Art Holiday Travel and Vacation information for Rutland

"Rutland (or Rutlandshire), inland County of England, bounded W. and N. by Leicestershire, NE. by Lincolnshire, and SE. by Northamptonshire; greatest length, N. and S., 18 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 17 miles; area, 94,889 acres, population 21,484. Rutland is the smallest county in England. The surface is diversified by gently rising hills and fine valleys, and is watered by the Eye Brook, the Chater, and the Gwash, flowing into the Welland, which forms the south-eastern boundary. The soil is in general loamy and fertile; in the east part it is chiefly in tillage, and in the west part under grass. The chief crops are wheat and barley. Great attention is paid to rearing choice breeds both of cattle and sheep. In the Vale of Catmose, round Oakham, are tracts of woodland, the remains of old forests. The prevailing rock is limestone. Rutland was made a county by Henry III., and gives the title of duke to the family of Manners. It contains 5 hundreds, 57 parishes and part of another, and the market-towns of Oakham (where the assizes are held) and Uppingham; it has no parliamentary or municipal boroughs. It is in the diocese of Peterborough. It returns 1 member to Parliament; it returned 2 members until 1885." [Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1887]

Sweeping country views, grand houses and castles, some unusual places to visit - and not too many tourists Attractively varied countryside and plenty of enjoyable places to visit make this a good area for a civilised break. There's a lot for children to enjoy, too. Among several good farm parks, the friendly well organised one at Oadby stands out, and people also very much like the one near Oakham.

The Coalville discovery park captivates many young people, and other family favourites include Twycross zoo (good for apes) and the steam railway running near Market Bosworth, from Shackerstone past the battlefield of Bosworth Field.It's older people, though, who really get the most out of Rutland and Leicestershire. The countryside particularly suits scenic drives or cycle rides, especially in the E: graceful patches of woodland, plenty of charming stone-built villages to potter through, delightful churches. Many of the less busy roads stride along old coach routes, with sweeping views. There are quite a few good walks, too - and you get out into unspoilt countryside very quickly from the built-up areas, even from busy Leicester itself. Rutland Water is a reservoir, but now has the look of a huge natural lake, pleasant to walk around, with nature reserves at the western end, bicycle and boat hire, and even launch trips.There are several fine houses to visit, often surrounded by handsome parkland; the one at Swinford has the widest appeal. Oddly enough, given the great houses, this is not an area for great gardens: the late Geoff Hamilton's garden near Exton is popular. Leicester has plenty of attractions (most free) and is good for day visits.Information centres here are very helpful, and bus services excellent.