Barnsdale Wood Rutland Water — Attraction in Great Britain

A beautiful little wood right on the shore of Rutland Water.

A large car park can be accessed just off the A606 at Barnsdale crossroads. Note this car park is pay & display and tickets are not transferable to other Anglian Water car parks. Blue badge holders park free at the time of writing. Facilities include small cafe, WC & children's play area. There are several very steep hills so best place to park for the wood is at the lowest section of the car park. It's a couple of miles along the tarmac cycle path from Oakham so easy walking/cycling distance from the market town.

From the car park a wide track leads through the wood for approximately 3/4 mile before emerging around 1/4 mile from Whitwell Harbour with its cafe, cycle shop & WCs. The path from the wood to Whitwell offers some steep sections of tarmac path but visitors are rewarded with some stunning views if Rutland Water.

In the wood there are several areas just off the main path which are great for den building. There's also a small hide from which to observe the wildlife on the water. If you leave the main path, be careful not to trample any wild flowers that grow there.

Around Easter time, Barnsdale Wood is carpeted with a sea of Bluebells so this is always a spectacular...

Beautiful place but experience spoiled by parking meter refusing to read bank cards. Please ensure your equipment works if you want people to pay. Not everyone carries £8 in coins with them. We gave up and had to leave as we did not wish to be...

It has a very beautiful lake view. There are a bunch of sheep grazing on the hill. The parking lot provides enough parking spaces. Workers and families come to visit on holidays. But be careful that the footpath leading to other places may be...