What is there to do in the Barnsdale, Oakham area?

Question

My family is considering a summer trip to England and have been offered a condominium for a week at Barnsdale, Oakham on Rutland Water, I believe it is near Leicestershire. Is there anything to do in the immediate area, and/or is it easy to travel by rail or automobile to sites further away?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The Barnsdale complex is on the shores of Rutland Water.
Rutland water is an artificial inland lake (reservoir).

There is cycle hire and a path around the lake, fishing and a boat trip on the lake. There are a couple of nice restaurants nearby.

Rutland is the smallest county in England, just to the east of Leicestershire.

Nearest town is Oakham, very nice old world town. The museum has a large collection of horseshoes.

Also nearby is the village of Stamford, if you have seen any of the period english dramas, you may recongnise a few of the places. Often used for filming, very nice, worth a visit.

Worth a visit is Melton Mowbray, famous for its Pork Pies, Sausages and cheese.

Nearby, there is the Rutland Ironstone railway museum, I think this is only open on some Sundays.

In Leicestershire, at Loughborough, you can visit an old bell foundry and the Great Central Steam Railway http://www.gcrailway.co.uk

Transport - I would recommend a car (automobile), remember that we drive on the left side of the road.

Answer 2

David P has given you a good answer, Stamford is indeed a lovely little town with Burghley House on it's outskirts. well worth a peek. A good place to scoff is' The George' an old coaching in. You may even develop a taste for warm flat ale such as Ruddles County, Greene King and Marston's Pedigree. Rutland has some beautiful village churches always close to friendly pubs which usually serve good grub. If you have time it's worth a drive into Derbyshire to visit Chatsworth House and gardens though I doubt you would tire of Rutland. I'd skip the museum in Oakham unless you are very passionate about horseshoes. I have fond memories of afternoon naps by Rutland water after a pub lunch, when I should have been working. Hope you do come and see us limeys and PS Rutland's not at all like Vegas even though Elvis is often seen around these parts