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United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Rutland

Whissendine

Attractions and Places To See around Whissendine - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Whissendine include a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The village is divided by Whissendine Brook and its tributary, set within the gently undulating hills of the Rutland countryside. It serves as a base for exploring numerous walking and cycling routes, including the Rutland Round. The area offers opportunities to experience both local history and the natural beauty of England's smallest county.

Best attractions and places to see around Whissendine

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop

Highlight • Cafe

An absolute pleasure to return here!
Plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Also, many places to leave your bike in sight from the cafe.
Staff is always pleasant friendly …

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Rutland Water

Highlight • Structure

Great area for a hike. If you do not want to go the full circle alternatives to walking back on the same track are a bit limited.

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Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland

Highlight • Forest

Barnsdale Woods offers a little change of scenery from the open views across much of the route around Rutland Water. The ancient woodland (now partly replanted with conifers) covers 28 …

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Rutland Water Cycle Route

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

Avoid the busy A6003 to Manton by taking a section of the Rutland Water cycle route. Gravel track is possible on road bikes, and easy on gravel or MTB.

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Sigma Sports

Highlight • Rest Area

Very welcoming bike shop. Enjoyed a free coffee whilst browsing :)
Staff were very accommodating, space for bikes to be parked inside shop as well as outside.

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Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
November 29, 2025, Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland

Nice and easy hike on the man path, while some of the smaller ones canbe a bit owegrown an soggy. ood change of scenery to make a walk here more varied.

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Bumble-Bee
November 11, 2025, Rutland Water

Great area for a hike. If you do not want to go the full circle alternatives to walking back on the same track are a bit limited.

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Derren
August 19, 2025, Sigma Sports

Some lovely bikes for purchasing. knowledgeable staff. Well stocked assortment of accessories.

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Really helpful staff - worth just going in for a chat!

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Cafe provides excellent food at reasonable prices. Plenty of outside seats and bike racks. Only 1 toilet so expect to que. Well worth a stop on your ride.

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The bit between Manton and the nature/bird watching centre appears to have been re-stoned with a very uncycle-friendly gravel. Too big piece size and not compacted down making it a bit scary for tyres less than 40mm I would say. As walkers and cyclists are only real users, it is unlikely to get better for years.

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Compact gravel in the drier days and mud in the wet ones.

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This ancient woodland was partly destroyed through construction of the reservoir. It is a neglected coppice of the Peterken Ash-Maple, Ash-Hazel, Pedunculate Oak-Hazel and Invasive Elm types but has been partly planted with conifers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Whissendine?

The area around Whissendine offers several natural highlights. You can visit Rutland Water, England's largest man-made lake by surface area, which is excellent for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Nearby, the Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland provides a change of scenery with its ancient trees, especially beautiful when bluebells are in bloom. The village itself is divided by the Whissendine Brook, with public footpaths following its meandering course through gentle, undulating hills and open pastures.

Are there good walking and cycling routes in the Whissendine area?

Yes, Whissendine is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. The village is situated on the Rutland Round, a circular walk around England's smallest county. For cyclists, the Rutland Water Cycle Route is very popular, offering a mix of terrain suitable for various bike types. You can find many local trails for both walking and cycling, including easy hikes and moderate cycling routes. For more detailed routes, explore guides like Easy hikes around Whissendine or Cycling around Whissendine.

What historical landmarks can I visit in Whissendine?

Whissendine boasts several significant historical landmarks. The impressive Whissendine Windmill, a Grade II* listed building from 1809, is one of England's few operational 19th-century windmills and the tallest stone windmill in the country, producing various flours. St Andrew's Church, dating back to the 13th century with a 14th-century tower, is another prominent Grade I listed building. The village also features historic architecture, with many houses built before the 19th century, including Woodbine Cottage, one of the few remaining thatched buildings.

Is there an operational windmill near Whissendine?

Yes, Whissendine is home to its own historic and operational windmill, the Whissendine Windmill, which produces various flours. Additionally, you can visit Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop, which is a man-made monument with a cafe and bike shop, offering a pleasant stop with indoor and outdoor seating.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Whissendine?

Absolutely! Families can enjoy the extensive recreational opportunities at Rutland Water, which offers walking, cycling, and watersports. The Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland is also a great spot for a family stroll. Within Whissendine village, 'The Banks' is a communal children's play area. The Wymondham Windmill with its tea rooms provides a lovely outing for all ages.

What is the best time of year to visit Whissendine?

The best time to visit Whissendine largely depends on your interests. Late spring (April-May) is ideal for seeing the bluebells in bloom at Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland. Late June is a vibrant time to experience the annual 'Feast Week,' a reintroduction of an ancient medieval custom with various community activities. The warmer months are generally best for outdoor activities like walking and cycling around Rutland Water and the local trails.

Where can I find places to eat or drink in Whissendine?

In Whissendine village, The White Lion serves as the local public house. Just a short distance away, the Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop offers a cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating, known for its friendly staff and good value menu. For those exploring Rutland Water, there are refreshment options like the Rutland Nurseries Cafe between Manton and the Lynton reserve, or the Horse & Jockey pub in Manton.

Can I spot wildlife around Whissendine?

Yes, the area is excellent for wildlife spotting, particularly around Rutland Water. The lake is often home to over 25,000 waterfowl, making it a significant natural attraction for birdwatchers. The surrounding countryside, including the Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland and the meandering Whissendine Brook, also offers opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

Are there easy walking routes near Whissendine?

Yes, there are several easy walking routes available. You can find a selection of accessible and less strenuous paths around the village and its brook. For specific routes, consider exploring the Easy hikes around Whissendine guide, which includes routes like the Burrough Hill Iron Age Fort loops and walks around Oakham, all with easy difficulty grades.

What events take place in Whissendine?

Whissendine hosts a couple of notable annual events. Each year in late June, the village celebrates its 'Feast Week,' a revival of an ancient medieval custom featuring a 6-mile run, an extravaganza, a knockout competition, and a fete on the green. Additionally, the Whissendine Sports Club holds an annual Fireworks Night, with proceeds supporting the Whissendine CE Primary School.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Whissendine?

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and recreational opportunities, especially around Rutland Water, highlighting it as a great area for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop is appreciated for its pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, and good value. The overall appeal lies in the blend of historical landmarks, cultural insights, and the chance to explore the tranquil Rutland countryside.

Are there any bike shops or cycling facilities nearby?

Yes, cycling enthusiasts will find useful facilities. The Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop includes a bike shop, making it a great stop for mid-ride needs. Additionally, Sigma Sports is a well-regarded bike shop known for its wide range of cycles, equipment, and services, with staff who are very helpful and accommodating to cyclists.

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