rutland water tourist information centre

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Rutland water visitor centre, sykes lane, rutland. open daily. free admission..

Accessibility

Large, level, tarmacked and loose surfaced car park.

Disability parking bays located on tarmacked portion outside the Visitor Centre and Toilets.

The Rutland Water Accessibility details can be found  HERE  and an Accessibility Map can be found  HERE

Brief description

Visitor Centre for Rutland Water located on the northern shore of the Reservoir.

Sykes Lane, Rutland Water, Rutland LE15 8QL

[email protected]

01780 686800

www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water-park/visitor-information

Leave the A1 at the Oakham A606 Junction and take the A606 towards Oakham.

Remain on A606 following the signs for the North Shore. Having passed through the village of Empingham take a left hand turn onto Sykes Lane signposted for the Visitor Centre. 

OS SK937083

Opening Times

March - 10.00 - 16.30

April to Mid October - 10.00 - 17.00

Mid October to November - 10.00 - 16.30

November to February - 10.00 - 15.30

NOTE: Please check the website for current timings.

There are bus stops on the A606 just along from the Sykes Lane Junction ~ Service Numbers 9 and 185

For more travel information go to  www.traveline.info  or call  0871 200 22 33

Accessible Toilet

Accessible Trail to Normanton Road Car Park ~ approx. 2 miles

Nearest Venues

Bugtopia The Zoo, Sykes Lane, Rutland. Open Daily. Paid Admission.

155 metres*

Rutland Belle Water Cruises, Oakham, Rutland. Open May to October. Paid Admission.

968 metres*

Aqua Park, Whitwell, Rutland. Opening Times Vary. Paid Admission.

1,034 metres*

Rutland Watersports, Whitwell, Rutland. Opening Times Vary. Free Admission ~ Paid for Activities.

1,053 metres*

Rutland Water, Rutland. Open Daily. Free Admission.

1,241 metres*

Rockblok Outdoor Adventure, Whitwell, Rutland. CLOSED.

1,285 metres*

*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.

About Rutland Water

View of Rutland Water nature reserve in early summer - David Tipling/2020VISION

Rutland Water Nature Reserve

It's hard to imagine that less than fifty years ago, if you'd stood in the village of Hambleton, you would have been surrounded by fields. In the 1970s, the scene would change entirely and the Hambleton Peninsular would jut out into what was to be the largest man-made lake in the UK. The reservoir was innovative and visionary right from the planning stage. It would bring together people, wildlife and business, including the creation of a 500 (now 1,000!) acre nature reserve at the western end.

Rutland Water

Originally named Empingham Reservoir after a local village, Rutland Water lies near Oakham. It was completed in 1978 and covers 3,100 acres. At its maximum, it is thirty-four metres deep and 1,200 metres long. The 1,000 acre nature reserve lies at the western end, and Rutland Water is famed for it's wildlife: in fact, the nature reserve was designated before the reservoir had even been built!

Rutland Water Nature Reserve, and the wider reservoir, is an outstanding haven for wildlife in the heart of England. A network of lagoons and wetlands, including the western tips of both the north and south arms of the reservoir, provide a sanctuary for water birds, birds of prey, woodland wildlife and more. Several reintroduction programmes have proactively restored otherwise rare wildlife, with both ospreys and water voles being introduced to the area.

The reservoir provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, regularly holding in excess of 25,000 ducks, geese and swans in the winter. it is heavily protected by law, being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Protection Area and internationally recognised as a globally important wetland RAMSAR site. 

The nature reserve covers the shoreline and shallow water lagoons along 9 miles of the western end of Rutland Water and covers a total area of 1000 acres. There are over 30 bird watching hides and nature trails from two visitor centres. It is also home to the  Rutland Osprey Project  which in 2001 celebrated the first Osprey chick to fledge in Central England for 150 years.  

