Rutland Water
Rutland Water
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Rutland Water covers 4,200 acres of open countryside. The park offers everything from walking and cycling to fishing and watersports. There is also our fantastic nature reserve, managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and home to the Rutland Osprey Project. Expert or novice, everything you need to make the most of your visit is right here, including cycle hire and expert tuition on boat handling. Families can enjoy a round of mini golf, a day out at the beach or a visit to our play park. And of course, you will also find a choice of places to enjoy a cuppa or a bite to eat. Do call into our main Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane, where you can pick up a free map, find out more about Rutland Water and our history, and browse our shop packed full of gifts and souvenirs.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,725 reviews
Excellent
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521
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Poor
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53
TeaWithQ
Rugby, UK373 contributions
Aug 2020
This review is for Rutland (Whitwell) Water sports. I have only excellent things to say about the service they provide here. The facilities are great and the safety management both on and off the water are up to the mark. If you are looking to hire a canoe, kayak, Stand Up Paddle board, etc. They have a large range to suit all ages and abilities and prices are very reasonable per hour. All I will say is that they can get very busy on a nice day so I would recommend arriving when they open (09:30) to avoid the rush. For anyone with their own craft you will know how difficult it is to find a lake to launch on without being a club member or having to leap through firey hoops of rules and regulations. Here all you need is your own insurance (which you will already have through British Canoeing, etc. I'm sure) and £20 per craft, you also get free parking for the whole day and if you're launching more than one craft you get a 10% discount. I guess the only down side is that NO inflatables are allowed (except SUP's - you can't buy a cheap SUP) which is totally understandable as the quality of inflatables varies enormously. On a personal note, the staff are nothing but courteous, well informed and helpful.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lin S
March, UK297 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautiful place to go for a walk on a cold crisp day. The pathway around the water is shared by walkers, joggers, cyclists and dogs.
Plenty of car parks very close to the water, we paid £3.70 for up to 3 hours. We walked across the dam and to Normanton Church
Plenty of car parks very close to the water, we paid £3.70 for up to 3 hours. We walked across the dam and to Normanton Church
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eatout
St Ives, UK32 contributions
Jan 2020
With many of our usual winter walks being flooded or too muddy, this is a good place to go for a walk if you don’t mind sharing the path with cyclists and dog walkers. It was not overly busy. Lovely sunny views across Rutland water, with sailing activity, and lots of bird life.. We had to pay £3.70 for three hours parking. One cafe was open near the church, two other appeared to be shut at 3pm. The car park shut at 4 pm. Some families had hired bikes, there is a bike shop too.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LightAleCavalier
Lancashire702 contributions
Jun 2021
We have spent two holidays in this area - obviously you keep encountering Rutland Water. This time we took the cruise on board the "Rutland Belle" from Whitwell to Normanton and back (fare £11 each for the return). The views from the lake are quite spectacular in places but the Highlight is mooring close to Normanton Church which stands alone above the water line and is a beautiful church building.
At Whitwell there is a cafe and an ice cream stall. Car parking is payable.
The Water is a must-see attraction in this area.
At Whitwell there is a cafe and an ice cream stall. Car parking is payable.
The Water is a must-see attraction in this area.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A&R24
63 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We visited a nearby village with our 5 month old puppy and came to Rutland Water for a gentle stroll. The lake was beautiful to walk around, and there were plenty of areas to sit and stop for a break including a cafe or two. Additionally, there were plenty of parking spaces and it was cheap whether for a short or whole day stay. Although we didn't use the water-sports or boat, there was a huge range of activities to do at Rutland and it never seemed overly crowded. We enjoyed our first visit so much that we returned on our last day. We'd highly recommend Rutland Water.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike W
Bridgwater, UK242 contributions
Oct 2019
We visited in October 2019, the day was miserable, heavy rain and freezing cold. We cycled clockwise stopping for lunch in Oakham, just about warming up enough to feel our hands before carrying on. A very pleasant ride though, the rain did let up occasionally. Well worth the visit
Written April 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JK L
Leicester, UK101 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Fabulous! As it is 'first-come first-serve' on the day, we turned up at about 9 to book for 1.30pm that same day as it would be warmer, sunnier and we were waiting for one person to arrive later. Booked paddle boarding for 5 of us aged 7 to 30. Hired a few wetsuits. Had a fantastic time paddling and jumping in. There were some kayakers on hand to help the little ones back onto their boards so felt safe! Water was quite warm and clear.
