UK’s smallest county dubbed the ‘Notswolds’ has inland beach and UK’s largest man-made lake
THE SMALLEST country in the UK has been given an unusual nickname – the Notswolds.
Rutland has gained the moniker for being an alternative to the Cotswolds but without the price tag.
While it has similar beautiful buildings made of limestone, it also has beautiful countryside just like the Cotswolds.
Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, told Country Living: “Rutland may be the smallest county in the UK, but it is well located with beautiful countryside, historic market towns, public schools and Rutland Water.
“With good rail links to London and limestone villages, it has all the ambience of the Cotswolds without the price tag.”
Its largest town is Oakham, an ancient market town with quaint old shops and food markets.
There is also the Rutland Country Museum, showcasing the country’s history, as well as the Norman Oakham Castle – which is free to visit.
Earlier this year, the town unveiled its Queen Elizabeth II statue, the first place to do it after her death.
Created in 1975, Rutland Water is the country’s largest reservoir which is where you will also find the inland beach.
Also one of the largest man made lakes in Europe, you can rent bikes to cycle around the edge, while sailors can book boat tours on the Rutland Belle.
In the middle on a peninsular is even the four-star Hambleton Hall, with a Michelin-starred cuisine; the Dining Room restaurant has the UK’s longest-retained Michelin star.
It is perhaps not surprising that Rutland is also known as the County of Good Taste, with an annual food week taking place every September.
Pop into Belvoir Castle too – it has a huge adventure playground which now has a Christmas Trail.
One of the highest rated places to stay In Rutland is The Olive Branch, which has won a number of awards in recent years, also with on-site cooking classes.
Or if you want somewhere to stay with all of your mates, you can rent an entire pub to yourself for the night.
The Old Star Inn, in Long Clawson, dates back to the 17th century and has five bedrooms.
Rutland is also easy to get to, being surrounded Nottingham, Peterborough and Birmingham.
If you want to visit the UK’s smallest city, you will have to head to St Davids in Wales, which has 1,600 locals.
Or go down to Kent to Fordwich which is the UK’s smallest town – but has a Michelin-starred pub.