Stretton Lakes, Rutland

Situated in the pretty county of Rutland, Stretton Lakes is the perfect countryside retreat, exclusively for adults only.

The touring site is exclusively for adults only, but there is also a self-catering luxury lodge side to the business where children are accepted. However, this area is separated from the campsite by fishing lakes and woodland, so you wouldn’t even know it was there.

Stretton Lakes offers 32 all-weather pitches alongside four of the site’s seven fishing lakes. All pitches have electric hook-up, water supply and grey water drain; some face south with views across the lakes, others are on a different lakeside, sheltered by hedging and trees.

Free fishing is available to all guests – you can even fish straight in front of your pitch. The site is dog friendly with a dog wash and an enclosed exercise area, with walks in the surrounding woodland possible.

The facilities block is right beside reception (where there is a small shop), and inside you’ll find individual private showers rooms with rainfall showers, oak wash stands and stone washbasins – and I wouldn’t expect any less from such a luxury-looking building from the outside. There is also a laundry room within the same building. 

There’s plenty in the local area to explore, and as someone who loves the outdoors and historical architecture, I was in my element! Two miles away on the outskirts of the village of Clipsham is Yew Tree Avenue – a wonderful place for a walk, with 150 ornamental yew trees, most over 200 years old. On the way back to the campsite you can call in at The Olive Branch in Clipsham, an award-winning pub/restaurant.

A short drive away you can explore the town of Oakham, with a selection of shops, a Wednesday and Saturday market, a castle, and lovely church. There's also the larger town of Stamford, famous for its Georgian buildings, and the historic Burghley House with parkland walks and pleasure gardens.

For activity, Rutland Water is a 10-minute drive. Here you can enjoy watersports, or walking and cycling around the reservoir – the circuit is 15 miles, with an option to add another six miles out onto the Hambleton Peninsula.

A relaxing site for adults only, Stretton Lakes caters for all. You can simply enjoy the tranquillity on site with a glass of wine and a good book, or if you're after activities you can head to nearby Rutland Water or head off on one of the many local walks available.