- Visit Rutland Water Nature Reserve for a great day out as you explore a variety of habitats, from beaches, lagoons, woodland and more.
- Don't miss out on the amazing activities at Rutland Water, Leicester, where you can go on nature trails, learn about wildlife conservation and more in this stunning location.
- Enjoy the Osprey at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, where you can watch these fascinating creatures in action and learn about their story and history.
Rutland Water Nature Reserve is one of the best spots to enjoy a day out with the birds and wildlife in the UK. Rutland is the smallest county in England, yet it is home to one of the best nature reserves in the country. You can search for rare spring migrants, revel in the autumn wader passage, admire fishing Rutland ospreys during the summer, and gander at the big flocks of winter wildfowl. Plus, with a range of events that take place all year round, from delightful walking trails and two visitor centres, you'll be enthralled to find an immersive wildlife experience that the whole family can enjoy. With 25,000 wildfowl in the winter, 31 bird hides to explore and 19 years of breeding ospreys; you'll be sure to come across something you've never seen before.
The Rutland Water Nature Reserve is managed by the Leicester and Rutland Wildlife Trust, a leading conservation charity, protecting and enhancing the local wildlife. Although a diverse and thrilling wild place, Rutland Water is quite new. You can discover more about the fascinating wildlife that you see at this incredible site, how the Rutland Wildlife Trust team are working with Anglian Water to protect and conserve. Plus, you can see how the transformation of a few fields became the 393 acres of important wild habitat for both people and wildlife. This is a story of local transformation, where both the human, the animal and the natural earth collide in harmony to sustain and give life.
Do something active in the great outdoors at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. There is always has something to experience, whatever the weather and season, the little ones always love to see the spectacular wildlife that lives in the Rutland Wildlife area, from the bird sanctuary and bird watching, to many a hidden gem to discover, reconnect with nature on this day out. There is a great range of activities on offer at the lake, plus some great cycle routes to follow. Bring the family pooch and go for a delightful, serene walk, on the can even bring the family pooch for a walk on the Lyndon side of the reserve, and take in the glorious sights.
Run, jump and play in the park's playgrounds and the park areas, which the little ones always have a blast in, and in a stunning setting. Plus, there is the Rutland Belle cruise and the Rockblok activity centre, where they can part in several thrilling, relaxing and fascinating activities. From water-sports and fishing to exploring the nature reserve, walking and cycling even, too, with cycle hire. Build sandcastles from the 1st July at the sandy beach where you can swim, relax and have fun. For some sights, there is the Normanton Church and much more to explore in Leicestershire Rutland Wildlife nature reserve.
With about 1,000 acres and nine miles (about 14.5km) of shoreline that the nature reserve covers, plus the variety of habitats to discover, like the lagoons and wider muddy banks, there's a diverse range of experiences to be had, so bring your wellies and get exploring!
Little nature lovers will be astounded by the diverse wildlife living in Leicestershire Rutland Wildlife reserve, where they can come in contact with the Ospreys, who can be seen during the spring and summer months. There are an abundance of waterfowl, tufted ducks and greylag geese, along with many mammals, including otters, badgers and water voles. Plus, with several pretty butterflies, dragonflies, and various other insects, your little ones will love coming across so many different species.
Rutland Water Nature Reserve is home to the Rutland Osprey Project. Here you can watch the osprey in their nest site which is located at the Lyndon Nature Reserve, as they fly above you, soaring majestically across the lagoons, diving to find and catch some fish on an exclusive Osprey Cruise. The little ones and grown-ups alike can hear the stories of how this species was once endangered, and now this fierce bird of prey has found its home in Rutland Water Nature Reserve, and you can see them yourself in action. For more bird action in Rutland, check out the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre, another conservation project giving life great experiences.
Don't miss out on the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre which is the gateway to the glorious Egleton Nature Reserve, and this contributes to the larger part of Rutland Water Nature Reserve and its network of wildlife and landscapes. There are lagoons and wetlands, which are joined by hedgerows, meadows and woodlands, just waiting to be explored, every part of this stunning area is just brimming with wildlife. If you like the sound of that, then you'll be sure to love the Aqua Park Rutland, which features the largest collection of bespoke big impact water obstacles for your little ones to get involved in, its thrilling and great fun.
What to know before you go
- Many of the hides and trails are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and there is an electric buggy available for hire for Anglian Bird Watching.
- The paths are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and there is an electric buggy available for hire.
- There are toilets at the visitor centre, accessible facilities and baby changing facilities on site.
- When you're feeling peckish, there is a coffee shop for snacks and refreshments and a food court serving meals and hot food. Alternatively, you can bring a picnic and food with you.
Getting there
- Rutland Water Nature Reserve is located in Oakham, Leicestershire.
- If travelling by car, there are different routes depending on where you wish to go. For Egleton Reserve, ensure to take the A6003 Oakham to Uppingham, which is one mile out of Oakham. Turn left at the sign for Egleton and Reserve, and at the end of the road, there is an on-site car park. For Rutland Water fish ponds, take the A606 Oakham to Empingham and A1, which is around 1 mile from Oakham take a right turn towards Upper Hambleton, after half a mile, there is a wide turn off to the left marked private road.
- The closest train station is Oakham Station, where you can take a 15-minute taxi to the site.
- There is Rutland Water parking on site, for Lyndon Nature reserve the visitor centre, car park and trails are located off the Lyndon Road, on the south shore of Rutland Water.
.jpg)
