Oakham is known for it’s medieval history, scrumptious food & stylish shopping. Once you arrive in Oakham, Rutland County Museum is a great place to start your visit so you can get to know the fascinating history of the county and explore the exciting archaeology discoveries. Our museum is a treasure trove of glittering exhibitions including displays covering rural life & country trades, artefacts from the 6th century, discovered during archaeologist’s ‘digs’ in a variety of locations within Rutland, and unusual Crime and Punishment exhibits including the only surviving New Drop Gallows in England! It is also a great place to start the Oakham Heritage Trail.
Step back in time with a visit to Oakham Castle, by the Market Place, Britain’s finest example of Norman architecture. Find out why Royalty and Nobility have been bringing horseshoes to hang on the castle walls for centuries. Oakham Castle is free to enter for visitors as well as providing a stunning and unique wedding venue.
Oakham unveiled the first posthumous statue of Queen Elizabeth II in the world in April 2024. At seven foot tall and with three bronze corgi’s around the base, this installation is well worth a visit to Oakham Library Gardens.
Look out for the unusual stocks and the town pump beneath the Butter Cross. Wander through the Market Place on a Wednesday or Saturday to find a burgeoning display of the finest local produce from meats and pies, to local cheeses, artisan bread and fresh free-range eggs. Or throughout the week you’ll find Oakham Wines impressive selection of tipples on the corner of the Market Place, exclusive wines at French Cellar on Mill Street, Hambleton Bakery on Gaol Street and Otters Fine Food deli on High Street.
Railway enthusiasts can admire Oakham Signal Box, built in 1899. It became famous after it was used by Airfix, and subsequently Dapol, as the template for all their model railway signal boxes. It is one of a number of signal boxes in England that are on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest and it is in daily use to this day.
Oakham has an exciting and mouth-watering choice of menus to sample at an abundant mix of cafés, bars, restaurants and pubs to suit every budget. With so many local attractions to explore and plenty of stylish shops and boutiques to visit, you’ll be grateful of the opportunity to sample our locally brewed ale and gather family and friends to experience delicious meals in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
As well as the Oakham Heritage Trail and the Crime and Punishment self walking trails, there are guided tours of Oakham throughout the year, please see the town guide website for details.Oakham library marks the end point of The Viking Way, a 149-mile walking route starting at the Humber estuary in Lincolnshire.
The Oakham Canal lies north of the town and has been brough back to life by the Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project. Enjoy a five-mile audio walk from Church Street car park, leading you through the town and along the towpath, with characters from the past telling you their stories of the canals history.
