Rutland Watersports

The reservoir sprawls across the landscape between Stamford and Oakham with a kind of industrial beauty - it's not your typical English lake, but it works. Rutland Water is the place to come if you actually want to *do* something on the water rather than just stare at it. You can hire a kayak, paddleboard, or dinghy depending on the season, and there's proper instruction available if you've never done it before.

It's a working reservoir, so don't expect a twee beauty spot. What you get instead is space, wind, and a decent challenge if you take it seriously. Windsurfers come here regularly, and there's enough water that you won't feel crowded even on weekends. The surrounding area is walkable too - there are paths along parts of the perimeter, though some bits are restricted due to water company rules.

Families with older kids who can handle being on the water will get hours out of this place. Younger ones might find standing about watching others paddleboard a bit dull. If you're based at Stamford Meadows Glamping - which is only a few miles away - you could easily combine a morning here with exploration of Stamford's stone-built town centre.

Check ahead for specific session times and whether equipment hire is running, as water sports facilities can have seasonal restrictions. Summer is obviously the safest bet. It's not glamorous, but if you're an active type, it's absolutely worth the detour.