Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Rutland

Pickworth

Attractions and Places To See around Pickworth - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Pickworth, particularly in the Rutland area, include a range of natural and historical sites. The region is characterized by the expansive Rutland Water, a significant man-made lake and nature reserve. Surrounding areas offer ancient woodlands, historic towns, and architectural landmarks. These features provide diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Pickworth

  • The most popular attraction is Normanton Church, a man-made monument that was saved…

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Normanton Church

Highlight β€’ Monument

An iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. Saved from demolition in the 1970's following public protest, the church now seems to float when the lake is full, at other times it …

Tip by

See runs here

Send to Phone

Save

Rutland Water

Highlight β€’ Structure

Great area for a hike. If you do not want to go the full circle alternatives to walking back on the same track are a bit limited.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland

Highlight β€’ Forest

Barnsdale Woods offers a little change of scenery from the open views across much of the route around Rutland Water. The ancient woodland (now partly replanted with conifers) covers 28 …

Tip by

Save

Bythams Community Shop & Cafe

Highlight β€’ Rest Area

CafΓ© now fully-open and very welcoming to cyclists. Great coffee, cake & breakfast rolls - request to call ahead on 07775649632 if you have a group order & are in a hurry.

Tip by

Save

Stamford Historic Town Centre

Highlight β€’ Settlement

The historic Lincolnshire town of Stamford's old timber-framed houses and charming limestone buildings stand proud on the banks of the River Welland. It's situated where the counties of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, …

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Pickworth.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Pickworth

MTB Trails around Pickworth

Hiking around Pickworth

Road Cycling Routes around Pickworth

Cycling around Pickworth

Running Trails around Pickworth

Gravel biking around Pickworth

Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
November 29, 2025, Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland

Nice and easy hike on the man path, while some of the smaller ones canbe a bit owegrown an soggy. ood change of scenery to make a walk here more varied.

1

0

Bumble-Bee
November 11, 2025, Rutland Water

Great area for a hike. If you do not want to go the full circle alternatives to walking back on the same track are a bit limited.

4

0

Convenient refreshment stop on the main route through the village.

0

0

Compact gravel in the drier days and mud in the wet ones.

0

0

This ancient woodland was partly destroyed through construction of the reservoir. It is a neglected coppice of the Peterken Ash-Maple, Ash-Hazel, Pedunculate Oak-Hazel and Invasive Elm types but has been partly planted with conifers.

2

0

The church was built in classical style for the Normanton Hall estate on the site of a 14th-century building. Except for the tower, the medieval church was rebuilt in 1764 by Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 3rd Baronet. The church was de-consecrated in 1970, and was to have been demolished as part of the reservoir construction, as its floor was below the proposed water level. Following a public outcry, the lower half was filled with stone and rubble, and a concrete cap constructed just below the level of the windows.

1

0

Barnsdale Woods offers a little change of scenery from the open views across much of the route around Rutland Water. The ancient woodland (now partly replanted with conifers) covers 28 ha and is part of the Rutland Water SSSI. The wood formerly lay within a Medieval deer park.

3

0

Adie
December 16, 2022, Normanton Church

An iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. Saved from demolition in the 1970's following public protest, the church now seems to float when the lake is full, at other times it seems as if the lower half has sunk completely, as though the church is too heavy for the ground beneath it.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural landscapes can I explore around Pickworth?

The region around Pickworth, particularly in Rutland, is dominated by Rutland Water, England's largest man-made lake by surface area. This expansive area offers opportunities for recreation and wildlife spotting. You can also explore Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland, an ancient woodland that provides a change of scenery with its diverse flora.

Are there opportunities for hiking near Pickworth?

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities around Pickworth. You can find various routes, including easy and moderate options. For example, an easy hike is the 'Scenic Country Road – Fort Henry Lake in Exton Park loop from Exton' (7 km). More challenging options include 'The Olive Branch – Quarry Bridleway loop from Pickworth' (7.9 km, moderate). You can explore more hiking trails on the Hiking around Pickworth guide or the Easy hikes around Pickworth guide.

Can I go cycling around Pickworth?

