Welcome to Rutland
Escape to The Hoot, our secluded holiday cottage
on the edge of Rutland Water.
Swap your alarm clock for nature's wake-up call - the hooting of the owls in the neighbouring Bird Sanctuary.
Explore everything Rutland has to offer from birdwatching to fishing, cycling, walking, sailing or just being outdoors in beautiful, natural surroundings.
The Cottage
Everything you will need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
- Open plan living/kitchen area with cosy wood burner
- Bedroom sleeps 2 in either double/twin configuration with plenty of storage
- Modern ensuite shower room
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher & microwave
- Fresh linen, towels and welcome essentials
- Television & Hi-speed WiFi
- Private outside patio and table facing the nature reserve
- Complimentary logs & kindling
- Off-road parking and lockable bike storage
Our one-bedroom holiday cottage offers a secluded retreat surrounded by a large, private garden.
Large windows and glass doors invite natural light into the open-plan living space, seamlessly blending the cozy interior with outdoors.
Guests can enjoy a peaceful morning coffee on the patio surrounded by flowers or unwind in front of the log burner after a day of exploration.
Direct access onto the Rutland water cycle path and numerous country walks from the end of the drive.
Winter
(to 21st May)
£495 per week
Fri-Sat £90/night 2 nights min
Week - £80/night 2 nights min
Summer
(22nd May to 25th Sept)
£595 per week
Fri-Sat - £95/night 2 nights min
Week -£85/night 2 nights min
Long Term Stays
We are sometimes able to offer longer term stays (1 month+). Please email with your enquiry.
Directions
We are in Egleton, on the edge of Rutland water just outside Oakham, easily accessible from the A1 (less than 2 hours from central London) and the from the M1 via the A14
Rutland & Surroundings
Rutland, England's smallest county, offers a quintessentially rural English escape, living up to its motto "Multum in Parvo" ("Much in Little").
Dominated by the stunning Rutland Water reservoir, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering walking, cycling, and watersports, the county is also home to the charming market towns of Oakham and Uppingham, known for their independent shops and historic architecture.
Visitors to Rutland can explore the unique Norman Oakham Castle, the iconic partially-submerged Normanton Church and the beautiful Barnsdale Gardens, making it a perfect destination for those seeking nature, and a taste of authentic local life.
Nature
Rutland Water is surrounded by peaceful countryside, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers. Its renowned nature reservoir and Birdwatching Centre offer superb wildlife viewing, from summer ospreys to winter waterfowl. Each July, the area hosts the Global Birdfair, drawing bird enthusiasts from around the world. The Rutland County Show in May celebrates rural life, agriculture and local produce, showcasing the best of rural life.
History
Rutland and surroundings offer history enthusiasts a wide range of treasures to explore. Nearby historic towns include Oakham, with its 12th-century Oakham Castle, Uppingham and Stamford, with over 600 listed buildings, medieval churches and the magnificent Elizabethan Burghley House. Not far away are Rockingham and Belvoir Castles, as well as Lyddington Bede House, once a wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln.
Activities
Rutland is a fantastic destination for active adventures, offering scenic cycling and walking trails alongside watersports such as kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding and fly fishing. The Aqua Park delivers one of the UK's biggest inflatable water courses. With parkruns, half-marathons, triathlons and even cold water swimming, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Gardens
Rutland is a delight for garden lovers, offering a mix of inspiring gardens and horticultural events. Barnsdale Gardens, Britains largest collection of individually designed gardens provides year-round inspiration. Each year, the Rutland Flower Show (August) celebrates local and national gardening talent and throughout the year, many private gardens are open through the National Garden Scheme. For plant shopping, Gates Garden Centre and the Rutland Water Nursery offer spaces to be inspired and refreshed.
Food & Drink
Rutland is a treat for food and drink lovers, with everything from award-winning country pubs and restaurants, independent cafes and bakeries, to local farm-fresh produce. Visitors can sample high-quality local ingredients at Hitchins Barn, The Olive Branch and Hambleton Hall to name a few. Gates Farm shop and farmers markets offer locally reared meats. Whilst beer and wine enthusiasts can sample local ales and wines at the Grainstore Brewery and Rutland Vineyard.
Further Afield
Rutland is conveniently located near the A1 and is also connected to the East Coast Main Line rail network. Meaning the beautiful cities of Cambridge and Lincoln can be easily visited as a day trip. Central London can be reached by rail in approximately an hour and forty minutes from Oakham Station.
Events 2026
For a more comprehensive list of what's on visit Discover-Rutland.co.uk
February
-Lunch for Even Less
-Snowdop Season - Barnsdale, Easton Walled Gardens, Burghley, Rockingham
March
- Lunch for Even Less
- 22nd Rutland Food & Drink Festival Oakham Castle
-Ospreys return
April
- 2-6 Grainstore Brewery Spring Beer Festival
- 12th Rutland Spring Half Marathan
- Bluebells Burley Woods
May
- 2nd Burghley House Spring Fine Food Market
- 29 May-21 June Neville Holt Festival
July
- Tolethorpe Hall Open Air Theatre
- 10-12 Global Bird Fair
- 11-12 Belvoir Castle Flower & Garden Show
June
- Tolethorpe Hall Open Air Theatre
- 20th Rutland 10k
- 21st Rockingham Castle Jousting & Medieval Village
- 29 May-21 June Neville Holt Festival
September*
- 3-6 Burghley Horse Trials
- 5th Rutland Night Swim
- 13th Rutland Triathlon
- 19th Rutland Night Triathlon
- 20th Rutland Food & Drink Festival
August
- 2nd Swim Rultand
- Tolethorpe Hall Open Air Theatre
- 14-16 Rutland Flower Show
Contact & more information?
e-mail enquiries@thehootrutland.co.uk
or send us your query via the form below and we will contact you as soon as we can.
Food & Drink
A Taste of Rutland: Your Guide to Local Food, Drink & Festivals
Rutland may be England’s smallest county, but it punches far above its weight when it comes to food and drink. If you're visiting, prepare for a landscape dotted with artisan producers, award‑winning pubs, farmers markets and food festivals that celebrate everything from farm‑fresh ingredients to world‑famous pies. This guide will help you eat brilliantly—without missing the county’s best-kept secrets.
Rutland Wildlife
A haven for Osprey, Owls, Otters and much more
Rutland Water isn’t just one of the largest man‑made lakes in Europe—it’s a living, breathing landscape where wildlife thrives in every reedbed, woodland edge, and sheltered lagoon.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply someone who enjoys nature, this vast reservoir offers a rare chance to see some amazing wildlife.