In England, there are only 76 beaches that meet the high standards required for a Blue Flag. Rutland Water, a reservoir in the East Midlands that’s only 90 minutes from Birmingham, is the only inland bathing water site on that prestigious list to have achieved this incredible status—thanks to its golden shores and azure waters.
What is a Blue Flag site?
The Blue Flag award, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, is presented to blue spaces that meet the EU’s ‘excellent’ water quality standard, provide safety services like lifeguards, display environmental information about local ecosystems, and are on top of environmental management, including litter and waste.
What is Rutland Water like?
From fishing to swimming, paddleboarding to birdwatching, there are over 4,000 acres of countryside to discover at Rutland Water—you can even make a splash at its very own inflatable Aqua Park! On the North Shore, you will find Rutland Water’s beach offers 140 metres of sandy shoreline and a 2,800m2 area for you to swim in.
Amble around the 22.1-mile reservoir (which will take you around 8 hours walking, although you can cycle) and spot a plethora of rare birds and plants—including the modern English Osprey. Or instead, sail, windsurf, kayak, canoe or paddleboard across these award-winning waters.
What should I know before I visit?
It’s important to note that while Rutland Water is open all year round for most of its activities, the beach is only operational in the summer months—every day during the summer holidays (10 am to 6 pm) until August 31, when it’s only open on weekends until September 24 (12 pm to 5 pm).
Rutland Water Beach is free to visit, but activities like the Aqua Park, fishing and watersports will cost you. You will also have to pay for parking: £2 per hour (up to 6 hours), £16 for over 6 hours, or £80 for an annual car parking permit.
How do I get to Rutland Water?
Depending on your activity at Rutland Water, there are various postcodes to use. For the Rutland Water Beach, use LE15 8QL. It will take approximately an hour and a half to drive from Birmingham via the M6. Alternatively, take a train from New Street to Oakham, where you can take a short bus (185) to Rutland Water Visitor Centre.
To learn more about Rutland Water and all the available activities at this nature reserve, head here.