jazz, swing and steel music, plus other local favourites.

The Tolethorpe Hall Open Air Theatre season runs throughout the summer with three different productions and Burghley Film Festival (July 24th- 28th) shows films for all the family. Antiques events will be held in Oakham at the Victoria Hall (25th & 26th July) and at the Rutland Showground (3rd & 4th August). Regular art exhibitions are held at the Victoria Hall in Oakham and Uppingham is renowned for its numerous antique shops and art galleries to indulge your passion.

Rutland is known as ‘The County of Good Taste’ and any visitor will be spoilt for choice to eat and drink with so many pubs, restaurants, bistros and cafes in the towns and villages.

But one popular event draws people from afar: the Rutland CAMRA Beer Festival & Ale Trail (Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th June) held at the Rutland County Museum, Oakham. Not surprising with 40 beers, ciders & perries, plus food and entertainment on offer! More beer festivals can be enjoyed over the August Bank Holiday weekend at The Grainstore Brewery (22nd to 26th August) and The Wheatsheaf at Langham (23rd to 26th August). Another foodie delight is the Food, Drink & Craft Festival (6th & 7th July) held at the Rutland Showground and featuring celebrity chefs, family entertainment and workshops.

For the more active, Rutland offers miles of walking and cycling tracks suited to all abilities, at Rutland Water Park the Aqua Park is open at Whitwell (from May 26th) and during the school summer holiday the Beach at Sykes Lane provides 140 metres of sandy shoreline to swim safely from. Fishing, sailing, canoeing and paddle-boarding are well catered for, whilst for a more sedate experience on the water head for a trip on the Rutland Belle around the lake. Look out for their special trips including Osprey & Wildlife, Afternoon Tea and Gin Cruises!

And not forgetting nature and garden lovers: Nature Walks and Birdwatching events are held throughout the summer by Rutland Water Nature Reserve at Egleton and Barnsdale Gardens have regular workshops and activities including Summer Sundays throughout July and August. Probably the largest event in Rutland is the annually held Birdfair (16th to 18th August) with exhibitors and visitors descending on Egleton from throughout the world.

So whatever your passion, you should be able to find a Rutland festival, event or activity to suit you.

If you are planning to visit Rutland this Spring or Summer, why not stay at Puddle Cottage? We have some availability over the next few months, and can offer anything from a short 3 night break to a week’s stay.

The cottage is a 4 star self catering cottage located in the charming village of Edith Weston and is just a short walk to the South shore of Rutland Water. The market towns of Oakham, Stamford and Uppingham are all within an 8 mile drive. To book please contact Anna on enquiries@puddle-cottage.co.uk or call 07734175291. We would be delighted to welcome you to the area.