Rutland
Bordering Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, land-locked Rutland is Britain’s smallest county. Known for its pretty thatched cottages, gently undulating countryside and abundant birdlife, it’s also a gourmand’s go-to with a host of award-winning eateries. It won’t take long to understand why Rutland’s motto is “Multum in parvo” or “Much in little”.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO Wildlife watchers flock to Rutland Water, a 3,000-acre nature reserve home to Britain’s largest man-made lake. As autumn turns the treetops golden, look out for red-necked grebes, great northern divers and the rare American wigeon, an emerald-headed dabbling duck. Waders and winter wildfowl also begin to build here as the season progresses (lrwt.org.uk). Walking trails weave through the area, but if you’d rather whizz around on wheels, Rutland Cycles rents out mountain bikes, e-bikes, buggies and tandems. A traffic-free lap of the lake covers 23 miles, passing Normanton Church (above) on the water’s edge (rutlandcycling.com). Looking to be inspired? Woolsthorpe Manor is the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and home to the Flower of Kent apple tree forever linked to his discovery of the law of gravity (nationaltrust.org.uk).
WHERE TO STAY Perched above Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall is a late-Victorian country house hotel. Book the Fern master bedroom to watch the sun rise over the lake (from £260; hambletonhall.com). Over in the pretty village of Exton, The Barnsdale is a hunting lodge-turned-boutique B&B. Rooms are uniquely styled with antiques and artworks (from £140; barnsdalerutland.com).
