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Rutland and South Leicestershire

A guide to Rutland and South Leicestershire

Rutland and South Leicestershire offer a relaxed pace of life surrounded by beautiful countryside, charming market towns and excellent transport links. Despite being England's smallest county, Rutland has an abundance of character, combining traditional rural living with strong connections to some of the UK's major cities.

The area encompasses picturesque destinations including Oakham, Uppingham, Market Harborough and Lutterworth, all of which are known for their welcoming communities and historic charm. The property market is equally appealing, with everything from period cottages and elegant townhouses to country homes and converted farm buildings. Rich in history and culture, the region hosts a variety of agricultural events and arts celebrations throughout the year, making it a vibrant and desirable place to call home.

Residents enjoy the best of both worlds: peaceful countryside living with easy access to nearby urban centres. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, excellent schools or a strong sense of community, Rutland and South Leicestershire offer an exceptional quality of life.

Local schools

The area is well regarded for its educational offering and is home to a number of highly respected independent and state schools. Some of the best-known schools include Oakham School, Uppingham School, Stamford Endowed Schools, Leicester Grammar School and Welland Park Academy, making the region particularly popular with families.

Who calls Rutland and South Leicestershire home?

Rutland and South Leicestershire attract a diverse mix of residents. Families are drawn to the area's excellent schools, safe communities and abundance of outdoor space, while professionals appreciate the convenient transport links to Leicester, Birmingham, Cambridge and London. The region is also popular with those seeking a quieter, countryside lifestyle without compromising on connectivity and amenities.

Lifestyle

Shopping

The area's market towns offer an excellent range of independent boutiques, artisan producers and specialist retailers. Oakham, Uppingham and Market Harborough are particularly popular destinations for shopping, providing everything from antiques and homeware to fashion and locally sourced food and drink.

Eating and drinking

Rutland and South Leicestershire boast a thriving food and drink scene, with traditional country pubs, cosy cafés and highly regarded restaurants dotted throughout the region. Local produce plays an important role in the area's culinary identity, with many establishments championing ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers.

Culture and heritage

The region has a rich history that can be explored through its traditional market towns, stately homes and heritage attractions. Lyddington Bede House, a Grade I listed ancient monument, offers a fascinating insight into medieval England, while a busy calendar of festivals celebrates the area's culture, agriculture, food and artistic heritage throughout the year.

Things to do

Rutland Water is one of the area's most celebrated attractions, offering sailing, fishing, windsurfing, cycling and nature trails within more than 4,000 acres of beautiful landscapes. The region is also home to the renowned Kilworth House Open Air Theatre, where visitors can enjoy acclaimed productions in a spectacular woodland setting during the summer months.

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Travel

Trains

The area enjoys excellent rail connections, with stations including Market Harborough, Oakham and Leicester providing direct services to London St Pancras, Birmingham and the wider Midlands. There are also a number of residents who take advantage of the simple travel to Peterborough station.

Roads and other transport

Rutland and South Leicestershire are well connected by road via the A1, M1 and M6, making travel to London, Birmingham, Cambridge and the East Midlands straightforward.

East Midlands Airport is easily accessible and offers a range of domestic and international destinations. Local bus services connect the area's towns and villages, while the surrounding countryside provides an extensive network of walking, cycling and riding routes for those wishing to explore the region at a slower pace.

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