Pictures of Rudyard

About Rudyard

A pretty village with a delightful cluster of cottages and houses with lovely gardens, bordered by woods at the south end of the picturesque Rudyard Reservoir, which is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the region. The lake is surrounded by a landscape of dramatic, unrivalled scenery, and it not surprising to learn that both village and lake played an important part in the romance between the parents of Rudyard Kipling. It was here, whilst on a picnic, the couple became engaged. They remained forever enchanted with the area, and chose to call their first child after it. No wonder it is named the third most romantic spot in England.

The lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, walking, and for those who prefer a gentle ride the Rudyard Heritage Steam Railway takes visitors along a 3 mile return trip around the side of the lake. A wealth of wildlife flourishes in the pastures and sloping woodlands reaching down to the lake shore.

With plenty of picnic spots, this is an idyllic location for a lovely family day out at any time of year. Springtime sees buds bursting forth, wild daffodils and gentle nodding bluebells, whilst the glory of autumn shows the magnificent trees around the lake clothed in colours ranging from darkest green to glistening gold, deep red, orange and purple.

Interesting past visitors to the lake have included; Blondin, the first man to cross Niagara Falls and Captain Webb, the first swimmer to cross the channel.

Rudyard is a short distance from the edge of the Peak District National Park and lies between Leek and Biddulph Moor.