IN AND AROUND OAKHAM AND UPPINGHAM
OUTDOOR FUN
RUTLAND FALCONRY & OWL CENTRE
Rutland Falconry & Owl Centre is a hidden gem - it’s a great opportunity to see birds of prey up close. There is also a lovely woodland walk.
They also offer big cat days usually at weekends (pre bookable).
Cost- £8 for adults, under 5s free (cash only).
Postcode - LE15 7TA
RUTLAND FARM PARK
The children can really get up close to the animals here. The farm is currently going through renovations but it’s still a lovely place for children to see animals up close.
Cost- Varies dependent on age. Annual passes are also available.
Postcode- LE15 6JD
BARNSDALE WOOD RUTLAND WATER
Barnsdale wood is our favourite summer place. We love the bird hide and wandering around the woods finding dens.
Cost- car parking charge
Postcode‑ LE15 8AB
INLAND BEACH AT RUTLAND WATER
The inland beach at the Sykes Lane area of Rutland Water is a fab picnic spot in warmer weather. We take sand toys with us and the children spend ages playing in the sand. You’d almost think you were at the coast!
Cost ‑ car parking charge‑ £1.70 up to an hour, £4 for 3 hours, £8 for 5 hours, over 5 hours is £10. We have an annual car park pass for £50 as you can use it at all the car parks (other than the nature reserve).
Postcode‑ LE15 8QL
RUTLAND WATER NATURE RESERVE
A lovely spot to take bird loving children although there are so many even the younger children can’t help but be enthralled. There are so many hides to spot birds from, some closer than others and most are pushchair and wheelchair accessible.
Cost ‑ £6 per adult
Postcode ‑ Egleton site LE15 8BT
Lyndon/Manton site LE15 8RN
NORMANTON CHURCH
Normanton area of Rutland Water has a small sensory garden and is a short walk from the car park. The church is an iconic Rutland sight but unfortunately isn’t open to the public.
Cost ‑ car parking charge‑ £1.70 up to an hour, £4 for 3 hours, £8 for 5 hours, over 5 hours is £10. We have an annual car park pass for £50 as you can use it at all the car parks (other than the nature reserve).
Postcode‑ LE15 8HD
ROCKS BY RAIL ‑ THE LIVING IRONSTONE MUSEUM
Train loving little one? This is a such fantastic little place to go! I’d recommend going on an operational day so you get to see the trains in action as well as ride on one.
Look on their website to see what days they are operational.
Cost ‑ on operational days ‑ adult £10, child £6 although They don’t seem to charge for little ones under 4.
Postcode ‑ LE15 7FF
OAKHAM & UPPINGHAM MARKETS
The town markets are always a good opportunity for the children to ‘shop’ and the hustle and bustle of the stalls and shoppers are a perfect socialising experience for them. Oakham Market is Wednesdays and Uppingham is Fridays. You can always pop into one of the many coffee shops for a pit stop!
BARNSDALE GARDENS
Barnsdale gardens is a lovely visit and we had lots of fun exploring all of the different gardens. It is more of an adult attraction but the staff are really welcoming to little ones and there is a compact children’s garden.
Cost‑ £12 for an adult (March ‑ October) £9.50 for an adult (November‑ February). Under 5s are free.
Postcode‑ LE15 8AH
OAKHAM CANAL
One of Oakham’s hidden charms. It’s lovely walk along the water and a great place to spot some wildlife. You’ll find it heading out of Oakham towards Ashwell.
Cost‑ free
Postcode ‑ LE15 7LG (parking in a lay‑by)
GORSE FIELD WOOD/ BROOKE HILL WOODS
This Woodland trust nature reserve is nice place for a walk tucked away on the outskirts of Oakham. It’s great for spotting different plants and trees. Be warned ‑ it can get very muddy in the winter!!
Cost‑ free
Postcode ‑ LE15 6HQ (car park is next to the Brooke Hill school)
INDOOR FUN
MINI MONSTERS SOFT PLAY OAKHAM
Mini Monsters is a fabulous little soft play. You can see the whole soft play from the seating allowing slightly older children to be more independent.
Ages 0- 9 years
Cost‑ £5.50 2yrs‑ 9yrs, £3.50 under 2yrs, under 6 months free and accompanying adults £1.50.
Postcode‑ LE15 6RR
RHYME TIME AT OAKHAM CASTLE AND VISIONS CHILDRENS CENTRE
Rhyme Time in the Castle is a perfect way to break up the morning with half an hour of nursery rhymes. Supported by Visions Children Centre.
Wednesday mornings at the castle term time only 10.30‑11am.
Friday mornings at Visions Childrens Centre term time only 11.30-12.
Cost - free
PLAYGROUPS IN RUTLAND
SOUTH LUFFENHAM STAY & PLAY
Stay and Play is a toddler group (0‑5yrs) at South Luffenham village hall. 10‑11.15am on Monday mornings.
The set ups are always varied with a different theme each week, there’s always a craft activity, snack time and a singing session led by a qualified EY music specialist.
Cost‑ £2 per family.
Postcode‑ LE15 8NW (limited parking available at The Boot pub opposite the hall)
SPORTS AND CLASSES
Other Helpful Links
BUMPS AND BEYOND
Bumps & Beyond is a registered charity (Charity number: 1184824) that supports parents and care-givers – during and after pregnancy – by equipping them and their children with a full range of donated clothing items, equipment and essential healthcare items. We operate in Stamford, Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas.