A mixture of water levels, habitats and management strategies have led to Rutland Water providing a haven to literally thousands of birds comprising hundreds of species. Check out our guides to spring , summer , autumn and winter to discover what species you're likely to see at different times of year.

Conservation

Rutland Water Nature Reserve is carefully managed to ensure that conditions stay just right for wildlife, taking into account the rising and falling water levels of the reservoir, and other factors like climate change. Each lagoon provides different conditions for different species, and the meadows and woodlands are looked after, too, ensuring that species like nightingales can always make a home here.

The secret to success has been the relationship between Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Anglian Water. A project to enhance the habitats, completed in 2011, extended the nature reserve by 240 acres (to cover a total area of 1000 acres), creating nine lagoons made up of shallow water, islands and scrapes. Some of the lagoons are much deeper, and we've also added additional features like tern rafts, a swift tower and artificial reefs below the water, all supporting different plants and animals. We also make the most of grazing, using Hebridean Sheep and Dexter Cattle to help crop down our grass and churn up some of the muddy water edges.

Rutland Water is the perfect coming together of people, wildlife and business, showing how all three can thrive together. The reservoir, one of the largest manmade bodies of water in Western Europe, covers over 4 square miles, and the path around the edge is 23 miles long! To build the reservoir, it was necessary to flood some of the small local villages, including Nether Hambleton and Middle Hambleton, which were cleared of people. The reservoir, when full, has enough water for about three years of drought, supplying much of the East Midlands. 

The creation of the reservoir involved damming the Gwash valley near Empingham, and was completed in 1975. Flooding took a further three years. During its construction, it was known as  Empingham Reservoir . It flooded six or seven square kilometres of the Gwash valley as well as the side valley at the head of which lies Oakham. 

The clay dam is 115 feet high, and around 1,200 metres long. The finished structure has been landscaped to blend in with the environment, even when viewed from Empingham, the nearest village. 

As well as watching wildlife and walking, there are a number of other activities to take part in around the edge of Rutland Water, including bike hire, water sports and fishing. There are several other visitor centres offering a range of family activities and events for all ages and abilities, making Rutland Water a major recreational hub for the East Midlands.

Matthew Roberts

Plan your visit

Maps of Rutland Water

Explore and download maps of Rutland Water 

Terry's Friday Birdwatching Walks

Anglian water birdwatching centre.

Badger Watch at Rutland Water

Botanical Art Course: 2-day course

Volunteer Training Centre, Oakham, Rutland

Guided Walk with Jeff

Early Morning Otter Watch at Lyndon Nature Reserve

Lyndon visitor centre.

Spy on endangered wildfowl at Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Rutland water, rutland.

Visit Rutland Water's famous wildfowl sanctuary, covering a 1,000 acres of bird hides, mucky nature trails and interactive visitor centres.

Rutland Water Nature Reserve is home to the first Ospreys to breed in England for over 150 years. These birds have been spotted using the reservoir for the last 25 years as a stopping-off point on the way to and from Africa.

While you're here, hop on Rutland Water's Osprey & Wildlife Cruises - the ultimate boat trip for anyone who fancies seeing these magnificent birds close up in their natural habitat.

And just around the corner from the nature reserve is the Rutland Falconry & Owl Centre, set in 42 acres of unspoilt woodland. It's home to a huge range of birds, including owls, hawks, falcons, blizzards, eagles and vultures, and you can even learn how to handle these amazing birds, or sit back and watch a fascinating falconry demonstration.

Rutland Water Reserve will reopen on 22 June following the COVID-19 lockdown - please visit the website below for further information and restrictions before travelling.

• Find out about Rutland Water Nature Reserve
• Find out more about Rutland Falconry & Owl Centre
• Find more things to do in Rutland

For more local tourist information:

• Rutland Water Tourist Information Centre
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 01780 686800

Refine your search:

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Walks and trails at Rutland Water

Enjoy the breathtaking backdrop of Rutland Water all year round by exploring the 22.1 miles of trails around the reservoir. Whether you’re looking for long circular walking and cycling routes, shorter linear walks ideal for wheelchair and pushchair access, or somewhere to walk your dogs, we’ve got walking trails at Rutland for everyone to enjoy.

