All Saints, Rotherby, in Melton Mowbray
Facilities at this church
flushing indoor toilet
Kettle, Microwave
In and around Rotherby
Welcome to All Saints, Rotherby, a striking, thirteenth-century gem in the heart of a small village, poised on the edge of the Wreake Valley. The suffix ‘by’ means ‘village’ in Danish, and the name ‘Rotherby’ appears in the Domesday Book under the name ‘Redebi,’ which derives from the Danish for ‘cross,’ making Rotherby ‘the village of the cross.’ This name suggests that, although the present church dates from the beginning of the thirteenth-century, there may have been another, far older place of worship on this spot when the Danes first arrived in the area.
You will not be the first person to stay overnight in beautiful All Saints! During the Civil War, a rector from the nearby village of Hoby and his family made a home in the church after his living was possessed by Parliament. Forced to leave Hoby, they sheltered at Rotherby, first outside in the churchyard, and then, later, in the belfry itself.
During your stay, look out for a memorial marker for Robert de Brett. The de Brett family were one-time lords of the manor of Rotherby, who may have come to England with William the Conqueror in 1066.
While you’re here, don’t forget to sample the local cuisine! The Blue Bell Inn in Hoby or The Bell in Frisby are both wonderful options.
Heating is available on request and for an additional charge. Please add heating as an ‘extra’ when you make your booking, and you will receive further instructions.
Please note: All Saints, Rotherby offers cream teas every Sunday in August from 2-5pm. Champers are still welcome to stay on these nights (and to partake in the cream teas!) but please be aware that the church will be in use until 5pm.
Rambling and roaming
While you’re here at All Saints, why not visit the beautiful, eleventh-century Belvoir Castle in Grantham, Leicestershire, the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland? Spend the day outside, exploring the castle’s extensive grounds and adventure playground, or have tea in the Aviary tearoom. Nature lovers will appreciate the Japanese, Duchess’s, and Hermit’s gardens, while our more active champers may want to attempt the longer Duke’s Walk. For fans of Young Victoria and the Da Vinci Code, which both include scenes at this location, Belvoir Castle is a must-see.
Church crawlers won’t want to miss the other beautiful churches in the parish of the Upper Wreak valley. All Saints, Ragdale, All Saints, Hoby, and St Thomas of Canterbury, Frisby-on-the-Wreak are all open for visitors all day, and provide perfect walks from Rotherby, ranging in length from 30 minutes to an hour.
Activities and events
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit Rutland Water Park, especially if you are bringing along younger Champers! Whether you’re looking to sail, windsurf, kayak, canoe, hike, or just relax, Rutland Water has something for you. They also offer seasonal family events, photography classes, minigolf, and sunrise paddleboarding.
Finally, a cordial invitation from our Church Mice! All Saints, Rotherby holds cream teas every Sunday in August to raise funds for the church. This won’t prevent Champers from staying; in fact, you are more than welcome to mingle with the church community and join in the festivities!



