The Chapel Guidebook
Neighbourhoods
England's smallest county. An ancient historic county, originally a royal hunting ground. Rural and predominantly farmland, with two small traditional English market towns, Oakham, the larger of the two (population 11000) and home to Oakham Castle and the world famous Oakham school is a 10 minute drive from the Chapel and, Uppingham, (population 5000) which is a 7-8 minute drive from the Chapel, and home to the world renowned Uppiingham school, and is delightful with beautiful buildings, quaint shops and independent eateries and pubs and restaurants. The rest of Rutland is rural, comprising of traditional villages, many worth a visit to see traditional stone cottages and many churches of historical interest. Walks, mainly through beautiful countryside are plentiful. At the centre of Rutland is Rutland Water, an inland lake, man made in the 1970's and now an international site of Special Scientific Interest.
7 locals recommend
Rutland
England's smallest county. An ancient historic county, originally a royal hunting ground. Rural and predominantly farmland, with two small traditional English market towns, Oakham, the larger of the two (population 11000) and home to Oakham Castle and the world famous Oakham school is a 10 minute drive from the Chapel and, Uppingham, (population 5000) which is a 7-8 minute drive from the Chapel, and home to the world renowned Uppiingham school, and is delightful with beautiful buildings, quaint shops and independent eateries and pubs and restaurants. The rest of Rutland is rural, comprising of traditional villages, many worth a visit to see traditional stone cottages and many churches of historical interest. Walks, mainly through beautiful countryside are plentiful. At the centre of Rutland is Rutland Water, an inland lake, man made in the 1970's and now an international site of Special Scientific Interest.
Population under 5000, this is the closest town to the Chapel. Lovely historic market town, with independent shops, eateries and pubs. Home of the world renowned Uppiingham school whose beautiful buildings adorn the centre of town. Traditional market place with a weekly market each Friday. Several delightful antique shops and shops selling local artisan goods. Truly a joy to visit with a relaxed air, and not overly busy.
35 locals recommend
Uppingham
Population under 5000, this is the closest town to the Chapel. Lovely historic market town, with independent shops, eateries and pubs. Home of the world renowned Uppiingham school whose beautiful buildings adorn the centre of town. Traditional market place with a weekly market each Friday. Several delightful antique shops and shops selling local artisan goods. Truly a joy to visit with a relaxed air, and not overly busy.
Stamford
Oakham
Northamptonshire
Sightseeing
The must visit places that are within easy access of the Chapel. Most are less than a half hour drive.
a 5 to 20 minutes drive depending upon which part you visit, or a one hour walk across farmland (for the reasonably fit). A site of special scientific interest due to the wealth of birdlife generally and at the two designated nature reserves and birdwatching centres. Also several other attractions including Normanton Church, cycle paths (and cycle hire) all around the perimeter, Hambleton Peninsula, the Rutland Zoo, rock climbing, Rutland Sailing Club, day sailing centre, wild swimming, children's areas, crazy golf, beach (summer only), scenic views, cafes, walks including through the picturesque Barnsdale Wood with it's array of bluebells in Spring.
146 locals recommend
Rutland Water Cruises
Bull Brig Lanea 5 to 20 minutes drive depending upon which part you visit, or a one hour walk across farmland (for the reasonably fit). A site of special scientific interest due to the wealth of birdlife generally and at the two designated nature reserves and birdwatching centres. Also several other attractions including Normanton Church, cycle paths (and cycle hire) all around the perimeter, Hambleton Peninsula, the Rutland Zoo, rock climbing, Rutland Sailing Club, day sailing centre, wild swimming, children's areas, crazy golf, beach (summer only), scenic views, cafes, walks including through the picturesque Barnsdale Wood with it's array of bluebells in Spring.
A must for nature lovers and bird watchers. The lagoons are the site of the recently discovered "sea monster", or ichthyosaur featured on Digging for Britain. Enjoy a stroll for the views alone, or visit the hides and see a huge variety of UK and migratory birds. Home to the hugely successful Osprey Project. Ospreys breed here every year and can be watched easily from the centre via webcam or spotted from hides and paths. A beautiful sanctuary, you can easily spend a whole day, or several days here alone.
