Rutland, which is England's smallest county, is waiting to be discovered by visitors looking for all that is best in the English countryside.
Close to the M1 and A1 road networks makes it easy to get to Rutland while also ensuring that most of the country's road traffic passes on by.
What visitors to Rutland find, therefore, are two busy market towns, in Oakham and Uppingham, and any number of picturesque villages of stone-built cottages with thatched roofs, village greens and thriving country pubs.
Rutland Water, the UK's largest man made reservoir offers all manner of water sports and is an important nature reserve and breeding site for ospreys.
This is a destination for those wanting to combine a relaxing break in beautiful English countryside while enjoying fine locally produced food and real ales.
Images : www.discover-rutland.co.uk
A small pocket of peaceful England
Rutland's latin motto is Multum in Parvo, which translates as Much in Little and this is oh so true.
The county's tourism campaign, in turn, encourages us to Discover Rutland and this is one invitation I would urge you to accept.
But the last phrase you will hear is Everyone for themselves.
For Rutland is a county whose residents, or Raddlemen, cherish the unspoilt, quality of life they enjoy and who realise that the best way to preserve this is work together and support each other.
The county also takes a real pride in being able to give visitors a glimpse, a feel and indeed a taste of the best that Rutland has to offer.
Take things down three or four notches
Take a short break to Rutland and you will find a pocket of England that demands you take things down three or four notches for a couple of days.
If so, you will unwind while walking, or maybe cycling, along footpaths that wend their way through gently rolling English countryside or beside Rutland Water.
You may up the pace just slightly to browse in the county's two bustling market towns of Oakham and Uppingham.
And when you take to the car it will be to meander through Rutland's many picturesque villages and hamlets.
A destination waiting to be explored
The people responsible for Discover Rutland know they have a great destination waiting to be explored and their website has a whole host of guided walks and drives to help you on your way.
And to crown it all, you will most certainly enjoy some wonderful food, wine and real Rutland ales and English ciders.
Real English inns and ales
Fancy a refreshing pint in that 'olde' English country inn? These are to be found in most of Rutland's villages.
And while the frustration of some destinations is to find somewhere (anywhere) to get a good meal, in Rutland the frustration is that the choice can be just too great.
When it comes to casual fine dining, focus on the fresh and locally produced food served in any number of excellent pubs and restaurants throughout the county.
It is really quite something to enjoy a memorable breakfast, lunch and/or dinner of fare almost totally bred, grown or produced within a fifty mile radius.
Many of the producers and suppliers welcome visitors and this also provides the opportunity to take the produce home.
Festivals and events
Finally, if you time your trip right you can enjoy one of the many country festivals staged each year in the county.
The British Bird Watching Fair (August) which is the world's largest international birdwatching event, takes place here every August and attracts over 20,000 visitors who come to listen to celebrity seminars, stock up on gadgets and spot the bird life on Rutland Water.
The Rutland Food Festival takes place every September and is a celebration of the wonderful food and drink on offer in and around Rutland.
The festival brings together small family run farm shops, traditional bakeries and award winning producers of ciders and beers, pork pies and cheeses.
The county's glistening jewel
Rutland Water nature reserve, owned and managed by Anglian Water, is the jewel glistening at the county's heart and an absolute must on a visit.
There is the chance to enjoy any number of activities on or around this majestic man made stretch of water, be it sailing or kayaking, trout fishing or bird watching.
A 25-mile pathway is ideal for those looking to cycle or walk part or all of its shoreline.
Alternatively head to Upper Hambleton and do the eight mile peninsular trail, which can be just as rewarding and allows for refreshment at the delightful Finch's Arms (www.finchsarms.co.uk).
There are two visitor centres which make a great starting point for those wanting to appreciate the bird and wildlife of the water.
The Rutland Belle offers cruises on the water and also runs dedicated Osprey cruises between April and August.
www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/what-to-see/water-parks/rutland
Taking Rutland's food and drink trail
Rutland residents do seem particularly keen on eating locally produced food and visitors soon come to realise that this is by far the best bet.
Discovering Rutland means discovering its locally produced meat, fish and cheeses; fruit and vegetables and bread. And, of course, its real ale.
Pubs and restaurants throughout the county will highlight those dishes on the menu that use the best of what is local and in season.
Eat and drink Rutland
Eat drink Rutland, which can be ordered free or downloaded from the Discover Rutland website highlights local eateries that do their utmost to source and serve the best local produce.
It also contains a comprehensive listing of all pubs, restaurants and cafes in Rutland, as well as information about local food producers and markets.