Barrow Village Sign

You'll find this in Barrow village, just a short drive south of Oakham, and it's one of those proper local treasures that doesn't shout about itself. The village sign functions as a gallery space, which is unusual - instead of the typical wooden carvings you see in most English villages, this one doubles up as a rotating exhibition spot for local artists and craftspeople.

What makes it worth stopping for is the genuine community feel. The work changes regularly, so there's always something different to see whether you're into painting, sculpture, or textile work. It's not vast - you could have a look in ten minutes - but it rewards a slower wander, especially if you read the artist statements pinned alongside.

This appeals most to people who actually care about local art and craft rather than ticking off tourist boxes. If you're based at Greendale Farm Caravan & Camping Park nearby, it's an easy detour on a morning walk around the village. Rutland's got plenty of proper attractions - the reservoir, Oakham itself - so treat this as a gentle addition to a day out rather than a destination in itself.

Free to view, no set hours that I can find - it's essentially always accessible since it's outdoors. Go on a sunny day and you'll appreciate the setting properly. Worth twenty minutes of your time if you're in the area, particularly if contemporary local work interests you.