Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Egleton, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 8BT
01572 770 651
www.rutlandwater.org.uk
Run jointly by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Anglian Water, the Reserve covers a thousand acres of shore and wetland that is home to more than 20,000 waterfowl, plus some protected species of cattle and sheep. Marvellous for education and relaxation, Rutland Water offers a full and varied calendar of events throughout the year, from bird-watching and guided trail walks, to nature crafts such as hedge laying and making nesting boxes.
Rutland Sailing Club
Gibbet Lane, Edith Weston, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 8HJ
01780 720292
www.rutlandsc.co.uk
On the South shore of Rutland Water, the sailing club encompasses a sailing school (including sections for youth sailing and sailing for people with disabilities), a Chandlery selling sailing supplies and equipment, and of course the club itself which organises regular meetings and races. Rutland Sailing Club is also able to provide a limited amount of basic accommodation for people using their facilities.
Nene Valley Railway
Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough. PE8 6LR
01780 784444
www.nvr.org.uk
The Nene Valley Railway, or NVR, is seven and a half miles of standard gauge railway running between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough in Cambridgeshire. An educational charity run largely by railway enthusiasts, the Railway offers a range of attractions over and above the simple experience of riding the trains, from the “Night Mail” travelling Post Office to “Experience Courses” allowing a visitor to drive a steam locomotive. NVR is also home to “Thomas”, the distinctive blue engine formally named by the Rev W Awdry in 1971.
Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre
Thonhaugh, Peterborough. PE8 6HJ
01780 782254
www.sacrewell.org.uk
Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre is a fantastic choice for a family day-trip, and also encompasses a campsite for those wishing to stay longer. There are various trails to explore the site, and tractor-trailer rides add an extra dimension to the experience. Visitors of all ages can pet and feed various animals, and indoor and outdoor play areas mean there’s always something to do no matter what the weather.
The Prebendal Manor
The Prebendal Manor House, Nassington, Nr Peterborough. PE8 6QG
01780 782575
www.prebendal-manor.co.uk
The Prebendal Manor House is Grade I listed and is understood to be the earliest surviving dwelling in Northamptonshire. Other buildings in the group include the church of St Mary and All Saints (which includes some Saxon architecture), a 16th century dovecote, and an 18th century Tithe Barn, which is now used as a museum to display the fruits of the ongoing archaeological excavations. Some considerable effort has gone into enhancing the medieval gardens which provide a beautiful backdrop to the rich history of the buildings.
Barnsdale Gardens
The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 8AH
01572 813200
www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
Barnsdale Gardens is an 8-acre site which is home to 38 individual gardens in different styles, from the tranquility of the Japanese Garden to the brightly-coloured exuberance of the Cottage Garden. Each of the gardens supplies cuttings to the Nursery, so visitors can order plants with which they are particularly taken. A licensed tea-room open year-round adds the perfect finishing touch.
Deene Park
Corby, Northamptonshire. NN17 3EW
01780 450278
www.deenepark.com
Deene Park has been owned and occupied by the Brudenell family since 1514 and the current owner, Mr Edmund Brudenell, has put a great deal of care and attention into restoring the house following the Second World War. Visitors may choose to explore the whole park including the house, or to get a ticket for the gardens only which have undergone continuous development over the last thirty years. Guided tours are available upon request.