Although they don't enforce this, I would definitely wear shoes as it ended in tears for the 7 year-old who got a massive thorn in their foot from the lake floor. First Aid were brilliant thought and patched him up!
Thoroughly recommend visiting here for the scenery, water sports and cafe!
Although they don't enforce this, I would definitely wear shoes as it ended in tears for the 7 year-old who got a massive thorn in their foot from the lake floor. First Aid were brilliant thought and patched him up!
Thoroughly recommend visiting here for the scenery, water sports and cafe!
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea Clark
Woolacombe, UK7 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Thoroughly lovely day at Rutland Water. Plenty of parking and friendly helpful staff in The watersports centre. We hired a two person kayak for the hour and it was very peaceful. Then we walked over to The harbour cafe and hopped on the Rutland Belle, the captain and all his staff were very good and fun, especially with my daughter who even got to have a try at driving 😊 Lovely.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne E
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Great place, great price , we hired 2 electric bikes which were great pity can say the same of the gentleman that was waiting on our return, customer service and being pleasant is not too much to ask!. Hello and thankyou doesn't cost ! young guy that served us first was great informative, pleasant, polite " it doesn't take much to smile and acknowledge your customers " maybe take a note of your staffs attitude.
Other than that great day out , a little more signage would help too if being picky.
Other than that great day out , a little more signage would help too if being picky.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LynneManchester
Stalybridge, UK284 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We stayed on the edge of Rutland Water. There are pay car parks at several points around the lake. Each one has a cafe and toilets and at least one had a children's playground. Cycle hire was popular and there are a number of nice walks around the lake. Take binoculars to see the many species of birds. It's not commercialised so good for nature lovers
Written November 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
james b
Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Hi fishing at rutland do you pay parking is the fishing permit included in the price
Written May 12, 2024
As far as I’m aware there are a variety of different types of fishing permits at Rutland but they don’t include parking. You need to take a ticket on entering the carparks then pay at the meter (according to the hours parked) just before you leave. Hope this helps.
Written May 12, 2024
Hi, I’m looking to come this Friday and was wondering where are the available parking spaces? Thank you. Have a good day 🙂
Written March 31, 2021
Yes. But you can only do it at Whitwell. The Watersports Centre on Bull Brigg Lane.
Written August 30, 2020
hi is Rutland water well set out for cycling due to covid 19!
Written July 25, 2020
Yes. All the places to stop have measures in place. Just busy close to the main car parks but easy to avoid the crowds
Written July 26, 2020
Is there a all day explorer car parking ticket we can get,when parking at Rutland water?
Written August 16, 2019
Parking prices for as of 2023 are:
First 15mins - Free
Up to 1hr - £2.00
Up to 3hr - £4.00
Up to 5hrs - £8.00
Over 5 hrs/All Day - £12.00
(Our all day explorer ticket is no longer available)
Annual Car Parking Permit
£75.00
(For 12 months access to the following Anglian Water Water Parks; Rutland Water, Alton Water, Grafham Water, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Taverham Mill or Pitsford Water Park. Can be purchased from the Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane, the Watersports Centre at Whitwell or the Fishing Lodge at Normanton).
*Please note that the annual car park permit is not applicable for parking at the Nature Reserve. Parking at the Nature Reserve is reserved for visitors to the reserve and all cars must display a valid permit (obtainable from the Nature Reserve Visitor Centre's).
Written August 23, 2023
Is parking difficult here? Loads of people on here seem to have issues about the system and how rude and unhelpful Rutland Water are and Rutland Water are just blaming the customers in their responses...clearly there’s an issue???
Written July 29, 2019
There were two cars used in our party and we didn’t have any problems at all. We both literally drove in and parked up.
Written July 30, 2019
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