Can anyone suggest places worth visiting around Rutland Water?

[bodiddly]

We are taking my ds who is 3 up there for a week next week and wondered whether anyone could reommend anywhere worth visiting?

[KateF]

There's a small theme park near Melton (Twin something or other), various play areas around the Water, Rockingham Castle is great and there's Burghley House but he's probably a bit young for the actual house, gardens are nice though. Oakham and Uppingham are nice towns (I grew up in Oakham) but there's not a lot in terms of "attractions". Oakham Castle is quite interesting (I got married there) but it depends on your three year old IYSWIM!

[bodiddly]

thanks Kate .. we are staying in Oakham so its good to hear that is nice. I have found Twin Lakes Park near Melton but will def look at Rockingham Castle .. I think a castle will be right up his street!

[KateF]

I spent many a happy afternoon playing soldiers with my brother around Rockingham. If you can travel a bit further Belvoir Castle has events on during the summer, medieval jousting tournaments etc. Also concerts in the bandstand in the park in Oakham on Sundays-plenty of room for kids to run about and a small playground. We may be up to see my mum next week so if you see a woman with three manic dds it could be me

[bodiddly]

excellent! Is it far to Belvoir Castle? My ds is turning into a real little boy, mad about castles and guns (the things they learn at nursery!) .. so he might enjoy jousting! He is also animal mad and I noticed there is a cattle market in Melton one day a week which might be worth a quick visit. We are staying at Barnsdale Country Club in Oakham ... do you know it by any chance? They have a pool so I am hoping for a bit of chill out time too.

[KateF]

My brother used to work at Barnsdale. It's a lovely setting right by Rutland Water. I looked around it for my wedding reception but eventually settled on Normanton Park on the other side of the lake. Belvoir is probably about 45 mins drive but it's a long time since I last went. In terms of animally things Twycross Zoo is not all that far away.

[bodiddly]

will def give Belvoir a go then as ds can handle 45 mins drive ... I just hate driving for hours with a moaning min and only manage to spend a few hours somewhere. Will look into Twycross Zoo as well .. thanks so much - I will keep my eye out for a woman with 3 dds!

[cornflakegirl]

Sacrewell Farm in Thornhaugh is about 20 mins drive from Oakham. Loads of animals to feed, working water mill, good playground - my 3yo loves it!

[bodiddly]

thanks cornflake girl .. I will keep an eye out!

[lindseyfox]

apparenlty in mountsorrel there is now a childrens farm not been myself but thats about 40mins drive from oakham, also the circus is there at the moment.

[Blandmum]

Stamford isn't far and Burleigh Castle is rather nice.

Oakham castle is worth a quick run arounf and there is a museum there if it rains.

There are good play areas round the water itself and you can hire bikes (loads of crap on the paths though, so take wet wipes.

There is also a butterfly place which is OK ish if you are desparate

[cornflakegirl]

Oh and my friend's little girl really likes the Garden of Surprises at Burghley House (maze, mirrors, fountains to splash in etc).

[bodiddly]

thanks everyone .. so which of the castles is likely to be best for a little one .. Belvoir or Rockingham or Burleigh?

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

Belvoir is the nicest I think - has lots of jousting events in the summer so check the website.

You can go to the bird hide on Rutland and see the Ospreys.

Belton House National Trust place is at Grantham and has a great adventure playground.