Hambleton Hall is perched high atop the Hambleton peninsular and overlooks a magnificent body of water — Rutland Water. The largest man-made lake in Western Europe, Rutland Water has something for everyone. The attractive 3,100 acre reservoir has an international reputation for providing a balance of sport, leisure and wildlife conservation and offers the opportunity for all to try something new. You can try energetic sports such as windsurfing, rock-climbing or canoeing, hire a dinghy, bicycle or fishing boat or just relax by the water and watch the action around the 25 mile shoreline.
Hambleton Hall
Oakham, Rutland
Enviably located overlooking Rutland Water, Tim and Stefa Hart’s haven of gastronomy is a treat for the senses.
Lovingly-curated antiques blend with opulent furnishings to produce an elegant, comfortable bolthole two and a half hours from London. South-facing gardens and the parterre provide year-round pleasure, while indoors the house is warmed by open fires all winter.
There couldn’t be a more appropriate motto to remind guests to stop; to relax. A very special stay awaits. Once inside allow yourself to be cosseted in one of the finest country house hotels. Imagine the lively conversation of Nöel Coward, a frequent visitor to the hall in the 1920s and 30s. A look around the drawing room and it’s easy to imagine him, glass in hand, holding court from a wing-backed chair.
Perched on its own peninsula at Rutland Water, a much-loved haven for birds and wildlife. Wander down through the gardens for a ringside seat, you’ll be rewarded with sight of geese, ducks, kingfishers and if luck is with you, an osprey.
Climb the stairs to an exquisitely decorated bedroom, own your own lake view. Experience fine dining in the Michelin-star restaurant, its star consecutively held since 1982. ‘Do as you please’. What excellent advice.
View Hambleton Hall’s entry in the Good Hotel Guide
Anticipated re-opening: 17th May 2021
Need to Know
Check-in
Check-in at 3:00pm.
Check-out
Check-out at 12 noon.
Also Worth Knowing
Hambleton Hall is one of Britain’s finest country house hotels. This Victorian house has been elegantly converted into a prestigious hotel and is hidden away in the heart of the Midlands, in the county of Rutland. England’s smallest county is also home to the largest artificial lake in Europe. A geographical detail which further enhances the seductive powers of this hotel which is perched on a hill overlooking the water, the lakeside setting and stunning garden are spectacular.
Owners, Tim & Stefa Hart have acquired a loyal following for over 30 years, thanks to a number of special qualities. There is a calm and confident atmosphere created by a team of experienced staff, who are genuinely pleased to see you.
The sumptuous interior is sophisticated yet deeply comfortable, each of the 17 bedrooms have been individually decorated. The restaurant is a haven for gourmets, brilliant seasonal and locally sourced cooking by Michelin-starred chef, Aaron Patterson and an award winning wine list, overseen by sommelier Dominique Baduel. Guests can also visit Hambleton Bakery. This traditional artisan bakery is only a short drive away from the hotel and they are winners of Britain’s Best Bakery.
When departing this magnificent setting, each guest has only one thing in mind… to return as soon as possible for another interlude of calm and well-being.
Country Pursuits
Located in rural Rutland, Hambleton Hall can arrange the very best country experiences with its long-standing partners. Keen equestrians with innocent intentions may accompany one of our local foxhunting packs. Horse riding and carriage riding is available nearby.
There are a number of excellent pheasant and partridge shoots nearby which are available by the day for parties of 8 guns
Former F1 racing driver Jonathan Palmer specialises in providing small groups with a remarkable driving experience at his circuit near Bedford. A variety of incredibly fast cars are available and Palmer allows drivers far more freedom to drive fast than any similar organisation
Land Rover driving experiences don’t come any grander than when set at nearby Rockingham Castle.
Rutland Water is well stocked for fishing with both brown and rainbow trout of a good size, pike and zander also available
Rutland Water has become a Mecca for birdwatchers because of its large resident population of water birds, waders, glamorous migrants and visitors including Ospreys, Hobby and Terns.
Virgin Balloons are based nearby if you wish to enjoy the countryside from a higher perspective.
Hambleton is served by 2 local golf courses within 11 miles: Luffenham Heath Golf Club and Greetham Valley Golf Club, plus Stoke Rochford Golf Club in Great Ponton (21 miles away). At each course, guests may play as visitors when pre-arranged by the hotel.
Sailing & Windsurfing
With Hambleton Hall’s location overlooking Rutland Water, sailing and watersports are available within sight. Open seven days a week from April to October and five days thereafter, Rutland Watersports Centre has taken excellent care of guests for decades.
Experienced sailors can rent boats by the day, novices can arrange lessons in sailing and windsurfing. Rowing, paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking is also available.
Cycling
A bicycle provides an excellent means to tour the quiet parts of Rutland. There are many miles of traffic free tracks around Rutland Water and the Hambleton Peninsular. We have bikes you can borrow; you can also find a wider range of bikes to hire at Whitwell, a short drive from the hotel.
