The best things really do come in little packages! Rutland might be England’s smallest county, but it has so much to offer, making it the ideal family holiday destination in the UK.
In the heart of Rutland, you will find the beautiful and tranquil Rutland Water Nature Reserve with its lovely views – there really is nowhere better to enjoy time in the great outdoors. Surrounding the vast reservoir and covering 4,200 acres of open countryside, the park offers everything you could want on your family holiday, from walking and cycling to fishing and sailing. For those looking for a less active holiday, there are also a number of superb nature reserves where elegant ospreys can be seen each year with their giant wingspans and impressive black and white feathers.
With the stunning towns of Stamford, Oakham and Uppingham nearby, not all the entertainment revolves around the water. There are so many beautiful places to visit with their superb selection of shops, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. You can see why Rutland makes the perfect location for a family holiday. If a holiday in Rutland is on your wish list, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect holiday cottage from our wonderful selection of holiday homes at Breakfree Holidays. With so many to choose from, we have put together this list of our favourite stunning holiday rentals close to Rutland Water to help you narrow it down. We’re sure you’ll find something you love!
Breakfree Holidays’ Top 5 Holiday Cottages near Rutland Water:
- The Coach House, Barrowden
- Rowan Lodge, Greetham
- Glaston, Exton
- Wren Cottage, Wing nr Uppingham
- No 2 Queens Street, Uppingham
The Coach House
Location: Barrowden, Rutland
Great for: A beautiful cottage in a quiet location within walking distance of a local pub
This delightful, converted coach house is situated in the picturesque conservation village of Barrowden in a lovely quiet location surrounded by gorgeous countryside. The small village offers a great selection of amenities including a community shop with a café serving freshly baked goods and a pub overlooking the village green.
For the more active members of your party, you will find numerous cycle paths and walking trails to explore as well as the water sports of Rutland Water close by including sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and canoeing. For those looking for less adrenaline-filled activities, the wonderful market towns of Uppingham, Oakham and Stamford are all close by and you can immerse yourself in the local history with a visit to the stunning Rockingham Castle or Burghley House.
Facilities: At the top of the gravel drive you will find this beautiful three-bedroom coach house offering comfortable self-catering accommodation for up to six guests, making it the perfect base for your family holiday or a trip away with friends. The lounge offers plenty of cosy sofas for you to relax in after a busy day out on the water. With a Smart TV, Wi-Fi and a huge selection of books and games you’ll quickly feel at home in this wonderful holiday cottage. The fully fitted kitchen has everything you would need during your stay including a washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and microwave. With a large dining table that comfortably seats six people, it is the perfect place to host dinner parties for your guests.
Outside, you’ll find a pretty enclosed courtyard garden where you can enjoy a spot of alfresco dining with a barbecue and outside seating. With plenty of off road parking and superb facilities all in this lovely location, it is easy to see why it is one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite properties for exploring Rutland from.
Rowan Lodge
Location: Greetham, Rutland
Great for: A luxury wooden log cabin with its own private hot tub and superb facilities
This bespoke, solid-timbered property is located on a private and gated site on the edge of the pretty village of Greetham. Conveniently located close to Rutland Water there is plenty to see and do when you’re staying at Rowan Cottage. Take a trip into the market town of Oakham and visit the Great Hall at Oakham Castle, visit one of the superb local pubs for a bite to eat or head to the reservoir itself to try a spot of sailing at the local sailing club. If you’re more comfortable on dry land, then one of the many nature reserves can provide wonderful sightings of some rare waterfowl.
Facilities: This self-catering log cabin offers an open plan living space with a cosy living area that consists of comfortable sofas and a large TV and DVD player. The kitchen is well equipped and has all the facilities you would need during your stay including a microwave, fridge, washing machine and dishwasher. With two bedrooms – one king-size with TV and en suite shower room and a twin room – this cottage is the ideal base for a family or small group of friends to explore the local area.
Outside the log cabin, you will find an enclosed private patio with BBQ and sun loungers so you’re all set for a bit of sunbathing and alfresco dining in the warmer months. Why not finish off a busy day with a dip in your very own outdoor hot tub? There is also shared use of a heated indoor swimming pool on site. What more could you want?
If you’re looking for a holiday home with your own private hot tub but this property doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, then why not check out our list of top holiday cottages with an outdoor hot tub for some inspiration?
Glaston
Location: Exton, Rutland
Great for: A dog-friendly retreat on the Barnsdale Lodge Hotel Estate
Designed for privacy, Glaston is one of the luxury self-catering properties on the Barnsdale Lodge Estate. These properties were created using natural and sustainable materials and are ideal for families looking for an active holiday in a private, peaceful and quiet location.
