WELCOME TO THE NOTSWOLDS

ENGLAND’S FORGOTTEN HEARTLAND

WHERE SPACE AND CONNECTION MEET

Here in the centre of England lies one of the Britain’s most exciting emerging regions.

At its heart is Rutland, England’s smallest county, with the region encompassing the borderlands of Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Cambridgeshire. Perfectly placed between Birmingham, York, and the capital, it sits at the heart of England, around two hours by car from each. Just an hour by train from London, the Notswolds offers a rare balance of space and accessibility.

Perfectly placed at the centre of England, the Notswolds is where a timeless rural heritage meets modern life.

From handsome country homes and leafy village greens, to vibrant market towns and celebrated schools, this is a region offering the rare luxury of both quality, and the time and space to enjoy it. London is only an hour away by train, and with the Notswolds equally well connected across the midlands and to the north, it’s a place to slow down without losing touch.

View over the Welland Valley from Collyweston.
Image: Richard Brown. Follow @richard_in_rutland

A NEW CHAPTER IN COUNTRY LIVING

The Notswolds is a landscape shaped by centuries of rural life, where Roman roads, ancient estates, market towns, and working farms have all left their mark. That long heritage still threads through the region today — in its architecture, its craft, and its connection to the land — forming the foundation for a new chapter in English country living that feels both deeply rooted and quietly evolving.

HISTORY OF THE NOTSWOLDS

THE BEST OF THE NOTSWOLDS

From market towns and stone villages to great estates, gardens, galleries, and country pubs, the Notswolds is full of places shaped by history, landscape, and a gentle sense of belonging. Here you’ll find the destinations that define the region — the houses and heritage sites, walking spots, food places, and cultural landmarks that give the Notswolds its unmistakable character.

PLACES WORTH VISITING

View over the Welland Valley from Collyweston.
Image: Richard Brown. Follow @richard_in_rutland

TIME WELL SPENT

The Notswolds offers a slower kind of adventure. Walking routes, cycling trails, bridleways, water sports at Rutland Water, open-air theatre, opera, craft workshops, food events, and seasonal gatherings sit alongside the simple pleasure of exploring the countryside at your own pace. This is a place for time well spent — grounded, restorative, and connected to the rhythms of the land.

EXPLORE THINGS TO DO

EXPLORED AND RECOMMENDED

These curated itineraries bring together the places we love — routes through towns and villages, visits to country houses, suggested walks, good food stops, and the small discoveries that make a day memorable. Designed to feel effortless, each route offers an easy way to explore the region at your own pace.

INTINERARIES

CRAFT, DESIGN & MAKERS

Across the Notswolds, independent makers, growers, artists, and designers are keeping traditional skills alive while exploring new ideas. Their work — from ceramics and textiles to food, woodwork, antiques, and contemporary design — forms the creative backbone of the region. Here we share their stories, their craft, and the connection to place that makes the Notswolds distinct.

MEET THE MAKERS