Oakham, Rutland, UK
Sitting high on the Hambleton peninsula stretching into the middle of picturesque Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall is a fine country house hotel with luxury rooms, fine gardens and Michelin star dining.
Our review
I’ve never been to Rutland before; it’s a small landlocked county in the centre of England with Rutland Water – a reservoir built in the 1970s – in the middle. Near here is the pretty village of Hambleton that gives it names to our hotel, Hambleton Hall. The first thing I was told though is that Hambleton Hall is not a hotel, it’s a ‘house’. And with only 17 guestrooms, it does feel like the home of a wealthy distant relative.
Our feet crunching on the gravel, on entering through the stone portico and into the hallway, I could smell the sweet scent of lilies in the lounge beyond. And through the French windows of that room, I could spy the blue of Rutland Water in the distance and on closer inspection, the neat landscaped gardens and fountains in the grounds of the house itself.
Escorted up to our room – the Noel Coward room – I was pleased to see we had a pleasant view; there probably isn’t a room with a poor view here. The room was not huge but large enough, with king-size bed and well-equipped bathroom. On the walls was floral padded fabric of lilac sprigs in purple and pink. There was a wooden wardrobe painted in pistachio green with inset mirror. With matching curtains, it was a pretty room. Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but certainly to mine.
The bathroom had twin sinks, Penhaligon toiletries and heated floor (bliss!). I was not mad about the hairdryer that looked a bit like a Hoover and the shower was certainly not powerful, but I gladly swapped those two small niggles for the free wifi, light switches that just switched off the lights, home made biscuits in a tin, free water, books that you actually want to read, rather than coffee table books that just look nice (I immediately ordered a book in the room on Amazon), interesting magazines and a hand gathered posy of fresh flowers in a glass vase. Little gestures that mean a lot. Forget the shower, at Hambleton, you need to take a slow bath and wallow. And in the wardrobe is a plastic map cover containing local map with neck strap and two energy bars.
Dinner started off with a drink in the bar and amuse bouche while we perused the menu. The chef here – Aaron Patterson – I suspected of being brilliant. One can often tell that from the menu: interesting; not too long, nor too short; and adventurous without being show off.
And so it proved to be. Simply delicious food cooked with verve and mature consideration. It’s now June; I’ve eaten out at so many places this year – including several with Michelin stars – I’ve lost count. But this is among a handful I’ll remember. I had beetroot terrine followed by artichoke tart. Paul had wild mushroom soup followed by sea trout with risotto. We were too replete for full-on desserts but Paul managed some ice cream. The wine list is also excellent, with many choices by the glass.
We ended our perfect evening with a very comfortable night’s sleep.
Breakfast is served in the same room as dinner and is a civilised affair, with no piped music, for which I was thankful. As well as an extensive cold buffet and a basket of Hambleton bakery products, there is a choice of cooked food to enjoy, including Egg Florentine. Mine was very good.
With 25 acres to enjoy, Hambleton Hall has maps of walks from the front door. They also supply wellies in case you came unprepared.
There is very little to do at Hambleton other than eat far too much delicious food, sip tea in one of the attractive lounges (with real log fires in winter), lose a few hours on the terrace with a good book, play croquet, explore the pretty village, go on scenic, unspoiled walks and just unwind. But isn’t that what most of us want to do?
Only a couple of hours’ drive from London, and easily accessed from many other locations, Hambleton Hall is perfect for a short break.
Rooms
Hambleton Hall offers around 17 individually styled rooms and suites within a restored Victorian country house. Accommodation combines classic English elegance with modern comfort, many rooms featuring lake or garden views, generous proportions and refined furnishings. Several rooms include sitting areas, enhancing the intimate house‑hotel atmosphere.
Food and Drink
The restaurant at Hambleton Hall has long held a Michelin star and is overseen by chef-owner Aaron Patterson. The menu focuses on refined modern British cuisine using high‑quality seasonal ingredients, presented in a formal yet relaxed dining room overlooking Rutland Water.
A well‑regarded wine cellar complements the dining experience, while the lounge and terrace provide elegant spaces for aperitifs and pre‑dinner drinks with lake views.
Wellness
Hambleton Hall does not operate a full spa, instead offering a peaceful wellness experience through its outdoor heated swimming pool and beautifully maintained gardens, encouraging relaxation in a natural setting.
Facilities
- Michelin‑starred fine dining restaurant
- Outdoor heated swimming pool
- Extensive gardens and terraces
- Private dining spaces
- Full dinner service for residents
- Concierge assistance
- Free parking
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Hambleton Hall is set on the Hambleton Peninsula overlooking Rutland Water near Oakham. The area offers scenic walking routes, sailing and cycling around Rutland Water, with attractions such as Oakham Castle and the market towns of Rutland close by.
Getting there
Address: Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH, UK
Arriving by air: East Midlands Airport – 36 miles (57km) – 1 hour by car
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.