Rutland Water is a reservoir, formed by damming the Gwash valley, which was completed in 1975. It is mainly fed by the rivers Welland and Nene and is the largest manmade lake (by surface water) in England. It not only supplies water, but is also surrounded by lovely countryside and parkland, offering walking, cycling, fishing and a whole variety of water sports. In fact, it has been described as ‘the playground of the East Midlands.’ There is also a nature reserve that, among other things, is home to the Rutland Osprey Project.

In 2021, the fossilised remains of Britain’s largest ichthyosaur, colloquially known as a ‘Sea Dragon’, were discovered at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve. The ichthyosaur is approximately 180 million years old and around 10 metres long, the biggest and most complete skeleton of its kind found so far in the UK.

There are several access points to Rutland Water. The postcode given is for the car park closest to Normanton Church. Check out the website link for more information.