Morcott: Village history and walking routes

Local history and heritage protection

If you’re planning a stay in Morcott, the village’s history offers several specific points of reference: the listed Church of St Mary, the dated Sundial House and a designated Conservation Area. The Church of St Mary in Morcott is a Grade I listed building. Sundial House is considered Morcott’s oldest dated house; it bears a combined sundial and date stone inscribed “WC 1627”. The house is privately occupied. The church and the house offer different historical points of reference: the building’s listed status is central to the church, while the house is notable for the date on its stone and its private residential use.

Morcott is also home to one of Rutland’s surviving tower windmills. In the 1970s, the mill was converted into a private residence. While the inscription on Sundial House records the year 1627, the tower windmill is associated with a later change: it was converted into a private residence in the 1970s.

Protected landscape and village character

Morcott Conservation Area was designated on 9 March 1981. Changes are managed with the area’s special character in mind. North of High Street, the protected area includes open land extending to a tributary of the River Chater. This land contributes to views of the village and out from the village. The trees in the disused railway cutting also provide an attractive backdrop to the village and are protected through their inclusion in the Conservation Area. These landscape features play different roles: the open land contributes to views in both directions, while the trees provide the backdrop. Morcott’s character can therefore be understood through its protected surroundings and specific landscape features.

Churchyard and walking routes

The churchyard of St Mary the Virgin has two benches, hundreds of spring flowers and 13 yew trees. It is considered a pleasant picnic spot, particularly for walkers on the long-distance Rutland Round. The spring flowers give the picnic spot a seasonal appeal, while the benches and yew trees add other specific features. If these amenities are important to your plans, check local information before your visit.

There are also different points of reference for the walking routes. The Morcott Village Walk starts at the Village Hall on Station Road. A footpath at the end of Pingle Lane crosses a tributary of the River Chater and leads to South Luffenham. The Village Walk has a named starting point, while the footpath is described in terms of its crossing and destination. You can distinguish between the routes according to whether the starting point at the Village Hall or the destination of South Luffenham matters more to your plans. Check local routes and conditions before setting off.

Find hotels with the village in mind

If you’re looking for hotels in Morcott, start by considering what matters most in choosing a destination: local history or planning a route with specific start and end points. The church, Sundial House and the tower windmill represent different historical points of reference; the walking route information offers guidance for a stroll. Then compare the details of each hotel offer with your travel dates and priorities.

Discover more destinations: North Luffenham, Lyddington, Seaton, Ashwell, Oakham, Langham, Greetham, Empingham

For the broader travel overview: Rutland.