Routes around the water

If you’re up for a hike, walking the full 22.1 miles around the reservoir will take you around 8 hours, or just around 5 and a half hours to walk the 15.1 miles excluding the Hambleton Peninsula.

To enjoy shorter walks at Rutland Water, take a look at our handy guide below. These 7 linear routes, suitable for walking and cycling, all vary in difficulty, gradient, terrain and accessibility. If you'd like to find out more about the activities available at Rutland Water, check out our Rutland park page or park map . 

*Accessible route available, for more information, please see our accessible routes below.

Accessible route guidance

Normanton – Sykes Lane

Distance: Approximately 2.3 miles

Start point: Rutland Water Visitor Centre, Sykes Lane, LE15 8QL or the Waterside Café, Normanton Rd, LE15 8HD. Accessible parking spaces are available at each car park.

Description: This linear route along Rutland Water’s southeastern shore includes some iconic views of Normanton Church and the Dam. Most of the route is tarmac, but there is around 100m between the Waterside Café and Normanton Church where it changes to compacted stone, which is bumpy in places.

Gradient: The route is mostly flat with the steepest section being on the approach to the Dam from both directions at 1:5 for a maximum of 15 metres.

Gates: The route passes three gates with a minimum width of 110cm.

Facilities: At Normanton, you’ll find The Waterside Café which has step-free access, our newly installed Changing Places toilet, the church can be accessed via wheelchair and pushchair, and we also have a wheely boat available to hire from the Fishing Lodge. Round at Sykes Lane, we have accessible toilets, a takeway café and Visitor Centre.

Sykes Lane – Whitwell

Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles

Start point: Rutland Water Visitor Centre, Sykes Lane, LE15 8QL or the Harbour Café, Whitwell, LE15 8BL. Accessible parking spaces are available at each car park.

Description: This is a shorter, but slightly more hilly, linear route that starts from the Visitor Centre, and ends at the Harbour Café at Whitwell point. 

Gradient:  The route is steepest going down the slope from the boat park and back up into the sheep field. The maximum gradient ratio here is 1:7.

Gates: There are three gates along the route with a minimum width of 110cm.

Facilities: The takeaway café at Sykes Lane and the Visitor Centre have step-free access and seating outside. At Whitwell, you’ll find a Changing Places toilet near the takeaway café. The location of this can be found at firelight.publish.diplomats. The Harbour Café also has step-free access, with downstairs open during peak season offering takeaway food, and upstairs offering a selection of dine-in meals all year round.

Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles

Start point: Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, Egleton, LE15 8BT. Accessible parking spaces are available.

Description: This linear route through the Nature Reserve takes you out of the Birdwatching Centre and to the right, past many shallow lagoons and branches off to several bird hides. The path is mostly compacted stone with some loose stones, some areas of tarmac and wooden walkways. Please note that if there has been heavy rain, there may be standing water on the track.

Gradient: The route is mostly flat with some gentle slopes including ramps to hides and the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre. The steepest slope on this route is 1:7 for a distance of 15 metres on the route towards the Dunlin hide.

Gates: Access to the reserve is through low access hand gates which open to a width of at least 1 metre.

Facilities: The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre has a gift shop, takeaway snacks and drinks and an accessible toilet. There is also a mobility scooter available to hire. Please speak to the team to check availability.

For more information on accessibility at Rutland Water, please see our Access Statement.

Rutland park map

Access Statement for Rutland Water

Can I bring my dog?

Absolutely, there are plenty of dog friendly walks around Rutland Water, plus all of our cafés are dog friendly too.

