Rutland's Hidden Gem

Uppingham is one of England's hidden gems - a delightful, historic market town with an attractive mix of honey-coloured stone buildings that represent a long architectural history. The Times recently named Uppingham as a really appealing small market town, well placed in Britain's smallest county. It is a friendly and welcoming place to visit and I have just completed my third visit to this delightful place.

typical architecture in Uppingham High Street, opposite my room at The Crown Inn

Rutland is the smallest county in mainland England, occupying 151.1 square miles of the East Midlands and extending only eighteen miles from north to south and seventeen miles from east to west and Rutland Water is the ornithological gem in the county's crown, with a shoreline in excess of 40 kilometres (24 miles).

One of the joys of Uppingham for me is the wonderful selection of individually owned shops, including several second hand book shops, crafts and gifts, old fashioned sweets, pre-loved clothes, jewellery, handmade shoes, two first class butchers and a superb traditional baker, Baines with its adjoining tea shop, a step back in time and a sheer delight. I enjoyed toasted teacakes with butter and strawberry jam and a pot of real leaf tea, whilst listening to music from the 40s and being fussed over by an attentive waitress.

Baines Bakers and Tea Shop

The Falcon Hotel is located on Uppingham's historic Market Place that dates back to the 13th century. From c1750 the Falcon was the coaching inn for the town. The main arched doorway into the hotel is the original coach entrance.

The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham

Uppingham  is famous for its public school founded in 1584. It spreads its impressive buildings throughout the town.

Uppingham School main building

My favourite spot in Uppingham is The Crown Inn in the High Street, Rutland CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 and runner up in 2013. I always stay here to enjoy Alan's hospitality, Phillipe's cooking, the friendly locals and the Everard award winning ales. The accommodation is comfortable and spotlessly clean.

View from my room at The Crown Inn

There is much to see and enjoy in the Rutland area (known as the 'second Cotswolds') not forgetting the Ospreys that return in the summer months to Rutland Water. There are nature reserves, an RSPB bird centre at Egleton and plenty of good walks.

Time moves slowly here...