Description
This beautiful market town is listed as one of the top 20 most desirable places to visit in the UK (The Times) and its high street has been voted one of the top five in Britain. Uppingham offers a rare glimpse of traditional English rural life that is abundant in culture, heritage and history.
Uppingham came to life during the 6th century as an Anglo-Saxon farmstead and has held its Market Charter since 1281, although the market had been thriving long before this date. The Market Place is the focus of the town and reflects a long history as a place to trade as well as a place to catch up with everyday life.
Full of local traders and crafts it runs every Friday from 8am until 4pm. Bakers, farmers and cheese makers vie for position with traditional fruit & veg stalls, fishmongers, charcuterie and florists. You can even treat yourself to a genuine panama hat, tweed flat or Bakerboy cap from Earland Brothers, hatters of distinction.
The streets and alleyways are bursting with a wonderful selection of speciality shops and traditional retailers, many of which are still family owned and run. You will be spoilt for choice when you need refreshment, from grabbing a fresh bun from Baines Bakery, to savouring an exquisite meal at the Lake Isle.
Art and antiques are very important to Uppingham and a fine selection are available for you to leisurely browse and perhaps uncover a treasure or two. Pop in to the Goldmark Gallery, The Rutland Gallery, Peter Barker Fine Art Uppingham Antiques Centre & Rutland Antiques for superior art and treasured items that would feel more than comfortable on the Antiques Roadshow.
Why not pick up something made by a local artisan in MADE Gallery in the Market Place, or if you’re after fashion keep an eye out for the shops down High Street East for stylish clothes and accessories. Sarah Harding Interiors in Market Street is a wonderful place to visit for interior design inspiration. Pop in to The Falcon Hotel to see some of Sarah’s gorgeous fabrics and soft furnishings in situ.
The town has been home to the renowned boarding school, Uppingham School, since 1584 and you’ll be aware of children scurrying around town in their smart uniforms to get to lessons on a Saturday, during term time. Uppingham School was founded by Robert Johnson, the Archdeacon of Leicester, who also established nearby Oakham School.
You can follow the Uppingham Heritage Trail to discover the history of the town.