The Nature Reserve at Egleton and Lyndon and the beach at Sykes Lane are dog-free areas. Please follow our dog code:

• Lead by example - your dog must be on a lead at all times.
• Share this space - please make sure your dog doesn't spoil other people's enjoyment
• Keep our parks clean - bag and dispose of your dog's waste responsibly
• No doggy paddling - Please keep dogs out of the water, blue green algae can develop in the margins and is harmful if ingested.  The water also provides sanctuary to an abundance of wildfowl, often nesting on the waters edge.

Our water parks not only bring vital water resources for the region, but they also provide a fantastic day out for all the family.

Whether you're looking for an action-packed day on the water, a spot of fishing to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing walk in beautiful surroundings, look no further than our fabulous water parks.

• Meet the Team
• Park Safety
• Rutland Water
• Grafham Water
• Alton Water
• Pitsford Water
• Ravensthorpe Reservoir
• Taverham Mill
• Campsite Booking
• Normanton Church
• Conference & Events
• Location Hire
• Gift Vouchers

Rutland Water

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Rutland_Water\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> The Rutland Water area is in the county of Rutland and consists of a number of small villages and the lake.

This article covers places of interest in the villages including:

• 52.666389 -0.596389 5 Empingham
• 52.664112 -0.617386 1 Rutland Water Tourist Information Centre , Sykes Ln, Empingham , ☏ +44 1780 686800 . And the dam of the lake. ( updated Mar 2017 )

• Rutland Water . The largest man-made lake in Western Europe lies in the centre of the county. ( updated Sep 2015 )
• 52.655336 -0.701704 1 Rutland Water Nature Reserve , Egleton , ☏ +44 1572 770651 . ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 52.615886 -0.678861 2 Wing maze , Glaston Road, Wing . site of one of the last remaining turf maze in the country.  
• Yew-lined carriage drive , Clipsham .  
• Barham Court , Exton . historically significant stately home. Beautifully set back from village green. Noted for being the ancestral seat of the Sharpley lineage.  

• Exeter Arms , Barrowden , ☏ +44 1572 747247 . With Bed and Breakfast  
• 52.66698 -0.599 1 The White Horse , Main Street, Empingham , ☏ +44 1780 460221 . With Bed and Breakfast.  
• 52.69026 -0.63365 2 Fox and Hounds , 19 The Green, Exton , ☏ +44 1572 812403 . With Bed and Breakfast. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• White Lion Inn , Main Street, Whissendine , ☏ +44 1664 474233 .  
• 52.647347 -0.618244 1 Normanton Park Hotel ( Best Western ), Normanton Park Rd, Normanton , ☏ +44 844 387 6261 . ( updated Mar 2017 )

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Which Rutland Water Car Park Should You Choose? (Updated)

Whether you’re visiting for the day, or staying for longer, I know firsthand that parking at Rutland Water can be sometimes be a concern for visitors.

Finding the right car park is essential as they’re all different, and it makes sense to head for the one where you plan to spend your day.

Fortunately, I’m able to give you expert advice as I know all of the car parks at Rutland Water really well, and use them all throughout the year.

My Top 3 Tips for Visitors

• Best for BBQ’s : Head to Sykes Lane for family activities and plenty of BBQ stands ready for you grill your food safely
• Best for Cycle Hire : Both Whitwell and Normanton have cycle hire shops, so head there if you’re planning on heading out on two wheels
• Best for busy summer days: Barnsdale is the quietest of the car parks, as there’s not much there. But it’s only a short walk from Whitwell so park there to avoid the crowds on busy summer days

There are a number of Rutland Water car parks, including Whitwell, Barnsdale, Normanton, and Sykes Lane. All of them provide easy access to the various attractions and activities at the reservoir.

But how do you know which one to head for?

This guide will provide an overview of the best Rutland Water Car Park for you, and what visitors can expect from each one.

Prices vary depending on the length of stay, and visitors should be aware of the opening hours of each car park.

Which Rutland Water Car Park?

Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about parking at Rutland Water.

