In The Stix

If your idea of heaven is pottering around and not venturing far from home base, you’re in luck as miles of footpaths for walking or cycling start straight from the domes – with not a road in sight. You can also wander around 15 acres of newly planted trees and meadow; it’s all fenced in and completely safe for children and dogs alike. When more high-octane action is called for, Rutland Water (10 minutes’ drive or 35 minutes by bike) is watersports central. You can clamber over the floating obstacle courses at Aqua Park Rutland (15 minutes), go dinghy sailing and kayaking, or try your hand at mini golf. Too much like hard work? Take a leisurely cruise around the lake aboard the ‘Rutland Belle’ pleasure boat, and keep your eyes open for ospreys fishing in the water. You can also squeeze some local culture into your itinerary with a visit to ginormous 16th-century Burghley House (15 minutes) and its contemporary water gardens. Alternatively, have a potter around the cute cobbled lanes of Georgian Stamford (also 15 minutes), which has a lively food market on Fridays.