Normanton Church: A Lakeside Icon Steeped in History and Elegance
A captivating lakeside church blending historic elegance with stunning waterside views, renowned for its unique preservation and romantic wedding setting.
Normanton Church, perched on a peninsula in Rutland Water near Oakham, England, is a striking 18th-century church with medieval foundations. Saved from submersion during the creation of Rutland Water reservoir in the 1970s, it now stands as a unique wedding venue and museum, surrounded by scenic waters and natural beauty. Its raised floor and causeway give the illusion of floating on the lake, making it a captivating landmark and cultural treasure.
A brief summary to Normanton Church
- Normanton Park Rd, Oakham, LE15 8RP, GB
- +441780686800
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during golden hour for breathtaking photographic opportunities as the light enhances the church’s floating illusion.
- Check the official schedule for public opening days, as access inside the church is limited due to weddings and private events.
- Explore the surrounding Rutland Water trails on foot or by bike to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife near the church.
- Consider booking a cruise on the Rutland Belle, which offers scenic views of Normanton Church from the water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Rutland Flyer bus service from Oakham town center to Normanton Park Rd, with a journey time of approximately 20-30 minutes. Services run hourly on weekdays and less frequently on weekends. Tickets cost around £3-£5 one way. Note that the bus stop is a short walk from the church.
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Car
Driving from Oakham to Normanton Church takes about 15 minutes via local roads. Limited parking is available near the Rutland Water visitor areas; expect a short walk over gravel paths to the church. Parking fees may apply, typically £3-£6 depending on the season.
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Bicycle
Cycling routes from Oakham to Normanton Church follow scenic trails around Rutland Water, taking approximately 30-45 minutes depending on pace. Terrain is mostly flat and suitable for casual cyclists. Bike parking is available near the church causeway.
Normanton Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Normanton Church
A Storied Past Rescued from the Waters
Normanton Church, originally known as St. Matthew's Church, traces its origins to the 14th century with major reconstruction in the 1760s and a redesign in the 1820s by Thomas Cundy and his son. It once served as a parish church before becoming a private chapel for the Heathcote family estate. In the 1970s, the creation of Rutland Water reservoir threatened its existence, as the valley was flooded to form one of Europe's largest man-made lakes. Public outcry led to a remarkable preservation effort: the church's lower level was filled with rubble and topped with concrete to raise its floor approximately 60cm above water level. A causeway and embankment were built, protecting the church and allowing access despite the rising waters.Architectural Elegance and Scenic Setting
The church's architecture combines medieval foundations with 18th- and 19th-century classical elements, including a Corinthian-style tower modeled after London’s St. John’s concert hall. A portico adds to its theatrical and elegant appearance. Its large windows flood the interior with natural light, framing picturesque views of Rutland Water. The church’s setting on a narrow peninsula creates the illusion that it floats on the lake, a mesmerizing sight especially during golden hour when light enhances its fairytale charm.A Living Museum and Celebrated Venue
Though deconsecrated in 1970, Normanton Church now functions as a museum showcasing the history of Rutland Water and the surrounding area, including exhibits of dinosaur fossils and an Anglo-Saxon skeleton. It also serves as a sought-after wedding venue, offering a unique waterfront location imbued with romance and history. The church hosts concerts and special events, enriching its role as a cultural hub. Visits inside the church are limited to specific public days and private events, preserving its intimate atmosphere.Natural Beauty and Recreational Opportunities
Surrounded by Rutland Water, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the church is set within a tranquil landscape favored by birdwatchers, walkers, and cyclists. The water’s edge and nearby trails invite peaceful strolls and nature appreciation. Swans and sailboats often animate the waterscape, complementing the church’s serene presence. The area’s protected status underscores its ecological and recreational value.Enduring Symbol of Community and Heritage
Normanton Church stands as a testament to community spirit and heritage preservation. The public’s successful campaign to save it from flooding reflects a deep respect for local history and architecture. Today, it symbolizes resilience and continuity, bridging centuries of Rutland’s cultural landscape. Its iconic silhouette against the water remains one of the county’s most beloved and photographed landmarks.Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to Normanton Church encounter a blend of historical gravitas and natural tranquility. The interplay of light on stone and water creates a contemplative ambiance. Whether attending a wedding, exploring the museum, or simply admiring the views, the church offers a memorable encounter with heritage, art, and nature in harmonious balance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stamford Castle
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St Leonard's Priory, Stamford
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English Heritage - Apethorpe Palace
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Lynch Lodge
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Rushton Triangular Lodge
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Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.
Trinity Bridge
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A unique 14th-century three-way stone bridge in the heart of Crowland, once spanning two rivers, now a striking medieval monument in the town centre.
Welford Place
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Explore the historic John Biggs statue at Welford Place, a Victorian landmark celebrating Leicester’s reformist legacy and civic pride.
23 St.Nicholas Pl
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Leicester's oldest place of worship, where Roman foundations meet medieval splendour and 1,100 years of history.
Leicester Roman West Gate site
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Explore Leicester’s monumental Roman baths and the iconic Jewry Wall, a testament to ancient urban life and architecture.
East Midlands Steam and Country Show
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Experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture at the East Midlands Steam and Country Show, where steam engines meet delicious local food and crafts.
King Lear
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Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.
Museum Development East Midlands
38.1 km
Supporting East Midlands museums with expert guidance, grants, and training from County Hall, Leicester.
Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre
39.6 km
Discover the enchanting Baytree Owl and Wildlife Centre in Spalding, where majestic owls and diverse wildlife await you for a day of adventure and education.
Bradgate House
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Explore the haunting Tudor ruins of Bradgate House, childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, set within Leicestershire’s historic medieval deer park.
Kirby Muxloe Castle
40.8 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Kirby Muxloe Castle, a serene heritage site perfect for a day of exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Wing Maze
5.1 km
Explore Wing Maze, a rare medieval turf labyrinth in Rutland, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and tranquil countryside charm.
Oakham Castle
7.6 km
Explore Oakham Castle, a historical gem in Oakham, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, and enriching cultural experiences.
All Saints Church : Oakham
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Explore the historic All Saints Church in Oakham, a stunning Anglican church rich in history and architectural beauty, perfect for a serene visit.
Lyddington Bede House
10.9 km
Explore a rare medieval bishop’s palace turned almshouse, rich with Tudor craftsmanship and centuries of English heritage in the charming village of Lyddington.
Kirby Hall
13.6 km
Explore the majestic Elizabethan Kirby Hall, a stunning blend of Renaissance architecture and tranquil gardens in Northamptonshire.
Sacrewell Farm
16.0 km
Explore rare breeds, historic watermill, award-winning play areas, and artisan crafts at Sacrewell Farm near Peterborough.
Bowthorpe Oak
16.2 km
Discover the ancient majesty of the Bowthorpe Oak, the UK’s largest girth oak, set within a charming family farm in Lincolnshire’s tranquil countryside.
Burrough Hill - Iron Age Hillfort
18.0 km
Explore Burrough Hill, a stunning Iron Age hillfort with rich archaeological finds and panoramic views near Melton Mowbray.
Burrough on the Hill
18.1 km
Explore Burrough Hill, a commanding Iron Age hillfort near Melton Mowbray with rich archaeological heritage and panoramic countryside views.
National Trust - Woolsthorpe Manor
18.1 km
Explore the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and discover the origins of gravity in this historic Lincolnshire manor with interactive science exhibits.
Grimsthorpe Castle Park & Gardens
19.9 km
Explore centuries of history, art, and nature at Grimsthorpe Castle Park & Gardens, a majestic estate with elegant gardens and vast wildlife-rich parkland.
Easton Walled Gardens
20.4 km
Discover the historic charm and seasonal beauty of Easton Walled Gardens, a tranquil haven near Grantham blending heritage and horticulture.
Elton Hall and Gardens
20.4 km
Discover the enchanting blend of medieval, Gothic, and Victorian heritage at Elton Hall and its award-winning gardens near Peterborough.
English Heritage - Longthorpe Tower
24.2 km
Explore Longthorpe Tower’s stunning 14th-century medieval murals and immerse yourself in one of England’s finest historic treasures.
Windmill Farm Park
26.9 km
Five generations of farming heritage meet family adventure in rural Leicestershire.
Essential places to dine
Hambleton Hall
3.3 km
Michelin-starred country house hotel on Rutland Water, where Victorian elegance meets contemporary comfort.
Six Bells
15.8 km
A charming village pub and boutique inn offering refined British cuisine, cozy rooms, and warm hospitality in Witham on the Hill.
Restaurant Jericho
32.3 km
Farm-to-table fine dining in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s countryside, where rustic charm meets innovative cuisine.
The Pheasant, Keyston
32.9 km
A charming thatched country pub in Keyston offering traditional British cuisine, warm hospitality, and a cozy rural atmosphere.
OGGI Italian Restaurant
33.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality at OGGI Italian Restaurant in Leicester’s vibrant London Road.
Casa Romana Restaurant
34.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm at Casa Romana, Leicester’s cherished seafood and pasta haven.
The White Peacock
34.4 km
Elegant modern European dining with innovative tasting menus and warm service in Leicester’s vibrant city centre.
Bistrot Pierre - Leicester
34.6 km
Experience authentic French bistro dining in Leicester’s city centre with classic dishes, seasonal specials, and a warm Parisian atmosphere.
The Frame
34.6 km
A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant and bar in Leicester’s St Martins Square, blending refined flavours with stylish, inviting surroundings.
Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant
34.6 km
Savor fresh seafood and American-inspired dishes in a lively, casual setting at Leicester’s vibrant Sapphire Seafood Kitchen.
Merchant of Venice
34.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and Renaissance-inspired charm in Leicester’s Merchant of Venice, a unique dining destination blending culture and cuisine.
Varanasi Boutique Restaurant
34.7 km
Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Leicester’s majestic Varanasi Boutique, where culinary artistry meets opulent ambiance.
Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant
34.8 km
Historic 15th-century timber-framed house in Leicester’s Old Town serving classic English pub fare and real ales in a vibrant, heritage-rich setting.
Cosy Club
34.8 km
Stylish British dining and vibrant bar in Leicester’s heart, blending timeless glamour with all-day menus and festive event spaces.
Restaurant263
34.9 km
Experience innovative modern British fine dining with personal chef touches and vibrant vegan options in Leicester’s stylish city centre venue.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Unique Boutique Ltd
22.0 km
Discover Unique Boutique Ltd, a charming clothing shop offering personalized fashion finds in the historic market town of Melton Mowbray.
The Yards Kettering
28.5 km
Discover The Yards Kettering, a vibrant independent shopping centre blending vintage charm with modern boutiques in the heart of town.
Valley Discount Store
32.3 km
A vibrant Leicester discount store offering diverse homewares, kitchenware, toys, and more under one roof with great value and friendly service.
Nest
32.4 km
Independent gift boutique in Leicester's Stoneygate, specializing in personalized jewellery and curated home accessories.
Prettiez
33.5 km
Discover unique gifts and boutique treasures in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Clarendon Park at Prettiez.
Karma Corner Gifts
33.6 km
Leicester's premier spiritual gift shop offering curated wellness items and mindful lifestyle products.
St George's Shopping Park
33.6 km
A vibrant open-air retail park in Leicester offering diverse shops, extended hours, and convenient amenities for a comprehensive shopping experience.
The Pot Pourri Shop Leicester
34.2 km
Discover Leicester’s hidden gem for natural aromatherapy and handcrafted gifts on Free Lane, blending quality, charm, and personalized service.
Haymarket Shopping Centre
34.3 km
Leicester's pioneering indoor shopping centre with 60+ stores, dining, and award-winning facilities.
Nim's Boutique ltd
34.5 km
Discover timeless Indian and Asian women's fashion with inclusive sizing and exquisite bridal wear at Nim's Boutique Ltd in Leicester.
Urban Outfitters
34.5 km
Discover Urban Outfitters Leicester: a stylish blend of fashion, accessories, and homewares in the vibrant heart of the city.
The Source
34.5 km
Discover unique, high-quality gifts with expert service at The Source, Leicester’s cherished family-owned gift shop on Church Gate.
Just Fair Trade
34.6 km
Discover Leicester’s ethical gem offering fair trade gifts and sustainable clothing with a heart for global artisans.
The Wardrobe
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Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Leicester’s longest-running vintage clothing shop in the historic Royal Arcade.
Very Bazaar Leicester
34.6 km
Discover Leicester’s vibrant Very Bazaar, a colourful haven of crystals, unique gifts, and mystical charm in the city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Wine Bar Stamford
10.0 km
A lively, modern wine bar in Stamford offering quality wines and a vibrant social atmosphere in the heart of town.
