Attractions and Places To See around Clipsham - Top 20

Clipsham is known for its distinctive natural features, including the renowned Clipsham stone quarries. One of the old quarries, a 111-hectare site, is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is combined with Pickworth Great Wood, a large deciduous woodland. You can also visit Rutland Water, the largest man-made lake in England by surface area, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying the expansive countryside.

Yes, Clipsham offers several historical and cultural sites. The most unique is the Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue, featuring around 150 yew trees intricately sculpted into various topiary shapes. You can also see Clipsham Hall, a Grade II* listed mansion dating back to around 1700, and St Mary's Church, a Grade II* listed building with origins thought to be Norman. Nearby, Normanton Church at Rutland Water is an iconic man-made monument with a rich history.

The area around Clipsham, particularly Rutland Water, is a hotspot for recreation. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, and watersports. For specific routes, consider exploring the nearby hiking trails like 'The Olive Branch – Quarry Bridleway loop from Pickworth' or road cycling routes such as 'Castle Bytham Road – Quiet Country Lane loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Clipsham and Road Cycling Routes around Clipsham guides.

Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. Rutland Water offers ample space for children to play and explore, with opportunities for cycling and watersports. Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland provides a lovely natural setting for family walks. The Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue is also a fascinating and unique place for all ages to enjoy the sculpted trees.

The Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly striking in spring and summer when the foliage is lush. The intricate topiary shapes are well-defined, and the surrounding natural beauty is at its peak. Autumn also offers a lovely display of colors in the nearby woodlands.

Clipsham is home to The Olive Branch, a notable pub that holds a Michelin star, offering a celebrated dining experience. For more casual options, Bythams Community Shop & Cafe is welcoming to cyclists and offers great coffee, cake, and breakfast rolls. The nearby town of Stamford also has a bustling high street with numerous coffee shops and restaurants.

While specific easy trails are not detailed in the data, the Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue offers free public access and is generally flat, making it suitable for an easy stroll. The paths around Rutland Water also include sections that are relatively flat and accessible, perfect for a relaxed walk. For more options, you can explore the Hiking around Clipsham guide for routes with varying difficulty levels.

Yes, one of the old Clipsham stone quarries, a 111-hectare site, is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is combined with Pickworth Great Wood. This area offers public access from the village, allowing you to explore the unique geological features and woodland.

Visitors particularly appreciate the iconic and unusual nature of Normanton Church, especially how it appears to float on the lake. The vastness and recreational opportunities at Rutland Water are also highly valued, as is the change of scenery offered by Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland. The unique artistry of the Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue is also a significant draw.

While Clipsham is a small village, public transport options may be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes, such as those from Oakham to Clipsham, for current schedules. For many attractions, particularly those further afield like Rutland Water, driving or cycling might offer more flexibility.

Pickworth Great Wood, which is combined with a former Clipsham stone quarry and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is owned by the Forestry Commission and offers public access from the village. Generally, no specific permits are required for walking on public footpaths within these areas, but always respect local signage and regulations.

The area around Clipsham, especially Rutland Water, is excellent for wildlife spotting. The lake is often home to over 25,000 waterfowl. Pickworth Great Wood, a deciduous woodland, also provides a habitat for various woodland creatures and birds. Seasonal visits can offer different wildlife viewing opportunities, such as wildflowers in spring.