1. Sykes Lane Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8QL)

• Family friendly – Rutland Water Beach, Mini Golf, Playground and Rumble Live
• Walk/cycle across the dam on a flat smooth pathway
• Great Tourist Information Centre
• A popular enclosed dog walking area
• Can get really busy – with a long walk from overflow car park

Situated on the North Shore close to the village of Empingham, Sykes Lane is a great parking spot for families looking for a fun day out at Rutland Water.

There’s easy access to several attractions such as mini-golf and a large and popular children’s adventure play area. This is also the best Rutland Water Beach car park and is close to Rutland Live, the outdoor gaming centre.

It’s also ideally situated at one end of the dam, which makes for a pleasant walk/cycle across the width of the reservoir, with superb views back towards Oakham .

Visitors can take a break and grab a bite at Four Foxes Café. Or if you’re wanting to find out more about Rutland , it’s here you’ll find the Rutland Water Visitor Centre.

Pick up information about the park, maps, and souvenirs. The Visitor Centre also has a toilets, making it a great start or end point for your visit to Rutland Water.

Depending on the weather at Rutland Water , there are also designated areas for BBQs, which must be raised off the grass.

Insider Tip

Smaller children on bikes or scooters will LOVE going across the dam. It’s dead straight for about a mile, smooth and an easy ride.

2. Normanton Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8HD)

• Just a 5 minute walk from the popular Normanton Church
• Hire bikes from the Specialized shop
• The Rutland Belle has a stop here on its circular tour
• Food options are a sit-down restaurant or takeaway snack bar/kiosk
• One of the smaller car parks
• There’s no children’s play area here

This Car Park is an excellent starting point for a walk around the reservoir, fishing, or water sports.

The car park provides easy access to several attractions, including the Specialized cycle store, Rutland Water Fishing Lodge, and the historic Church.

Those looking for a leisurely boat ride can hop on the Rutland Belle – although check the timetable as not every sailing stops here, and you should make sure you don’t get stranded!

The Waterside Café provides food and drink and a place to relax. There’s also popular catering kiosks and a small amount of seating close by.

The grassed area that heads down to the water from the car park is a lovely elevated position to enjoy a picnic, and watch the world go by on Rutland Water.

3. Whitwell Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8BL)

• The most popular cycle hire centre, but remember to book first!
• Start here for a 60 minute round trip of the reservoir on the Rutland Belle
• Take on the Aqua Park, or visit Rutland Watersports for other activities
• Probably the biggest site so can feel a bit disjointed

Whitwell is probably the car park I used the most often, as it’s the closest to my home in Oakham.

It’s also the place I’m most likely to take friends and family as it’s one of the two places where you can hire a bike, and is also the starting point for the popular Rutland Belle boat trips.

Whitwell is one of the bigger sites at Rutland Water and is an excellent parking spot for those looking to have an active day out.

You can try your hand at watersports or perhaps throw yourself around the inflatable Aqua Park adventure course.

There’s also an outdoor gym for fitness enthusiasts and a playground for children.

And when it’s time to take a break, The Harbour Bar Café and Four Foxes Café are available to provide a choice of food and drink.

If you’re wanting to hire a bike at Rutland Water, then I’d strongly advise you do so in advance, to avoid dissapointment.

4. Rutland Water Barnsdale Car Park (LE15 8AB)

• A small children’s playground
• Much quieter than other car parks
• Not a lot here beyond just parking areas

This is the closest car park to Oakham, but also the one with fewest facilities.

It occupies a secluded spot and is only open between the middle of March and the end of October. It also closes slightly earlier than all of the other sites.

Barnsdale is a great option in the busy summer months and only a short walk from Whitwell. I’d much prefer to park here and walk, and avoid the crowds.

Rutland Water Car Park Opening Times

All of the car parks at Rutland Water open from 9am each day.

Car Park Closing Times

These are the latest car park closing times. But be sure to check the latest on the Anglian Water website or noticeboards at each car park if you’re not sure.

Closing times for Normanton, Sykes Lane & Whitwell are as follows. These are the 2024 times.