The Bertie Arms
13.2 km
A charming thatched pub in Uffington offering fresh local food, warm hospitality, and a cozy countryside atmosphere.
The Pack Horse
21.8 km
A warm and lively gastropub in Northborough serving classic British fare with a modern touch and a friendly community spirit.
The Kings Arms
23.4 km
A charming traditional English village pub in Polebrook offering hearty food, quality ales, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Oxcart
23.5 km
A welcoming, no-frills estate pub in North Bretton offering classic local hospitality since the 1970s.
The Windmill
24.4 km
A welcoming village pub in Orton Waterville offering classic fare, real ales, and a warm community atmosphere.
The Lime Tree
25.0 km
A friendly, lively pub in Peterborough’s Walton area, offering great drinks, fresh food, and vibrant music nights daily.
The Brewery Tap
26.5 km
A vibrant microbrewery pub and Thai restaurant in historic Peterborough, blending craft ales with lively entertainment and authentic flavors.
The Draper's Arms - JD Wetherspoon
26.7 km
A lively, affordable JD Wetherspoon pub in Peterborough offering hearty meals and drinks in a spacious, casual setting with daily specials.
The Bumble Inn
26.7 km
A beloved micropub in Peterborough serving expertly kept real ales in a cozy, friendly setting with a vibrant local vibe.
Palmerston Arms
26.7 km
Traditional Peterborough pub with quality cask ales, welcoming atmosphere, and authentic local charm in Woodston.
Blind Tiger
26.8 km
Peterborough’s vibrant craft beer bar with 26 taps, quirky urban style, live events, and a unique community spirit.
Geneva Bar
26.8 km
A friendly, casual bar in Peterborough known for karaoke nights and a welcoming atmosphere with moderate prices.
The Ostrich Inn
26.8 km
A vibrant, quirky pub in Peterborough known for local ales, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere with cozy corners and a beer garden.
The Stoneworks Bar
26.9 km
A cozy micropub in Peterborough famed for its extensive craft beer selection and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Tubes
22.1 km
Energetic nightlife and affordable drinks come alive at Tubes, Melton Mowbray’s go-to nightclub and bar for fun and dancing.
The Met Lounge
27.1 km
Peterborough’s vibrant live music venue and nightclub blending nostalgic charm with lively club nights and diverse musical acts.
Angels Peterborough
27.1 km
Experience lively nightlife and captivating stage performances at Angels Peterborough, the city’s vibrant nightclub and bar on Brook Street.
Helsinki
34.0 km
Leicester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightclub with electrifying drag shows, diverse music, and late-night celebrations in the heart of the city.
Motto Nightclub
34.3 km
Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at Motto Nightclub, a dynamic venue where music, dancing, and late-night energy come alive.
TRUTH Leicester
34.3 km
Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at TRUTH, a dynamic nightclub pulsing with music and energy in the city centre’s entertainment heart.
The Fan Club
34.4 km
Leicester’s vibrant weekend nightclub with four rooms, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Waikiki Nightclub
34.4 km
Experience Leicester’s electric nightlife with futuristic vibes, trendy cocktails, and top RnB beats at Waikiki Nightclub every weekend.
The Basement
34.4 km
Leicester’s underground hotspot for late-night dancing, eclectic music, and unforgettable private events in a vintage-inspired setting.
Corah Works
34.4 km
Experience Leicester’s rich textile heritage transformed into a vibrant nightlife hotspot at Corah Works on St John Street.
Club Republic
34.5 km
Experience Leicester’s ultimate clubbing hotspot with immersive audiovisuals, live gigs, and a vibrant student-friendly atmosphere.
Mosh
34.9 km
Leicester’s vibrant three-floor alternative nightclub, buzzing with indie, emo, and metal beats and budget-friendly drinks.
The 2Funky Lounge
35.2 km
Leicester’s energetic two-floor nightclub with live music, private parties, and a rooftop terrace for unforgettable nights out.
Echo's Night Club
41.8 km
Loughborough’s energetic nightclub with dual rooms, affordable drinks, and a lively student-friendly atmosphere on Biggin Street.
Montagu Club
46.2 km
Discover the lively Montagu Club in Huntingdon - a social haven for music lovers and friends looking to unwind and enjoy local culture.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
