Rutland Caravan And Camping (The Caravan and Motorhome Club AS)

Rutland may be England’s smallest county, but as its motto ‘Multum in Parvo’ declares, there’s a lot to see - and Rutland Camping and Caravan Club site is an ideal base from which to explore its pretty villages. Situated on the edge of the pretty little village of Greetham, the site comprises two large separate areas, both with spacious hardstanding and grass pitches and heated toilet blocks. There's also a large dog walk area and an indoor dog shower.

It’s a little exposed in adverse weather, but there is acres of space for the children to play - either on the wide expanses of grass or in the dedicated play area complete with extensive sandpit.

The amenities are utterly spotless and although the shop at reception only sells a few basics, Greetham itself is only a 5-minute walk away and boasts a shop, post office and three pubs - all of which offer extensive menus. Upon recommendation of site the wardens, we sampled the delights on offer at the Plough, which turned out to offer well-kept real ales, quality wines and a genuinely interesting menu at extremely reasonable prices - just don’t forget to leave some space for a selection of local and speciality cheeses from the ‘cheese plank.’

With the exception of the 3000-acre Rutland Water, where those of a sporting disposition may partake of a range of activities ranging from cycling and walking to sailing, windsurfing and fly fishing, tourism is still something of a novelty hereabouts. There are more picturesque stone villages with crumbling churches and characterful pubs per head of population than you’ll find in the Cotswolds, but a refreshing absence of coach parties from Colchester.

Rutland’s county town - Oakham - is packed with interesting independent shops whilst over the border in Lincolnshire, Stamford’s stone architecture is impressive enough to rival that of Bath or Oxford. Geoff Hamilton’s famous Barnsdale Gardens are just down the road, as is a fascinating owl and falconry centre while Burghley House and Belvoir Castle are both within half and hour’s drive. Situated just over a mile off the A1, the site also makes an excellent overnight stopover for weary travellers pounding up or down the Great North Road.