Know anything about the Barnsdale Country Club and surrounding area? It's near Oakham in Rutland county, north of London about 70 miles.

I should add that this is on the north shore of Rutland Water.

I've stayed there twice. What time of year are you going? It is a fascinating part of the country w/ Stamford and Burghley House nearby, and all the watersports.

In Summer there is the terrific open air theatre in Stamford, which also is just a neat town on its own. You will need a car to get around - I wouldn't want to stay at Barnesdale if I had to rely on public transport

You can also visit Rockingham Castle, Kirby Hall and Belvoir castle from there. Farther but doable day trips would be Stratford-upon-Avon/Warwick, the Peak District, and Cambridge. You could also go up to York - but I'd to that journey by train.

I assume you are staying for a week in one of the lodges in the grounds. the resort is not right on the water - but most of the units have nice views across Rutland Water. The lodges are fine but a bit "eccentric". They are A-frames and there are weird angles and narrow stairs.

I live nearby and own a timeshare there that gives us access to the leisure facilities year round, so I go to Barnsdale a couple of times a week.

I have never actually been in to any of the accommodation, but some look nice with good views out over the water.

The leisure facilities are OK, with a pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, tennis, mini-golf (I think) and various classes, plus a beauty spa type thing (I am not really sure what goes on in that sort of place, its more a ladies thing).

There is a bar/coffee shop and restaurant on site, I have not eaten at the restaurant for years so am not fit to comment on that other then the prices always look a bit steep to me in comparison to (some) other places nearby.

Situation wise the club is a little isolated so you will really need car as Oakham (the nearest town) is about 3 miles away, and I think the local bus departs on the first Monday of March to Oakham and a return one comes past on the second Wednesday of July.

It depends what you want to do if staying there will be good for you. Rutland Water is very good for sailing, fly-fishing and bird watching as well as walking and cycling around. It does get very busy during the summer months.

Locally some good places to visit I would think are - Stamford and Burghley House, Belvoir Castle, Rockingham Castle, Cambridge (easy via train). Depending on when you come, there is a very good Shakepere company who perform in an open air theatre over the summer (must book ahead).

Lots of places to eat out at nearby to suit all budgets.

Just a comment relative nothing in particular. Isn't it great (and sort of weird) that two people half a world apart - one in Northern California and one in Rultand/Leicestershire or there abouts - are posting at exactly the same time, and have detailed info about a resort on Rutland water of all places??

That's the glory of the interwebthingy.

Thanks for your input. We are going to fly into London and stay there a couple of days, then rent a car and go up to Rutland Water for the week. We will take in the sights you mentioned. We love historical sights, Roman history, castles, and Shakespeare. We like the outdoors - biking, hiking, etc.

I'll look into the theatre possibilities - we'll be there the last week of May, next year.

I have cousins in Longstowe, Cambridgeshire, so that is a must as well. It appears to be about 50 miles, which I know will take longer than here in the States. I've been warned about the road system.

I'm afraid you'll miss the Stamford Shakespeare theatre - their season usually starts the first week in June.

But otherwise, you have plenty to see/do.

The drive to Longstowe won't be bad at all -- it is motorway or dual carriageway (divided highway) most of the way.

Have a look at -
http://www.stamfordliving.co.uk/

There are some walking/cycling routes detailed that you would probably not find by yourself taking in some good villages. Plus a load of other local information.

Also, as you say you like cycling, there is lots of cycling around Rutland Water and the rental shops will happily send you on your way around the water, but there are a lot of other nice routes just off the water that will be much less busy (especially on a sunny weekend).
Just get an OS Map of the area and follow a bridleway for a good adventure. Or just ask here.