The Barnsdale, Rutland in Oakham, England

The Barnsdale, Rutland is a privately owned hotel in England's smallest county, 5.6 km from Oakham and 35 km from Leicester. The former farmhouse sits close to the north shore of Rutland Water, offering views of the surrounding countryside or the picturesque courtyard. Free parking and electric vehicle charging stations are available, and the hotel provides facilities for disabled guests with wheelchair access and lower bathroom sinks.

All 46 en-suite bedrooms are individually furnished and feature views over the countryside or the courtyard. Room types include the Heritage rooms and the top-floor Fort Henry Suite, which offers a copper roll-top bath, tester bed, and sweeping views. Each room is equipped with Freeview digital TVs, a selection of Signet Toiletries, and complimentary Madeira wine or ginger liqueur as a welcome touch.

The hotel serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner in the bright Orangery using local, seasonal ingredients. A full cooked English breakfast is offered each morning, and the restaurant menu includes options like Chateaubriand and tomahawk steak with wine pairings. Private dining is available in the Exton room for celebrations, and the bar serves premium wine and cocktails, including a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.

The newly built spa features an outdoor heated pool open all year, wood-fired hot tubs, and a sauna with views across the fields to the Highland cattle. Spa treatments include massages and facials, and the spa lounge provides a relaxation area with robes and flip-flops. Guests can use the spa facilities as part of their stay, with changing rooms stocked with toiletries.

The hotel provides family rooms and kids' outdoor play equipment, including a pitch and putt and crazy golf. Dogs are welcomed with a dedicated pet bed, artisan dog biscuits, a toy, poo bags, and food/water bowls, and ground-floor dog-friendly rooms are available. The property also offers children's meals and a cot for hire, making it suitable for families with toddlers.

Location: 5.6 km from Oakham, next to Rutland Water

Rooms: 46 individually furnished en-suite rooms including Fort Henry Suite

Dining: Locally sourced menu in the Orangery with private dining options

Spa: Outdoor heated pool, wood-fired hot tubs, sauna with Highland cattle views

Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly rooms with complimentary pet amenities

Family: Kids' outdoor play equipment, family rooms, children's meals