September is one of the finest months to be living in this part of the world. The light changes, the countryside settles into something quieter, and the local events calendar fills up with things that are genuinely worth getting out for. From one of the world’s great equestrian spectacles on the doorstep in Stamford to a food festival in the heart of Oakham, a night swim across Rutland Water and a packed programme at the Corn Exchange, there is an awful lot happening this month. Here is our pick.
Defender Burghley Horse Trials | 3–6 September | Burghley House, Stamford
It would be hard to live in Stamford and not know about the Burghley Horse Trials, but if you have never actually been, this is the year to go. Held in the magnificent grounds of Burghley House, this is one of the world’s premier three-day eventing competitions, drawing around 80 of the top horse and rider combinations from across the globe. The cross-country day on Saturday is the highlight for most spectators, but the dressage, show jumping, shopping village and the sheer atmosphere make any of the four days worth a visit. Tickets need to be booked in advance.
Get Tickets: burghley-horse.co.uk/tickets
Rutland Water Night Swim | 5 September | Rutland Water
If you have ever wanted to swim across Rutland Water but thought daylight was a requirement, think again. The Night Swim gives participants the chance to take to the open water after dark, with the reservoir lit and fully supported by safety crews on kayaks, powerboats and paddleboards throughout. Distance options run from 500m upwards, making it open to a wide range of swimmers. It is one of those events that sounds slightly mad until you have done it, and then people tend to come back year after year.
Book Now: swimrutland.com/nightswim
NROS September Festival | 5 September–3 October | Across Northamptonshire and Rutland
The Northants and Rutland Open Studios September Festival runs for a full month, giving you plenty of time to plan a route through artists’ studios and shared venues across the region. Artists open their doors for visits, demonstrations and workshops, and the Central Exhibition at Lamport Hall brings a wide selection of work together in one place. The free festival brochure and map help you shortlist artists and plan your visits before you set off. If you enjoy discovering local creative talent or want to pick up something original and handmade, this is a brilliant way to spend a few hours across several weekends in September.
Find Out More: nros.co.uk/septemberfestival
Vitruvian Triathlon | 13 September | Rutland Water
The Vitruvian is a middle-distance triathlon set on and around Rutland Water, and it has developed a strong reputation on the triathlon circuit over the years. Competitors swim 1.9km in the reservoir, cycle 84km through the Rutland and Lincolnshire countryside and run 21km to finish. If you are not competing yourself, the route passes through some lovely countryside, and the finish line atmosphere at Rutland Water is worth catching. For those thinking about entering, it is worth checking availability early as places fill up well ahead of race day.
Get Involved: thevitruviantriathlon.com
Discover Rutland Food & Drink Week | 14–20 September | Across Rutland
Rutland carries the nickname “the county of good taste” for good reason, and this week-long celebration makes the most of it. Restaurants, pubs, producers and food businesses across the county take part, running special menus, tastings and events throughout the week. It is a good excuse to try somewhere new or revisit a favourite with a fresh seasonal menu. Keep an eye on the Discover Rutland website for a full list of participating venues as the week approaches.
Find Out More: discover-rutland.co.uk/food-week
Legally Blonde: The Musical | 17–19 September | Stamford Corn Exchange
Stamford Showstoppers bring their production of Legally Blonde to the Corn Exchange for three nights this month. The show follows the irrepressible Elle Woods as she heads to Harvard Law School determined to prove that there is more to her than meets the eye. It is one of those musicals that tends to leave audiences in a good mood, and the Corn Exchange is a lovely venue for an evening out. Tickets are available through the Corn Exchange box office.
Book Tickets: stamfordcornexchange.co.uk
Sculpture Workshop: Mobiles at Burghley | 18 September | Burghley House, Stamford
For something a little different on a Thursday in September, Burghley House is running a hands-on sculpture workshop focused on creating mobiles. These guided creative sessions are a popular part of Burghley’s programme and tend to suit everyone from complete beginners to those with some craft experience. You get to work in a truly special setting, and you go home with something you have made yourself. Check availability directly with Burghley as these workshops have limited places.
Find Out More: burghley.co.uk/events
Rutland Food & Drink Festival | 20 September | Oakham Town Centre & Oakham Castle
The sister event to Food and Drink Week, this is the day to get yourself to Oakham. The festival fills the town centre, with stalls spreading across the Market Place, High Street and the Castle Grounds, and inside Oakham Castle itself. You will find local food producers, artisan drinks, street food, crafts and gifts, all free to attend and open to well-behaved dogs. It runs from 11am to 3pm, and with over 80 stalls typically on show, it makes for a full morning.
Find Out More: carolynactonevents.co.uk
September Comedy Club | 25 September | Stamford Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange’s monthly comedy club is always a good night out, and the September edition looks particularly strong. The lineup features Tom Stade, Dominic Holland and Alun Cochrane, with MC Tom Alban holding things together on the night. It is the kind of bill that works for a group night out, a birthday or simply a Friday evening that deserves a bit more than a takeaway. Book early through the Corn Exchange box office.
Book Tickets: stamfordcornexchange.co.uk
Stand-Up Paddleboard Sunset Tour | 26 September | Rutland Water
As the evenings begin to shorten, Rutland Water’s sunset paddleboard tour offers a gorgeous way to mark the season. Paddling out on the reservoir as the light drops is one of those experiences that is very hard to replicate anywhere nearby, and the guided format means you do not need to be an experienced paddleboarder to join. A wonderful option for a memorable Friday evening.
Find Out More: anglianwaterparks.co.uk
September in Stamford and Rutland really does deliver. Whether you are heading to Burghley for the Horse Trials, exploring artists’ studios tucked away in Rutland villages, eating your way around Oakham, or heading out for an evening on the water, there is something to get out for almost every week of the month. We hope you enjoy it.