13 Things to Do in Rutland in Spring (2024)

Looking for things to do in Rutland this Spring? You’ve come to the right place so keep reading!

The days are growing warmer and longer, the bluebells are blooming at Barnsdale, and lambs can be found in fields across Rutland in Spring. At this time of year the county is brimming with new life.

From March to May, everything starts to open again after another long winter, but towns, villages and Rutland Water remain much quieter than when the summer influx begins.

With lots going on, new places to discover and plenty to explore, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Rutland in Spring.

Visit Barnsdale Gardens

Barnsdale Gardens is a must-visit destination for gardening enthusiasts and families. With over 30 themed gardens to explore, you can spend hours admiring the beautiful plants and flowers.

Kids will love the Children’s Garden, which features a variety of activities such as a sandpit, a bug hotel, and a willow tunnel.

Although this popular attraction is open throughout the year, Spring is a great time to visit to see the new growth taking shape.

There’s also a comprehensive events programme, packed full of talks, workshops and demonstrations.

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Enjoy Nature and Wildlife

Spring is a great time to explore the natural beauty of Rutland. With the countryside coming to life with new growth and wildlife activity increasing, there is plenty to see and do.

Rutland Water attracts a variety of birds, including ospreys, which nest at the reserve during the spring and summer months. You can watch these magnificent birds of prey from one of the many hides around the reserve.

If you’re a keen birdwatcher, you can also visit the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, which is located at the nature reserve. Here, you can learn more about the rare birds that call Rutland Water home, as well as pick up tips on how to spot them.

Craftfest at the Grainstore

Between 29 March and 1 April 2024, head to The Grainstore in Oakham for Craftfest.

It’s a popular pub and brewery, just a few steps from the railway station, and host to a popular Craft Lager, Ale and Fin Festival. Try more than 20 craft lagers and 50 gins, and enjoy the live music planned across all four days.

CiCLE Classic

A prestigious international cycling race that takes place in Rutland and East Leicestershire each year. It’s one of the top things to do in Oakham. This race attracts some of the best cyclists from around the world, and is a thrilling event to watch with close to 200 competitors.

The race always takes place in late April or early May (it’s on Sunday 28 April 2024), and it covers a gruelling 180km route through the beautiful countryside of Rutland, before finishing in nearby Melton Mowbray. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this.

Rutland Walking and Cycling Festival

Rutland’s Walking and Cycling Festival usually takes place in May and offers a range of guided walks and cycle rides, which are suitable for all ages and abilities.

It gives people the chance to explore the picturesque countryside, woodlands, and footpaths of Rutland.

Organised by Active Rutland, the festival includes the chance to take part in the Rutland Round, a long 65 mile route around the county border. There is also the Rutland Water Trail, a 23-mile circular route that takes you around the reservoir.

Rutland Spring Half Marathon

If you’re looking for a challenge, the Rutland Spring Half Marathon (7 April 2024) is an excellent opportunity to test your fitness. The event attracts runners from all over the country and starts and finishes at Barnsdale (although parking is at Whitwell).

The route takes you around Rutland Water, so you can hopefully enjoy the stunning scenery while pushing yourself to the limit.

Celebrate Mother’s Day

Treat your mum to a special day out in Rutland for Mother’s Day (10 March 2024). The Grainstore Brewery is a great option for beer-loving mums, while Hambleton Hall offers a luxurious experience with stunning views of Rutland Water.

Other popular options include The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham and The Olive Branch at Clipsham.

Local special offers also include free entry for Mums (when accompanied by their child) at Barnsdale Gardens.

Enjoy Rutland Water

Spring is a great time to try out watersports. Rutland Water is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can hire equipment from the Watersports Centre at Whitwell. For families with kids, the Aqua Park is a fun-filled adventure playground, featuring inflatable obstacles, slides, and climbing walls.

Check out our guide to find out which Rutland Water car park you should choose.

Opening Day for Key Attractions

Rocks by Rail is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of railways and opens for the 2024 season on 31 March.

Set in 19 acres of reclaimed ironstone quarry, this is a popular family attraction.

Try your hand at driving a train during open days throughout the year (full details on the website) and learn more about the history of the area and how the railway has played an important role.

Likewise, Rumble Live opens its doors for the summer season on 1 March 2024. A relatively new attraction in Rutland, it’s located at the Sykes Lane car park at Rutland Water and is an outdoor laser tag game, with a wide range of scenarios to choose from.

Aqua Park Rutland is the UK’s largest inflatable water park, and it’s located right on the beautiful Rutland Water. It reopens for the summer in May 2024 (limited dates until July). You can enjoy a variety of activities, including slides, trampolines, and obstacles.

One of Rutland’s most popular attractions, the Rutland Belle, will set sail once again for 2024. We’re not sure of the exact date yet, but it’s usually late March or early April. Departing from Whitwell Harbour, ‘The Belle’ takes passengers on a 45 minute cruise around the reservoir. Throughout the year, there’s also special gin cruises and wildlife spotting trips.

Bluebells at Barnsdale Woods

One of the most beautiful sights in Rutland during spring is the vibrant bluebells at Barnsdale Woods. Take a stroll through the woods and marvel at the stunning views. The bluebells usually bloom from mid-April to early May, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Get Your Handicap Down

Rutland is home to a number of golf clubs, and spring is the perfect time to bring your clubs back out of hibernation and start to work on getting that handicap down.

Rutland Water Golf Course is known for its stunning views and offers a challenging 18-hole championship layout, along with a 9-hole par-3 course that’s perfect for beginners or those short on time.

Steeped in history, Luffenham Heath Golf Club was designed by the renowned Harry Colt and is a true test. Set in picturesque heathland, the course requires accuracy and strategy.

And check out the hugely popular Greetham Valley, with two 18 hole courses (the Lakes and the Valley), a Par 3 course that is great for honing your short game, and a covered floodlit driving range.

Get a local history fix

Spring is a great time to visit Oakham Castle. This 12th-century castle is steeped in history and has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. You won’t want to miss the Horseshoes hanging from the wall. One is donated every time a member of the Royal family visits the county on an official trip.

At Rutland Water, Normanton Church is a beautiful landmark in Rutland that’s well worth a visit. This stunning church sits on the edge of the reservoir and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Classic Car Run Uppingham

If you’re a fan of classic cars, then the Stilton Cheese Classic Car Run is an event you won’t want to miss. The event (21 April 2024) takes place outside the Falcon Hotel, and retraces the route that was historically taken to deliver cheese from Hungarton in Leicestershire to Stilton (where it gets its name) in Cambridgeshire.

Expect to see a wide range of classic cars, from vintage models to modern classics. Parking for visitors is available in Gainsborough Road and Seaton Road. Those taking part usually meet at the Falcon during the morning, before heading out of town around lunchtime.

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