View of Rutland Water nature reserve in early summer - David Tipling/2020VISION
Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre
COVID 19 UPDATE
Rutland Water Nature Reserve is now open, including both Visitor Centres and all bird hides. There are procedures in place throughout the reserve to keep visitors and staff safe. Face masks are mandatory inside the Visitor Centres and bird hides, and you must adhere to social distancing. Please follow signage and ask staff if you are not sure.
Location
Know before you go
Entry fee
£6/adult, £5/Concession, £3.50/Children, £16/FamilyParking information
Please use the car parkGrazing animals
Livestock my be presentAccess
The visitor centre, car park and trails are located on the western side of Rutland Water, near to the village of Egleton. Many of the hides and trails are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and there is an electric buggy available for hire – please phone ahead to book.
Dogs
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Open daily throughout the year9am - 5pm in the summer
9am - 4pm in the winter
Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Best time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
Put simply, Rutland Water Nature Reserve is one of the best places to watch birds and other wildlife in the UK. This internationally famous nature reserve is managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Anglian Water and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in the UK, with in excess of 25,000 ducks, geese and swans in the winter months. It is also a hotspot in England for watching magnificent ospreys fishing over the lagoons.
Right from the moment you step into the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, you are immersed in nature. Panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows give you a taste of the wildlife out on the reserve; spy stately great white egrets, rafts of ducks, fishing terns, grebes, coot, moorhen, herons, waders and more. This stunning wild place is ever changing, so check out our seasonal guide for a taste of what you might see at different times of year. From hearing the sweet serenade of nightingales to watching the striking black and white smew, or even seeing something much rarer, Rutland Water is a place for all the family, no matter what time of year.
You can spend anything from an hour to a long-weekend exploring. There are over 20 wildlife hides to explore, and both short and long walking routes. With wheelchair and pushchair access to many hides, this is a great place for anyone looking for a wild experience. The visitor centre has refreshments and tea/coffee facilities, as well as a shop, interactive displays and toilets. There are cafes nearby for those wanting a longer lunch. There’s also plenty for kids to do, so bring the whole family along.
Species
Contact us
Environmental designation
Become a member for exclusive discounts to Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust receive a 10% discount on entry to Rutland Water Nature Reserve.