Rutland (England’s smallest county and wild ospreys)
Rutland is England’s smallest county (apparently depending on whether the tide is in or out on Isle of Wight!) It used to be part of Leicestershire.
This means it has no motorways, no shopping centres, no chain stores and no fast food chains! It is a bit more remote, that can only be good!
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (learn how to upright an overturned sheep). Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
At the coast, keep dogs away from nesting birds and sand dunes. Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside. Check beach bans before travel.
Two towns (Oakham and Uppingham)
The county town of Oakham has a long history and still holds historic markets in the square, it also has a castle. Uppington is another historic market town, mostly known for its private school (Stephen Fry was expelled, Richard Tice became deputy Reform UK leader?!)
Rutland Water
This large manmade lake has a circular route you can take to enjoy watching the wildlife. It’s mostly known for its huge conservation success story:
Ospreys (fish-eating birds of prey) that visit from Africa were almost extinct not so long ago. Today thanks to a huge effort, numbers are thriving. Although you’ll only really see them in England here or in Cumbria.