Absolutely. The area around Pickworth is popular for cycling, especially around Rutland Water. There are various road cycling routes available, such as the 'Castle Bytham Road – Quiet Country Lane loop from Little Bytham Road' (44.7 km, easy) or the 'Woolsthorpe Manor – Twin Lakes and Humpback Bridge loop from Little Bytham' (41.3 km, moderate). Find more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Pickworth guide.

What historical sites are there to visit near Pickworth?

Near Pickworth, you can visit several historical sites. The iconic Normanton Church, saved from demolition, appears to float on Rutland Water. The Stamford Historic Town Centre is renowned for its Georgian architecture and over 600 listed buildings. Additionally, Grimsthorpe Castle, a prominent historic house with extensive parkland, is located nearby and open during the summer months.

Are there any notable historical buildings in Pickworth, Lincolnshire?

Yes, in Pickworth, Lincolnshire, you can find St Andrew's Church, a Grade I listed building from the 12th century, famous for its well-preserved 14th-century wall paintings. Other historic structures include Pickworth Mill, an early 19th-century tower mill, and Old Hall Farm House, built in 1608.

Are there family-friendly attractions around Pickworth?

Many attractions around Pickworth are family-friendly. Rutland Water offers ample space for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting. Normanton Church and Stamford Historic Town Centre are also suitable for families, offering historical exploration and charming environments. Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland provides a natural setting for family walks.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?

Yes, Normanton Church is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy this iconic Rutland landmark. Additionally, the Woodland Path in Grantham (near Pickworth, Lincolnshire) offers accessible and well-maintained walks.

Where can I find refreshments or places to eat near the attractions?

For refreshments, the Bythams Community Shop & Cafe is a welcoming spot for cyclists, offering coffee, cake, and breakfast rolls. Near Pickworth, Lincolnshire, Bashford's Milk Shed is a self-serve farm shop providing fresh milk and eggs. Around Rutland Water, the Rutland Nurseries Cafe and the Horse & Jockey pub in Manton are good options.

What is the best time of year to visit Pickworth and its attractions?

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Grimsthorpe Castle is typically open during the summer months. For nature enthusiasts, Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland is particularly beautiful when the bluebells are in bloom, usually in spring. The general outdoor activities around Rutland Water are enjoyable throughout the warmer months.

What makes Normanton Church a unique attraction?

Normanton Church is an iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. It was saved from demolition in the 1970s when Rutland Water was created. When the lake is full, the church appears to float on the water, creating a unique and picturesque scene, making it a must-see around Rutland Water.

What can I expect when visiting Stamford Historic Town Centre?

Stamford Historic Town Centre offers a unique blend of history, shopping, and stunning Georgian architecture. Proclaimed as 'the finest stone town in England,' it boasts over 600 listed buildings, including five medieval churches. Visitors can enjoy a bustling high street with coffee shops, restaurants, and a range of retailers, all set against a backdrop of old timber-framed and limestone buildings along the River Welland.

What water-based activities are available at Rutland Water?

Rutland Water is a hotspot for recreation and relaxation, offering various water sports. These include activities like those at Aqua Park Rutland, as well as opportunities for fishing. The lake is also a significant wildfowl sanctuary, making it excellent for wildlife spotting.

Most popular routes around Pickworth

MTB Trails around Pickworth

Most popular attractions around Pickworth

Lakes

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With aΒ free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Exton And HornBarrowdenNorth LuffenhamSouth LuffenhamTixoverEdith WestonKettonEmpinghamNormantonBisbrookeLyndonPiltonHambletonMorcottWingBrookeMantonTickencoteGlastonEgletonLeighfieldGreethamGreat CastertonTinwellUppinghamAystonMartinsthorpeOakhamPrestonLyddingtonLanghamBarleythorpeWardleyRidlingtonAshwellLittle CastertonWhitwellBeaumont ChaseBraunston-In-RutlandBurleyCottesmoreRyhallBarrowThorpe By WaterStoke DryEssendineBelton-In-RutlandWhissendineTeighClipshamStrettonCaldecottMarket OvertonThistletonRutland Water

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Pickworth Great Wood

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

Β© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy