Rutland

Rutland is the smallest historic county in England, an inland enclave within the East Midlands surrounded by Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. The county is dominated by Rutland Water, a large reservoir constructed in the 1970s that is now one of England's most important nature reserves and a major centre for water sports and birdwatching. Despite its small size, Rutland has a strong rural character with attractive ironstone villages and rolling farmland. Oakham, the county town, contains a Norman great hall notable for its collection of horseshoes donated by visiting monarchs and peers.