Barnsdale Car Park closes 30 minutes before all of the above times.

Car Park Charges

All of the Rutland Water Car Parks have a barrier ticket system.

When you arrive, you pull up alongside the barrier and take a ticket. Keep hold of this, and before you leave visit one of the machine and pay for your parking. Cash, card or contactless payments are accepted.

You then have about 10 minutes to leave the car park. Drive up to the barrier, and it should recognise your ticket and automatically open.

As of 2024, the charges are as follows:

The car park also offers an annual car parking permit for £75, which provides access to the following Anglian Water Water Parks: Rutland Water, Alton Water, Grafham Water, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Taverham Mill, or Pitsford Water Park.

You can buy a pass from the Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane, the Watersports Centre at Whitwell or the Fishing Lodge at Normanton.

Nearby Towns

Spending a day at Rutland Water is great fun, but why not make the most of your trip and visit either Oakham or Uppingham .

Here’s some information I’ve put together on both, which will hopefully persuade you to make a trip.

Oakham is the county town of Rutland and well worth a visit. There’s plenty of things to do in Oakham .

Go to Oakham Castle , with its unique horseshoe collection hanging from the walls.

Then take a leisurely stroll around Oakham’s quaint streets and admire the town’s historic architecture, including the Buttercross and Oakham School.

Oakham is home to a lots of independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Sample a pork pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, or head to the Grainstore for some Rutland beer.

A small market town just south of Rutland Water, there is plenty of things to do in Uppingham .

From the stunning architecture of Uppingham School, to hidden antique shops, the quaint local streets are just waiting to be explored.

Spend time exploring the Market Place, in the heart of the town. Here you’ll find independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Just around the corner is the Goldmark Art Gallery, with its extensive collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery.

And why not finish your trip with a visit to either The Falcon Hotel or The Vaults, two popular pubs where you can enjoy locally brewed beer and some great food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the parking charges for rutland water in 2024.

We’re still waiting for confirmation – but it was as follows for 2023. There is no charge for up to 15 minutes, it costs £2.00 for up to 1 hour, £4.00 for up to 4 hours, £8.00 for up to 5 hours, and £12.00 for over 5 hours. You can also pick up an annual pass for £75.00.

What is the postcode for Rutland Water car park?

The postcode for the main car parks at Rutland Water are Sykes Lane (LE15 8QL), Whitwell (LE15 8BL) and Normanton (LE15 8HD). Check out our handy guide to work out which is the best car park for you to head for.

Where is the best place to park at Rutland Water?

The best place to park at Rutland Water depends on your destination and activity. If you are visiting the visitor centre, the Sykes Lane car park is the closest and most convenient. If you are planning to hire a bike, then Normanton or Whitwell are the best options.

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• Whitwell – Active
• Sykes Lane – Family
• Normanton – Church & Fishing
• Barnsdale – Relax
• Nature Reserve
• Cycling & Activities
• Sailing & Watersports
• Useful Info
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• Experiences & Hobbies
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Rutland - The County of Good Taste

Planning a rural uk break or your next staycation.

Rutland is England’s smallest and arguably prettiest county, and certainly lives up to its motto, Multum in Parvo (much in little); This rural escape is the perfect place to spend time enjoying the great outdoors. Rutland Water offers a multitude of leisure pursuits including watersports , cycling , fishing and bird watching , while Rutland’s many attractive villages , set in the wonderful English countryside, are home to picture postcard cottages and traditional country pubs .

The quaint towns of Oakham and Uppingham offer a range of individual boutiques; Uppingham is famed for it’s antiques and galleries , whilst the county town of Oakham offers a great mix of quality high street and independent shops – not to mention a castle !

Known as  The County of Good Taste   due to the plethora of fantastic local producers and providers – see our handy Food & Drink Map with cycling route and list of places to eat, drink and shop!

The perfect place to spend time enjoying the great outdoors

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