There are miles of cycleways and footpaths right on your doorstep, and they will take you through breathtaking countryside, giving stunning views of the reservoir and nature reserves in the area. You can even enjoy it all with your favourite four-legged friend, as the property and the hotel itself are dog-friendly, meaning they can enjoy the water and the countryside with you.
Facilities: This two bedroom property has a light and airy open plan living area with large windows and French doors leading out onto the patio. The comfortable seating area surrounds a large TV and is warmed by a woodburning stove. The dining area with its large dining table leads into the fully equipped kitchen with its dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer – everything you need to make your self-catering holiday that little bit easier! The cottage sleeps 4 in two bedrooms – one double and one twin room, both with en suite shower rooms.
Outside, you will find your own private patio with BBQ and outdoor furniture ready for those alfresco meals in the warmer months. For those not wanting to cook themselves, you can take advantage of the onsite pub and restaurant. With high-speed Wi-Fi, ample off road parking and lockable bike racks this cottage is one of our top picks for when you’re visiting Rutland.
Are you looking for a dog friendly holiday home? Check out our 5 dog-friendly holiday cottages near a beach for some inspiration.
Wren Cottage
Location: Wing nr Uppingham, Rutland
Great for: A beautiful cottage in a quiet village location with a wonderful private garden
Wren Cottage is located in the picturesque village of Wing, close to the shores of Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe which offers scenic cycling and walking routes around the reservoir. With two welcoming pubs and a superb turf cut maze just a short walk away from the property, there is plenty to do on and off the water.
The pretty towns of Oakham and Uppingham are a short drive away and offer the ideal places for a spot of lunch at one of the many welcoming pubs after a busy morning on the reservoir. Alternatively, take a trip to Stamford, one of the finest market towns in England with its cobbled Georgian Streets, boutique shops and excellent variety of eateries, it’s well worth a visit.
Facilities: This pretty semi-detached stone cottage has a bright and cosy front lounge with a sofa, armchair and TV providing the perfect place for quiet relaxing evenings after a busy day. The large airy kitchen has both a stunning Rayburn cast iron range and a ceramic hob as well as a dishwasher, washing machine, dining table and microwave. With two bedrooms – one twin and one double – the cottage sleeps 4 and is perfect for those family holidays.
Outside there is a huge rear garden and patio area plenty of outdoor seating from which to soak up the sunshine and enjoy those alfresco meals in the summer. It’s not hard to see why this self catering cottage made our list of favourites in Rutland.
No 2 Queen Street
Location: Uppingham, Rutland
Great for: A remarkable Georgian townhouse with traditional features and a cinema room!
This gem of a property is located in the heart of Uppingham. With its local amenities, boutique shops, family retailers and very popular Friday market, Uppingham is one of the most popular towns in the East Midlands. Enjoy a stroll around the nearby Wardley Woods or travel slightly further to Rutland Water Nature Reserve and take in the sights of the wetland and you might even be lucky enough to see one of the impressive Ospreys.
Visit the nearby towns of Oakham and Stamford and look at the stunning architecture and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the area. Or, if you are looking for a more adventurous day, head down to the reservoir for a whole host of water sport fun including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and paddle boarding.
Facilities: This stunning Georgian townhouse is spread across four floors and packed full of traditional features. No 2 Queen Street is a real gem for those looking for a self-catering holiday house with a difference. Even from the outside you know it is something special, with its large Georgian windows and trellises covered in beautiful foliage. The snug living room is packed full of features including exposed wooden floorboards and an open fireplace, making it the perfect place for a relaxing evening with friends and family. The character of the property continues through to the open plan kitchen/dining room where you’ll find a classic range cooker, washer/dryer and dishwasher. There is plenty of seating for everyone – ideal for hosting a dinner party for all your guests. With three bedrooms – all double rooms – this property can accommodate six guests, but it is the lower ground floor that sees the property’s hidden gem – the unique cinema room, where you can choose an exciting movie from the vast selection available.
Step outside into the small and peaceful courtyard garden where you can enjoy a quiet evening drink while watching the stars come out. It’s easy to see why this property made our list and why it is one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite properties in Rutland.
Book Your Next Family Holiday in the Beautiful Countryside of Rutland Now!
Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage in a village, a fishing lodge by the nature reserve or a log cabin with its own private hot tub, Rutland really does have it all. Did the properties on our list not tick all your boxes? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other cottages to choose from. Head over to the main Breakfree Holidays website for details of all our holiday cottages in Rutland or other locations around the UK, and start planning your next dream holiday now. You’re guaranteed to always find the perfect property with us!