43 locals recommend
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
A must for nature lovers and bird watchers. The lagoons are the site of the recently discovered "sea monster", or ichthyosaur featured on Digging for Britain. Enjoy a stroll for the views alone, or visit the hides and see a huge variety of UK and migratory birds. Home to the hugely successful Osprey Project. Ospreys breed here every year and can be watched easily from the centre via webcam or spotted from hides and paths. A beautiful sanctuary, you can easily spend a whole day, or several days here alone.
A beautiful historic world renowned stately home, with gardens, set in parkland which is home to many deer besides other wildlife. Home of Burghley Horse Trials. Located in the nearby historic market town of Stamford, a beautiful Georgian town about 20 minutes drive from the Chapel. Both Burghley and Stamford have been the setting of many period dramas and films including the most recent Batman film.
Gardens of Surprise and sculpture trail.
House and gardens open to the public for a fee. The grounds are free to visit.
150 locals recommend
Burghley House
A beautiful historic world renowned stately home, with gardens, set in parkland which is home to many deer besides other wildlife. Home of Burghley Horse Trials. Located in the nearby historic market town of Stamford, a beautiful Georgian town about 20 minutes drive from the Chapel. Both Burghley and Stamford have been the setting of many period dramas and films including the most recent Batman film.
Gardens of Surprise and sculpture trail.
House and gardens open to the public for a fee. The grounds are free to visit.
A must for garden lovers and a 20 minutes drive from the Chapel.
Formerly the home of the late Geoff Hamilton the well known gardener and TV presenter. Gardeners World was presented from these gardens during Geoff's time.
Now run by the family of Geoff Hamilton.
Open daily, visit the gardens and nursery. There is also a small shop and tearoom with outdoor and indoor seating. The outdoor area is particularly lovely.
Ample parking. Close to the Falconry centre, Fort Henry, Hambleton bakery, a farm shop, Barnsdale Wood, Barnsdale Hall (serves food and drinks) and the beautiful village of Exton.
17 locals recommend
Barnsdale Gardens
Barnsdale AvenueA must for garden lovers and a 20 minutes drive from the Chapel.
Formerly the home of the late Geoff Hamilton the well known gardener and TV presenter. Gardeners World was presented from these gardens during Geoff's time.
Now run by the family of Geoff Hamilton.
Open daily, visit the gardens and nursery. There is also a small shop and tearoom with outdoor and indoor seating. The outdoor area is particularly lovely.
Ample parking. Close to the Falconry centre, Fort Henry, Hambleton bakery, a farm shop, Barnsdale Wood, Barnsdale Hall (serves food and drinks) and the beautiful village of Exton.
Food Scene
Historic castle with the famous horseshoe collection. Set in it's own grounds with perimeter wall in the heart of the market town of Oakham the county town of Rutland.
19 locals recommend
Oakham Castle
Historic castle with the famous horseshoe collection. Set in it's own grounds with perimeter wall in the heart of the market town of Oakham the county town of Rutland.
Gardens and castle a short 15 minute drive from the Chapel, just over the border in Northamptonshire. Many annual events and fairs. Horse trials and outdoor entertainment. Now home to Kavanaghs cafe, a highly regarded eaterie and must for those seeking gluten free. Victorian Christmas displays
59 locals recommend
Rockingham Castle
Gardens and castle a short 15 minute drive from the Chapel, just over the border in Northamptonshire. Many annual events and fairs. Horse trials and outdoor entertainment. Now home to Kavanaghs cafe, a highly regarded eaterie and must for those seeking gluten free. Victorian Christmas displays
An award winning restaurant and Pub, with numerous awards and accolades for food, particularly local produce including game and fish to mention but a few. Virtually all of our guests eat here and everyone loves it. A 2 minute walk from the Chapel, it is literally at the top of the street, and is an absolute must if you stay here. It has it's own Smokehouse"Jimmy's" and you can buy smoked products to take home and cook too. Recently featured in the Guardian newspaper. Booking advised.
11 locals recommend
The Kings Arms
13 Top StAn award winning restaurant and Pub, with numerous awards and accolades for food, particularly local produce including game and fish to mention but a few. Virtually all of our guests eat here and everyone loves it. A 2 minute walk from the Chapel, it is literally at the top of the street, and is an absolute must if you stay here. It has it's own Smokehouse"Jimmy's" and you can buy smoked products to take home and cook too. Recently featured in the Guardian newspaper. Booking advised.