Twenty minutes from our depot and you're parked up looking at one of the biggest reservoirs in Europe. Not bad for a Tuesday evening escape, let alone a proper weekend.
Rutland Water gets overlooked. Everyone's so busy planning the big trip to Cornwall or the Lakes that they forget there's a genuinely brilliant, genuinely easy weekend sitting right on Leicestershire's doorstep. No six-hour drive. No services queue on the M5. Just you, the van, and a lake big enough that you'll forget how close to home you actually are.
What to do once you're there: Cycle the full loop around the reservoir if you're feeling energetic (about 17 miles, flat). Take the dog down to the nature reserve at the western end. Or just do nothing, park up somewhere with a view, put the kettle on, and watch the water. Normanton Church, the little half-submerged church, is worth the short walk for the photo alone. Oakham has a proper market town feel if you fancy a wander off the water.
Where to park up: several sites right around the reservoir take motorhomes and campervans comfortably, most with hookups if you want them. Book ahead in summer.
Why it works as a first trip: short drive, easy roads, somewhere to bail out to if the weather turns (Oakham, Uppingham nearby), and enough to do that a weekend doesn't feel long. We'd recommend it as a first outing if you're new to hiring.
Fancy trying it out? Betty and Marty both know the way. Check what's free and go and have a look at that lake for yourself. 🚐🌊