Riding
Somerby Riding School which is only a short drive from the hotel is operated by Gail. Gail is well geared to the needs of our clients and is situated in a very beautiful area well equipped with bridleways, offering lessons, hacks or 1/2 day rides in which you would get a good look at some of our most attractive country and has now established her new indoor and outdoor ménage and cross country course. Riding hats and boots can be supplied.
Gardens
Owner Tim Hart’s personal addition to the gardens 40 years ago is the formal parterre overlooking Rutland Water. Now fully mature and magnificent year round, you can enjoy this from the terrace or dining room.
Few know how rich the East Midlands are for exceptional gardens. Allow Hambleton Hall to enlighten you with its recommendations for three excellent examples situated in the same area: Cottesbrooke Hall, Coton Manor and Kelmarsh Hall. Open May to September.
Nearby (and open year-round) is Barnsdale Gardens, created by Geoff Hamilton as the backdrop to “Gardeners World”. The gardens consist of some 38 separate small gardens which provide great inspiration for those with gardens of their own of a similar scale.
Also of note is Easton Walled Garden created recently by Lady Ursula Cholmeley and Haddonstone Show Gardens which are worth a (pre-booked) visit at all times of the year.
Dining
At Hambleton Hall, we offer exceptional wining and dining in our award-winning restaurant. Michelin star Chef, Aaron Patterson, and his highly-skilled team use only the best local produce and the dishes have a strong seasonal bias producing quite brilliant, assured cooking.
The wine list is a joy, coupled with the unparalleled sommeliership of Dominique Baduel who will recommend the perfect choice of wine to compliment your meal.
Dining with us is sophistication in the true sense of the word, with something terrific for everyone. Choose either our fixed priced A La Carte menu or our Tasting menu.
Pricing
From £295 per room per night
What the Experts Say
“You’ll find roaring fires, huge armchairs and wood panelling and the restaurant has the longest-retained Michelin star in the UK.”
National Geographic Traveller UK
Contact
Address
Hambleton Hall
Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8TH.
What3Words Address
Reservations
Enquiries
Proprietors
Tim and Stefa Hart
General Manager
Christopher Hurst
Web Address
Gallery
Video
Offers & Packages
Our Best Deal
Lunch al fresco on the terrace
The views over Rutland Water from the rooms at Hambleton Hall are exceptionally beautiful. When the sun reflects off the clear water and cheerful birdsong is the only sound to break the tranquillity, the atmosphere is heavenly.
From 12th April until 15th May you can revel in this uplifting ambience by having lunch on the terrace in Hambleton’s heated marquee and enjoy an even closer view through glass doors facing the lake.
Aaron Patterson has slightly simplified his usual Michelin star menu to offer a fixed price menu (£60) with four choices over three courses, including coffee with petit fours. Dominique Baduel’s wine service will be fully available as usual, with some delicious new wine he has chosen to pair with the dishes on the menu.
As always, Aaron and his team of chefs will be happy to adapt any dish to your dietary requirements if you let them know in advance when you book.
Launch menu for first 10 days (which will evolve with new dishes during the 5 week period)
Ballotine of Red Mullet with Wakame seaweed and Beech Mushrooms
Foie Gras Terrine with Kumquats and Marmalade
Early Springtime salad
Minestrone with Chorizo Tortellini
——–
Iberian Pork “Presa” with Fondant Potato, fennel and red onion
Poached Fillet of Turbot, sea vegetables, Jersey Royal Potatoes and Oyster leaf sauce
Roast Loin of Fallow Venison with Butternut squash and spiced Lentils
Steamed Dumplings with miso broth, smoked Tofu and Oyster Mushrooms
——
Pineapple Tarte Tatin with Cardamon Cream and Pineapple Sorbet
Chocolate Pavé with Yoghurt ice
Vanilla Cheesecake, Poached rhubarb and Rhubarb sorbet
Poached Pear with Pain Perdu and Pear Sorbet
Book online: www.hambletonhall.stoapp.co.uk/book-a-table/
Notes
- Al fresco lunch is available for a limited time only: 12th April until 15th May inclusive between midday and the last reservation at 3pm.
- Dinner is not available during this time.
- A £20 deposit per person will be required to make a lunch reservation. In the event of a card holder not fulfilling their reservation or failing to cancel within 48 hours of arrival then the deposit is non-refundable.
- The hotel expects to reopen for overnight stays on 17th May in line with government guidelines.
Available until 13/05/2021
Call now to book
Inclusive Packages
Celebrate A Special Occasion
Birthdays, anniversaries and memorable dates are all worth celebrating in style and Hambleton Hall is just the place to recognise that special occasion.
Stay a night in an Intermediate, Superior, Master bedroom or The Croquet Pavilion with stunning views over Rutland Water.
This special occasion offer includes:
A Penhaligon’s “Blenheim Bouquet” classic candle
Seasonal fruit plate for your arrival
A glass of champagne to start the evening
Bouquet of flowers to take home
6 course gourmet tasting menu with coffee & petit fours
Personalised dinner menus as a memento of the occasion
Full Hambleton breakfast & morning paper
Rates are from
The Croquet Pavilion (1 room) £900 per couple
Master Room – £760 per couple
Superior Room – £680 per couple
Intermediate Room – £630 per couple
Inclusive of VAT & based on 2 people sharing.
