Where can you BBQ at Rutland Water?

If you're hoping to become a BBQ explorer like Julia Bradbury this summer, I can help! People far and wide have been inspired by Julia's list of 'Top 10 Places to BBQ in the UK' which included our very own Rutland Water.

Normanton Church at Rutland Water | Photography: The Rutland Blogger

Rutland Water is a great summer destination that can be enjoyed by all the family with a huge number of activities to get stuck into such as cycling, water sports, Aqua Park Rutland, Rutland Zoo, rock climbing, crazy golf, walking, fishing, boat rides with The Rutland Belle and so much more.

But where exactly can you BBQ at Rutland Water?

That is the question.

I took a trip to some of Rutland Water's favourite locations (Normanton, Sykes Lane & Whitwell) to see for myself where you can barbecue and to find out how many metal stands there are...

These are the metal stands provided at Rutland Water for disposable barbecues and those that aren't raised from the ground. | Photography: The Rutland Blogger

My favourite location at Rutland Water is Normanton, it is where I'd choose to BBQ and a good job that is, as it's the location which had the most metal BBQ stands I could find out of the three locations I visited.

I counted: 9 metal stands at Normanton, 6 at Sykes Lane and I struggled to find/see any at Whitwell, however, you are allowed to BBQ at Whitwell in the designated areas ( which surround the car park sites).

'BBQ safely' signs are situated on each barbecue stand. | Photography: The Rutland Blogger

I also spoke to Anglian Water to find out where exactly you can become a BBQ explorer at Rutland Water this summer just like Julia Bradbury and they kindly provided me with a helpful map (see below) of which states where you can and where you can't barbecue, along with some helpful 'do's and don'ts' of barbecuing at Rutland Water.

The Do's & Don'ts!

1. You can BBQ at Rutland Water, but only at 4 locations: Barnsdale, Whitwell, Sykes Lane & Normanton.

2. You can bring your own BBQ - providing it's stood/raised off the ground to prevent marking or scorching the grass.

3. You can bring a disposable BBQ - providing they are used only on the metal BBQ stands provided.

4. There is clear signage that indicates where you can and cannot barbecue.

5. Open fires are not permitted anywhere at Rutland Water.

6. Don't put ashes in waste bins and please take your litter home with you.

7. BBQ's are not permitted on grazing land, woodland or the nature reserves at Egleton and Lyndon.

8. Please bring your own BBQ tools (as these are not provided), as well as cold water incase of emergencies.

So with all that information covered, you're free to become a BBQ explorer this summer and join Julia barbecuing at England's largest reservoir, Rutland Water.

A clear map of Rutland Water stating what can be enjoyed at each point, including picnics and barbecuing. | Credit: Anglian Water

There is clear signage where barbecuing is not permitted. | Photography: The Rutland Blogger