An Hour From Leicester Is A Ritzy Village With Gorgeous Gardens, Tasty Restaurants, And Historic Charm

In 1086, nearly a millennium ago, the first mention of Hambleton appeared in the Domesday Book, one of England's earliest surveys and the country's oldest government publication. Since the village of Hambleton's first days, its small-town charm has been untouched, with approximately 200 residents living across its 2,861 acres. However, the peninsula on which Hambleton is located is also a popular spot for vacationers. Britain's smallest county, Rutland, where Hambleton resides, draws 1.5 million visitors annually with its water views and lush, verdant scenery. 

Hambleton is perched on a peninsula extending into Rutland Water, the largest man-made reservoir in the United Kingdom. The region can feel like a decadent destination with a 1,000-acre nature reserve nearby, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and centuries-old structures such as the 12th-century St. Andrews Church and the upscale Hambleton Hall hotel of 1881 dotting the landscape. 

Not to be confused with the district of Hambleton in North Yorkshire, Rutland's small village of the same name boasts a slower pace. Hambleton's historic charm, homes featuring traditional British architecture, and sublime outdoor spaces are part of why Hambleton is garnering attention as a residential hamlet for the wealthy — and as a tourist destination for those seeking a luxurious escape.

England's largest artificial lake, Rutland Water, is a vacation paradise. Its ethereal morning mist commonly greets early wanderers, and there's a 4.6-mile loop trail that guides hikers and cyclists around the peninsula. According to reviewers on AllTrails, it's lovely, scenic, and well-maintained. You'll hike through woodlands, along the waterline, and get a glimpse of some grand manors that have been standing in Hambleton for centuries.

About 5 miles away are the multiple landscaped spaces of Barnsdale Gardens. Here, you can meander amidst Japanese-, rose-, and Mediterranean-themed gardens. "One of the most amazing gardens I have visited," said one visitor on Google. "Every section is beautifully presented and cared for, all plants are healthy and happy." More pristine nature can be found 2 miles from the village within the 1,000-acre Rutland Water Nature Reserve. The sprawling habitat serves as a home to around 200 different bird species, so be sure to pack your binoculars. A few miles of trails guide visitors through these internationally significant wetlands. 

Once you've worked up an appetite with all your walking, sit down for an elegant dinner at the Dining Room (located within the historic Hambleton Hall). Specializing in gourmet British cuisine, the Dining Room has retained a Michelin star for more than four decades — the longest continuous retention of a Michelin star in all of Britain. A sommelier can assist with selections from the expansive wine list to pair with the multi-course, prix-fixe menus. As an elegant bonus, many ingredients are grown on-site in the property's 1-acre edible garden. Another option is the Finch's Arms, a restored 17th century inn and restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and hand-drawn ales.

While many traveling Londoners escape crowds at England's most underrated city, Nottingham, petite Hambleton on the peninsula is where many urban escapees are now heading to live. However, Hambleton housing prices can be double those of surrounding areas (like Nottingham), largely because of its picturesque waterfront location and impressive estates. Property price tags rest in the multiple millions, on the rare occasions a home pops up for sale. 

That makes Hambleton one of the most affluent areas in all of England — though with all its amenities and natural splendor, it's easy to see why. Pastoral countryside vistas, the tranquil reservoir, plus average annual temperatures ranging between 44 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit have made Hambleton an elite enclave. But you don't have to relocate to Hambleton to appreciate everything it has to offer, as a quick vacation is a great way to immerse yourself in its decadence.

For an upscale experience, book one of the well-appointed rooms at Hambleton Hall, many of which offer views of both the water and the manicured gardens. You can also stay at the aforementioned Finch's Arms, or book a room at one of the hotels surrounding the peninsula, such as Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, less than 10 minutes away. If seeking a cheaper, uncrowded, and charming alternative, consider Bedfordshire, just over an hour from Hambleton. It's not located on the idyllic Rutland Water, but it's a quick drive to the waterfront.