This menu is inclusive of a discretionary service charge of 12.5%.
Reservations are subject to a minimum two night stay at weekends but may be combined with a tariff rate for the second evening.
Call now to book
Map
Directions
By Road
From London (2-3 hours)
Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road lead you to the A1 northbound.
From Heathrow - use M4, M25 and A1.
From Scotland and the North West
M6 to exit 40 then A66 to Scotch Corner and A1 south. Stick to the A1 until you see the exit A606 Oakham which is approximately 90 miles north of central London. Follow the Oakham road through the villages of Empingham and Whitwell. 8.4 miles after leaving the A1, turn left, signposted Hambleton Hall. Continue straight on into the village of Hambleton. Drive through the village, past The Finch’s Arms pub, until you see the Hotel sign on your right.
From Oakham
Follow signs Stamford A606 approximately half a mile from Oakham you will see a right turn sign posted Hambleton Hall.
From Bath area
Use the Fosseway via Stow-on-the-Wold to Lutterworth then Market Harborough, Rockingham, Uppingham, Oakham.
By Train
Fast services to Peterborough and Kettering from London, Kings Cross and St. Pancras (50 minutes approx.), 30 minutes by taxi from station to hotel or branch line from Peterborough to Oakham about 2 trains per hour.
By Air
East Midlands Airport (36 miles away or approximately 1 hour by car) serves many British and European Airports. Stansted and Luton can also be convenient (1.5 hours by car).
Attractions Near Hambleton Hall
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
This internationally famous nature reserve provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, regularly holding in excess of 20,000 waterfowl.
The reserve occupies shoreline and shallow water lagoons along 9 miles of the western end of Rutland Water reservoir and covers a total area of 1000 acres. It was created in the 1970s with the construction of the reservoir. There are currently 31 bird watching hides and nature trails from two visitor centres.
Rutland Water is a great destination for a day of activities for the whole family, including water sports, cycling, zorbing, walking trails, wildlife workshops and many more. is free to visit, with hiring of equipment and activities priced.
Local places to visit
Within twenty to thirty five minutes’ drive of Hambleton there are a number of country houses, castles, and churches of considerable interest. Burghley House, Belton House, Belvoir Castle, Grimsthorpe Castle and Rockingham Castle. Some local village churches include Normanton and Exton. Alternatively many of our visitors like to seek some inspiration in a fine garden; our favourite gardens are Coton Manor, Barnsdale Gardens and Easton Walled Gardens. We also have three charming market towns close at hand, Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford.
Weddings at Hambleton Hall
Hambleton Hall can provide the perfect setting for a small wedding.
It holds a license covering a variety of rooms for the ceremony, the Private Dining Room, the Study, the Restaurant & the Croquet Pavilion. The maximum capacity is 60 guests.
If you have a preliminary interest in organising all or part of your wedding day with Hambleto Hall, please contact the reception team or email an initial enquiry. If we can offer what you are looking for,we recommend an early meeting with a member of the management team to take the matter further.
Hambleton Hall can be hired exclusively for weddings – Pricing band: £10,000 to £20,000 per night.
A couple of points to please note
- Music and dancing is only available to parties taking the house exclusively, including the 17 bedrooms.
- Wedding parties taking place at lunch time on a Saturday are only possible for those taking all the bedrooms for Friday and Saturday night.
Need to know
Civil Ceremonies
Hambleton Hall is licensed for civil ceremonies.
Planning Services
Planning services are available.
Meetings at Hambleton Hall
Hambleton Hall has played host to many influential entrepreneurs and executives. For meetings and retreats, the house provides an exclusive environment in which privacy and confidentiality are assured. Discerning business travellers will be pleased to find themselves in a setting where the executive services and facilities they require, as well as leisure activities they enjoy are close at hand.
The Hambleton Hall meeting facilities are located on the ground floor of main house. Conference room facilities include the Private Room, the Main Restaurant, and the Study. Hambleton Hall is first choice for business meetings held by companies who value atmosphere, food, comfort, and surroundings as the ingredients for a successful meeting.
Hambleton Hall offers a variety of meeting and conference packages.
Day delegate rate: by request
24-hour delegate rate: by request
Hambleton Hall can be hired exclusively for meetings – Pricing Band: £10,000 to £20,000 per night (maximum capacity = 60 people)
ROOM CAPACITIES:
Private Dining Room
Dining Capacity: 20
Boardroom Capacity: 16
Theatre Capacity: 25
With Screen: 10
Main Restaurant
Dining Capacity: 40 (4 x tbls 10) / 28 (one lg table)
Boardroom Capacity: 20
Theatre Capacity: 40
With Screen: 14
Private Dining Room and Main Restaurant
Dining Capacity Combined: 60 (6 x tbls 10)
Study
Dining Capacity: 16
Boardroom Capacity: 10
Theatre Capacity: 16
With Screen: 6-8
