Bird PlacesLeicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust reserve · Oakham, Rutland
Rutland Water birdwatching guide
Rutland Water's Egleton and Lyndon reserves carry more hides than any other UK site — over thirty — spread around lagoons on Europe's largest man-made lake reserve. This is where ospreys returned to breed in England in 2001, watchable each summer from the Lyndon shore.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 400 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- £8.50
- Entry fee (child)
- Not published
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 35
- Wheelchair access
- Yes
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 300m to the nearest of 30+ hides
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, autumn
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) | frequent | — |
| spring | Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | common | England's reintroduced breeding population |
| summer | Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | common | — |
| autumn | Great White Egret (Ardea alba) | frequent | — |
Hides at Rutland Water
Swan Hide
Teal Hide
Deep Water Hide
Goldeneye Hide
Gadwall Hide
Robin Hide
Tufted Duck Hide
Fieldfare Hide
Wigeon Hide
Tern Hide
Harrier Hide
Lapwing Hide
Waderscrape Hide
Kingfisher Hide
Heron Hide
Crake Hide
Pintail Hide
Buzzard Hide
Smew Hide
Snipe Hide
360 Degree Hide
Shoveler Hide
Shallow Water Hide
Osprey Hide
Grebe Hide
Bittern Hide
Shelduck Hide
Redshank Hide
Plover Hide
Sandpiper Hide
Mallard Hide
Tree Sparrow Hide
Woodpecker Hide
Dunlin Hide
Getting there
Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8BT
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre daily 9am–5pm (4pm in winter); Lyndon Visitor Centre March–September daily 9am–5pm
Frequently asked questions
Where do I watch the Rutland ospreys?
The Lyndon reserve's Waderscrape Hide overlooks the Manton Bay nest, staffed by volunteers with telescopes from April to August.
How much does it cost to enter Rutland Water nature reserve?
A day permit is £8.50 for adults and £7.50 concession, including parking and entry to both the Lyndon and Egleton centres. There is no separate child rate — a family permit covering two adults and children is £20.
Is Rutland Water wheelchair accessible?
Many of the hides and trails at the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and an electric buggy can be hired — phone 01572 770651 ahead to book. Paths at Lyndon are pushchair friendly.
How many hides are there at Rutland Water?
Thirty-five, spread between the Egleton and Lyndon ends of the reservoir — the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust describes 'over 30'. Around half are recorded as wheelchair accessible.
Explore more
Information last updated 25 July 2026.