As summer looms, the Rutland Belle team are already steaming into another busy season of lake tours, gin cruises, Osprey cruises and family-friendly trips around Rutland Water.

Running since 1985, the Rutland Belle is a much-loved sight for both locals and tourists visiting Rutland Water.  

The Rutland Belle is a Class V Passenger Vessel, 62 feet long from bow to stern, and she carries passengers across and around Rutland Water in the spring and summer months.  

As a British Merchantmen, the Rutland Belle flies the Red Ensign when in passage, and is a familiar sight for those who live by and enjoy Rutland Water – a man-made reservoir owned by Anglian Water and officially opened in 1976.

Rutland Water is a popular sport for locals, walkers and tourists. Image credit: Nub News.

The boat can carry a maximum of 110 people with up to 70 in the covered aft and forward saloons, and caters for both daytime tourists and those looking to spend an evening on Rutland Water enjoying live music, great company and watching the sun set. They even host post or pre wedding celebrations in conjunction with Normanton Church!  

The Belle is equipped with a hydraulic lift (Whitwell Pontoon only) to enable wheelchair users to enjoy the facilities on offer, and boasts a galley, bar and toilet – all renovated in 2020 along with a move of the Wheelhouse forward to enhance the popular local attraction and give additional upper-deck space whilst the pandemic slowed proceedings. 

However, the vessel dates much further back than this, with nearly 40 years under its belt – or buoyancy aids! 

In 1985, original owners of the Belle, Trevor and Joan Broadhead, spotted a call from Anglian Water for interested parties to begin running boat trips on Rutland Water. By November 1985, the duo were launching the very first version of the tourist attraction, built in Ollerton near Newark.

The Belle being launched in 1985. If anyone knows who Mrs Peddar is, please do get in touch to let us know! Image credit: Anglian Water / The Heritage of Rutland Water.

Engine enthusiasts will be interested to learn that the Belle is powered by a 1947 Gardner 5LW engine originally from a generator set originally used to supply auxiliary power to the Royal Train. 

Now, the family-run business is headed up by Captain Matt, Master Baker Sarah, and Chief Steward, Dave. Supporting them are Crew members DJ and Lainney, Terry and Paul, the Occasional Skippers, and Gerry, who covers Administration, the Ticket Office and Occasional Crew complete the friendly team, as well as the musicians who climb aboard for the evening music and gin cruises. 

The Belle on a busy crusing day. Image credit: @rutland_drone Instagram.

 On 10 June, the team will be celebrating World Gin Day with another of these popular cruises, including live music, food, an arrival drink, bar, and fantastic views across the Water.  There will be three further Gin Cruises on 23 June, 8 July and 22 July – book soon, as these sell out quickly!

Find out more HERE.

Alternatively, book a trip or view their regular timetable for weekend and daytime trips HERE.

You can also purchase an 'All Aboard the Rutland Belle' guide and information book HERE or at Walkers of Oakham, High Street, Oakham, Rutland.

The reservoir can be enjoyed from land or water. Image credit: Nub News.

Don't forget to get in touch and share your news, business in your very own Up Close feature for FREE by emailing [email protected].

You can also 'Nub' your upcoming events for FREE by clicking the black 'Nub It' button on our What's On page - where you will be able to see more details about the upcoming gin cruises and other local events.

We look forward to hearing from you.