What
The Barnsdale, which is a ten-minute wander from Rutland Water – the unofficial adventure playground of the East Midlands – was always destined to lure walkers, cyclists, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. But the hotel’s pull extends well beyond the outdoors crowd here for England’s largest man-made reservoir. Many guests come purely for the food and sophisticated-yet-playful interiors. And then, there’s those who gravitate towards the spa, heated outdoor pool and wood-fired hot tubs, which make ‘doing very little’ feel perfectly productive.
In a previous life, the Barnsdale wasn’t always so fashionable. What was once the rather tired Barnsdale Lodge has been smartly whipped into shape by The Signet Collection and its founder Hector Ross, who has a knack for transforming heritage sites into stylish, characterful boutique hotels. Having reopened in 2022 with a new name and renewed sense of style, the Barnsdale now joins the Signet family of heritage hotels, where every property comes with its own backstory and has been revamped with contemporary design and a playful touch – from The Mitre at Hampton Court and The Retreat at Elcot Park in Berkshire to The Alfriston in East Sussex.
The Welcome
Check-in is relaxed. Dogs pad across flagstones, families drift through with weekend bags, groups gather as the whole place hums with a relaxed, countryside-weekend energy. The team are mostly local, and they’re all wonderfully friendly.
The Interiors
Inside the 250-year-old honey-coloured stone building, interiors are kitted out with upcycled finds, William Morris prints, Vanity Fair ‘Spy’ caricatures, earthy paint tones and patterned lampshades. Flagstone hallways, sash windows, exposed beams, a cast-iron stove and other original features give a stylish lived-in charm. Bedrooms follow suit, mixing walnut bedside tables with dusty pink headboards, antique mahogany chests of drawers and olive-toned wallpapers.
The Rooms
All 46 bedrooms are individually designed and named after fish or local birds. The Fort Henry Suite is the showstopper, complete with a deep copper bathtub positioned beneath a window. In the family suites, the interconnecting bunk-bed rooms are set up for small travellers in mind so there’s storybooks, bear-shaped bedside tables, whimsical mirrors and children’s bath products.
It’s these small touches that make multi-gen escapes blissfully easy and bedtime feel like part of the adventure. Dogs, naturally, get the full Signet treatment too: beds, bowls, treats, an outdoor dog bath and staff who treat them like they’re returning regulars. For longer stays, those travelling as a crowd or simply those wanting more breathing space, the cedar-clad self-catering lodges sleep up to six and offer proper privacy while still giving you full access to the hotel’s spoiling amenities.
Food & Drink
Breakfast is served in the orangery overlooking the courtyard garden and lawns. Expect mini pastries, cereals, fresh smoothies to grab and a solid cooked-to-order menu.
The Burley Bar is the pre-dinner gathering spot for signature cocktails, and come summer evenings the courtyard terrace really comes into its own, helped along by the Crémant de Langois wine bar, a very Signet touch. The 1760 Brasserie, named for the year the original lodge was built, is all panelled walls and cosy corners.
The menu balances both crowd-pleasers and creative dishes, with highlights including chicken schnitzel with tomato compote and their addictive tempura cauliflower popcorn slicked with teriyaki and red chilli. A kids’ menu and proper afternoon tea keep everyone happy. For groups, there are private dining spaces that look ideal for intimate suppers, celebrations or long lunches.
Must-See Spots
Borrow wellies and explore this often-overlooked pocket of countryside. The hotel can arrange paddleboarding and fly fishing at Rutland Water. Half a mile down the lane is Barnsdale Gardens, made famous by Geoff Hamilton on Gardeners’ World and beloved by green-fingered visitors. History buffs should detour to Oakham Castle, one of the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture before wandering the cobbled streets of pretty market town Stamford.
Don’t Miss
The boules court, pétanque lawns and croquet pitch for old school afternoons. The spa adds a little glamour with a heated outdoor pool and Instagram-friendly striped huts overlooking wildflower meadows and resident Highland cattle. Curved garden paths wind to wood-fired hot tubs with the veg patch just in sight. It’s a scene so bucolic, it could only be England.
Next door, the rustic chic events barn hosts weddings, fashion shows, Christmas fairs and exhibitions. Inside, smoky glass Pooky globes dangle from the asymmetrical ceiling and vast doors swing open onto the gardens. Plans are underway for a farm shop, gin tastings and wine courses.
The Verdict
A relaxed, unfussy countryside stay with none of the stuffiness that you might get in the Cotswolds or Home Counties. Perfect for a low-stress family weekend or an unhurried summer staycation that feels indulgent without the eye-watering price tag.
The Price
Double bedrooms from £105 per night.
+44 (0)1572 724678 | barnsdalerutland.com
By Annabel Jack
August 2026
FAQs: Barnsdale Hotel
Where is The Barnsdale Hotel?
The Barnsdale is located just outside Oakham in Rutland, a short walk from Rutland Water. It's around a 30-minute drive from Peterborough and approximately two hours from London by car.
Is The Barnsdale dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are warmly welcomed throughout the hotel, with dog beds, bowls, treats and even an outdoor dog-washing station provided. The surrounding countryside and Rutland Water also make it an excellent destination for walking with dogs.
Does The Barnsdale have a spa?
Yes. The Signet Spa features a heated outdoor swimming pool, wood-fired hot tubs, treatment rooms and relaxing gardens overlooking wildflower meadows and Highland cattle.
Is The Barnsdale suitable for families?
Absolutely. Family suites include adjoining bunk-bed rooms designed especially for children, while the hotel also offers a children's menu, outdoor games including croquet and pétanque, and plenty of nearby activities around Rutland Water.
What is there to do near The Barnsdale?
Guests can enjoy walking, cycling, paddleboarding, sailing and fly fishing at Rutland Water. Nearby attractions include Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham Castle and the beautiful Georgian market town of Stamford.
What is the food like at The Barnsdale?
The hotel's 1760 Brasserie serves modern British dishes with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, alongside a generous breakfast and traditional afternoon tea. The Burley Bar is a popular spot for cocktails, while the courtyard wine bar is a highlight during the summer months.
How much does it cost to stay at The Barnsdale?
Double rooms start from £105 per night, making it one of the more affordable luxury countryside hotels in the region.
Is The Barnsdale good for a romantic break?
Yes. While it's popular with families, couples will appreciate the stylish rooms, spa, outdoor hot tubs, excellent food and easy access to peaceful countryside walks around Rutland Water.
When is the best time to visit The Barnsdale?
The hotel is a year-round destination. Summer is ideal for making the most of Rutland Water and the outdoor pool, while autumn and winter are perfect for cosy weekends with country walks, roaring fires and spa treatments.
