The Best of Rutland's Wildlife

Tour Code: GBR235

A short break centred around Rutland Water Nature Reserve, in search of the wildlife in England's smallest historical county, and beyond.

4 days from
£850 (land only)
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

Rutland will need no introduction to the many thousands of nature enthusiasts who visit Bird Fair every year. It is the smallest of the historical English counties but there is so much more to the area than just Rutland Water. This gentle rolling landscape in the heart of England is largely dominated by Jurassic limestones and this has a significant influence on the habitats and associated species. On this short break, we will explore some of the area’s best nature reserves from our base, close to the north shore of Rutland Water.  

We have timed the tour for mid-June, which should coincide with the flight period of the Black Hairstreak butterfly, arguably, one of Britain’s hardest to find butterflies and largely restricted to just a handful of sites between Oxford and Peterborough. It is also the peak period for many flowering plants and Barnack Hills and Holes, just over the border in Cambridgeshire is rightly famous for its range of orchid species.

Whilst the main spring migration will be largely over, June is still excellent at Rutland Water and anything could turn up if we are lucky. The reservoir and associated nature reserve, managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, consistently deliver the highest annual bird diversity of any inland UK site and it is possible to amass an enviable list in just a single day. The breeding season will be in full swing and the woodlands will be alive with bird song. All being well, the famous Osprey nest at Manton Bay will contain well developed chicks and with eight pairs of Osprey in the wider area in 2020, we hope to catch up with these birds fishing over the reservoir.

  • Chance to watch Ospreys, including the nest in Manton Bay and potentially fishing over the reservoir
  • Look for Black Hairstreak - one of Britain’s rarest butterflies (June)
  • Wide range of birds including breeding wildfowl and other waterbirds. Late spring passage may include a selection of waders such as Wood Sandpiper or Ruff
  • Stay in a delightful hotel close to Rutland Water
  • Led by an expert naturalist guide

Grading

A

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Rutland Water
Day 2/4
Rutland Water, Glapthorn, Barnack Hills & Holes
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    A comfortable hotel close to Rutland Water, all rooms have private facilities

  • Food:

    Breakfasts and evening meals are included in the holiday, beginning with the evening meal on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 4. Lunches are not included in the cost of this tour.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 20th Jun – Mon 23rd Jun 3 £850
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£850
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 19th Jun – Mon 22nd Jun SPACES £850
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£850
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195 
  Array
(
    [192] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 192
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/general-natural-history
            [title] => General natural history
            [alias] => general-natural-history
            [description] => 
            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                )

            [metakey] => General natural history
            [note] => 26
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

)

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!