Rutland is England's smallest county, nestled between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire, with its beautiful rolling hills, quaint historic market towns, and the famous Rutland Water nature reserve.
Nestled in the heart of this area of beautiful undulating hills, are dog-friendly glamping pods at Rutland Rural Retreats.
https://rutlandruralretreats.com/ is a small, adult-only, super dog-friendly, rural glamping site. With just two glamping pods and one shepherd's hut, all discreetly sited with enclosed gardens where you can truly relax and unwind in tranquil surroundings with your canine companions.
Rutland Rural Retreats is just a stone’s throw from pretty Uppingham and beautiful Rutland Water. A retreat where you can really escape and relax. Secluded from view within a beautiful, private meadow and bordered by an array of hedgerows, trees, and brooks. Their small, dog-friendly glamping retreat has just 3 handcrafted, ensuite, heated glamping units, ideal for that romantic break, well-earned rest, or just that chance to combine the great outdoors, your canine companions, and a touch of luxury.
What is glamping?
Glamping, short for glamorous camping, combines the adventure of camping with the amenities and comforts of home. At https://rutlandruralretreats.com/, glamping takes on a whole new level of luxury with their glamping pods, offering an unparalleled retreat for those seeking a unique holiday.
Both glamping pods are fully insulated, enjoy underfloor heating, ensuites with heated towel rail, flushing mains toilet, and electric shower; kitchenette with fridge/freezer, two-ring hob, combi oven/microwave; double bed, leather sofa, rustic, moveable dining table, and side table.
Outside each has a one-metre-high rail and fully enclosed garden; sun loungers; a fire pit; a picnic table; a storage box; and rattan seats for enjoying that early morning cuppa on the decking!
To help with packing, a fan, hairdryer, dog bowls, dog mat, doggy tepee, dog toys and board games, books, walking guides, and a torch, as well as all the kitchen utensils you may need, shower gel, and hand wash, are also provided.
Alternatively, there is a new Shepherds Hut, Shepherds Rest.
Shepherds Rest is also fully insulated, enjoys underfloor heating, an ensuite with a heated towel rail, a flushing mains toilet and electric shower, a kitchenette with a fridge and freezer, two-ring hob, a full oven, a king-size bed as well as a single pull-out leather sofa bed (for people preferring separate sleeping arrangements), and a pull-down dining table.
Outside there is a large, fully enclosed garden, sun loungers, a fire pit, a picnic table, a storage box, and seats for enjoying that early morning cuppa. Also, a hot tub!
Again, to help you, with less packing, it has a fan, hairdryer, dog bowls, dog mat, doggy tepee, dog toys and board games, books, walking guides, as well as all the kitchen utensils you may need, shower gel, and hand wash etc.
Why choose a retreat?
Luxurious Accommodation
Pods are not your average pods. They are spacious and stylish, and they come equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Think plush beds, cosy living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and even ensuite bathrooms. This is camping reimagined for the 21st century.
Peruse some of their reviews here: https://rutlandruralretreats.com/glamping-reviews.
Unique Holiday Experience
Staying in a pod or shepherds hut provides a unique holiday experience, blending the thrill of the outdoors with the comforts of a boutique hotel. It’s an excellent choice for couples and solo travellers looking for something different.
Hot Tub!
Their Shepherds hut – Shepherd's Rest, includes a private hot tub adding an extra touch of luxury to your stay. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot tub under the stars after a day of exploring Rutland’s breathtaking landscapes.
Clare and Kirsty are always happy to answer any queries about their glamping retreat. You can contact them at relax@rutlandruralretreats.com or call 07966 413142.
Instagram: ‘rutlandruralretreats’
Dog Walks at Rutland Water:
Enjoy the breathtaking backdrop of Rutland Water all year by exploring the 22.1 miles of trails around the reservoir. If you’re not looking for a long circular walk, we’ve split the whole trail into bite-size chunks for you and your furry friends—ideal for wheelchair and pushchair access too.
Here are some ideas:
Normanton-Sykes Lane
2.3 miles; allow 55 minutes.
Rutland’s most famous landmark, Normanton Church, was saved from flooding when Rutland Water was created in the 1970s. With the floor raised almost halfway up the church, it is a fascinating building with a unique history. It has now become a stunning location for civil weddings and musical concerts!
Sykes Lane, Whitwell
1.2 miles; allow 30 minutes.
Whitwell-Barnsdale
1.5 miles; allow 30 minutes.
Barnsdale-Egleton
3.4 miles – allow 1hr 15mins
Lyndon-Normanton
2.9 miles, allow 1 hour.
Facilities:
At Normanton, you’ll find The Waterside Cafe, which has step-free access, a newly installed toilet, and the church, which can be accessed via wheelchair and pushchair. There is also a wheely boat available to hire from the fishing lodge.
The Takeaway Cafe at Sykes Lane and the Visitor Centre have step-free access and seating outside.
Remember when walking around Rutland Water:
Lead by example—your dog must always be on the lead!
Share this space; please make sure your dog does not spoil other people's enjoyment.
Keep the park 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 water's edge.
Dog-friendly pubs and cafes.
Rutland Water:
The Finch Arms: https://www.finchsarms.co.uk/
The Wheatsheaf: https://www.wheatsheafedithweston.co.uk/
The Horse & Jockey Inn: https://horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk/
Uppingham:
The Vaults: https://www.thevaultsuppingham.co.uk/
The Crown: https://www.crownuppingham.co.uk/
The Exeter: https://www.facebook.com/exeterarms.uppingham/
Scandimania: https://www.facebook.com/scandimaniacoffeehouse/
Don Paddy’s: https://www.donpaddys.co.uk/
Orchard Cafe (at Welland Vale Garden Centre): https://www.wellandvale.co.uk/orchard-cafe
Farmers markets:
Uppingham and Stamford: Every Friday
Oakham: 3rd Saturday of every month
Melton Mowbray: Every Tuesday and Friday
Have fun exploring Rutland and take care.
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