The Barnsdale

A collection of typically honey-stoned buildings around a central courtyard, Barnsdale Lodge is a very comfortable and recently updated Rutland hotel. It has 45 bedrooms and 17 cedar-clad self-catering cottages – Rutland Retreats – across the road: detached, light-filled properties with 2–3 bedrooms, French doors to a patio and fully fitted kitchens. The bedrooms are mostly good sizes and come with coffee- and tea-making facilities, complimentary mineral water wifi and en-suite bathrooms, and several have been refurbished in a contemporary country style that suits the hotel perfectly. Several enjoy views over Rutland Water.

The hotel has a well-established restaurant, split between a traditional dining room and a contemporary conservatory, which serves a menu based around local ingredients, and there's also a cosy, dog-friendly bar and a lovely bright garden room with doors opening out onto the hotel's central courtyard – a perfect spot to sit and take in the world on a summer's morning. You couldn’t be much better placed for the glorious expanse of Rutland Water, where you can walk or cycle the path which circles the lake; enjoy the many water sports on offer, tour the lake on the stately Rutland Belle. Cycling is also a popular activity and you can bikes at a couple of spots around the lake.

Finally the hotel is thoroughly dog-friendly, with all its ground floor rooms open to dogs.  Hounds get a welcome pack containing a bowl and a bed, chews and poo bags and a letter from resident pooches Coco and Maisie detailing fun doggy things to do. There are opportunities for off-lead walks in the hotel’s own meadows, and of course around Rutland Water, and although the restaurant doesn’t allow dogs, there’s a lovely bright garden room and a very cosy dog friendly bar where you can eat the same menu.