Rutland is the smallest county in England and your day here will begin with enjoying the stunning scenery, travelling through English villages and beautiful English countryside, taking in spectacular views over Rutland Water, a drinking water reservoir that was originally opened in 1976.

You will have the choice to visit the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre or Barnsdale Gardens.

The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre is home to a superb international collection of birds of prey - owls, hawks, buzzards, falcons, eagles and vultures.  You will have the opportunity to hold one of these birds of prey and have your photo taken with them.
The Centre is set in woodland and you can follow the paths to explore, where you may see some woodland residents such as fallow deer, muntjac, foxes and badgers.

There are maturing ponds, a purpose-built feeding station and a variety of nesting boxes to support the nature and enhance your experience.  The Centre is committed to conservation, nurturing and protecting the biodiversity of these woodlands, creating a secure home for the residents of the Centre alongside the native woodland birds, animals and plants. Following your time exploring, you will enjoy lunch in a traditional English pub, The Sun Inn, located in the close-by village of Cottesmore.  Here, you will be served food made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.  

The nearby Barnsdale Gardens were developed by gardener Geoff Hamilton in 1983 and he used them as the location to present the popular English television show 'Gardeners' World'.  The gardens are set over 8 acres of land and are an outstanding example of the organic principles of gardening, with peat free and chemical free growing.  

If you choose this option, you will be able to wander through thirty-eight individual gardens of different styles with immense colour, variety and themes.
As well as exploring the gardens, you will enjoy lunch (at additional cost) in the tea-room, which uses their own fresh, organic fruit and vegetables when seasons and harvest permit.  You can also try locally sourced food from nearby award-winning local artisan food producers, as well as award-winning real ales and craft beers from the largest brewery in Rutland.  
You will enjoy all of this in the relaxed cafe overlooking part of the garden and you will have the opportunity to browse and buy souvenirs to remember your day in the shop.


On this excursion, you will see the small historic market town of Oakham, where you will visit the Castle - England's most complete Norman Great Hall.
 You will be given a guided tour of this Great Hall of Oakham Castle, which is the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Europe and was built between 1180 and 1190, holding banquets and courts.
 

You will be shown the traces of the defences, the court furniture, cells and the magnificent Hall.
 You will marvel at the wall-mounted famous and unique collection of over 230 ornate ceremonial horseshoes, which were donated by Peers of the Realm (Royalty and nobility such as Dukes, Marquis', Earls, Viscounts, Barons and Bishops).
 You will also see the 12th century sculptures that decorate the Great Hall, both inside and out and which are made of local stone.

Following the tour of the Castle, you will experience a traditional English afternoon tea at nearby Kavanagh's Tea Room - a vintage tea room with style. All food is freshly prepared each day using locally sourced ingredients and all dietary requirements are catered for.
 You will take a nostalgic glimpse into time gone by with glorious tea pots, mismatched China and charming music, all in a stunning Grade 2 listed building situated in the heart of the town.


Before returning to Cambridge, you will be able to take in more views of Rutland Water and the delightful surrounding countryside.