Things To Do
in Oakham
Oakham is a historic market town in Rutland, England, perched in the heart of one of England's smallest counties. It centers around a medieval castle and a bustling Market Place where locals and visitors mingle. The town serves as a gateway to Rutland's countryside, including the expansive Rutland Water reservoir and leafy lanes flanked by thatched cottages.
Oakham pairs heritage with a relaxed, rural charm that makes it a great base for exploring southern Leicestershire and northern Northamptonshire.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in Oakham with a visit to the Oakham Castle, where you can explore the impressive medieval architecture and learn about its rich history. The morning sun casts a beautiful light on the intricate stone carvings, making for a perfect photo opportunity. Don’t forget to check out the fascinating displays of the Rutland Hall, showcasing local artifacts.
After a leisurely lunch at a local café, take a stroll through the serene Rutland Water Park. You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the picturesque lakeside or rent a bike to cover more ground. If you're lucky, you might spot some of the diverse wildlife that calls this area home.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional English pub for dinner, where you can savor local dishes and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. The pub often features live music, creating a lively ambience perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Spend your evening mingling with locals and sharing stories about your day.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the nearby Barnsdale Gardens, renowned for their stunning horticultural displays. Take a guided tour to learn about the various garden styles and inspirations, while snapping photos of the breathtaking scenery. The morning dew glistens on the flowers, enhancing the natural beauty all around.
Continue your adventure by exploring the local trails through the Rutland countryside, with options suitable for all fitness levels. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the tranquil landscape. The fresh air and picturesque views make for an invigorating and refreshing afternoon.
Return to Oakham for an evening at the local cinema showcasing independent films. Grab some popcorn and settle in for an entertaining film experience, followed by a discussion of your favorite scenes with fellow moviegoers. Wind down your day at a cozy café, sipping on hot chocolate while reflecting on your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧀Local cheese and bread from market | $4-9 |
| 🚗Short taxi ride in town | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to Rutland's countryside
- Strong sense of history and well-preserved architecture
- Excellent access to Rutland Water and outdoor activities
- Friendly locals and a calm pace of life
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
- Smaller choice of dining compared with bigger cities
- Public transport can be infrequent outside peak hours
- Seasonal crowds around peak times can affect parking and markets
Places to Visit in Oakham
Visit one of these nice places.
Medieval architecture and quaint market town ambiance provide classic photography settings.
Wide skies, water reflections, and birdlife make perfect landscape and wildlife shots.
Elegant spire and townscape backdrop ideal for city photography.
Colorful borders and designed landscapes offer macro and wide-angle opportunities.
Food in Oakham
Oakham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional pork pie widely available in Rutland, best found at markets or specialist shops.
Must-Try!
Spring dishes featuring fresh asparagus with local dairy, served as soup, salad, or sides.
Seasonal game pies or roasted meats sourced from local estates, ideal for autumn and winter meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and seasonal specialties.
Local farmers selling seasonal fruit, vegetables, honey, baked goods, and artisanal products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
British politeness and orderly queues are expected in shops and on transport.
A simple hello or good morning; respectful conversations with locals in shops.
Respect farmland and wildlife; stay on public rights of way and clear up after pets.
Safety
Tipping in Oakham
Ensure a smooth experience
Gratuities are customary but not obligatory; round up or leave 10-15% in restaurants if service is good.
Cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments are common; cash is still usable in markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, warm temperatures, outdoor dining and lakeside activities; expect tourist traffic around Rutland Water.
Harvest markets, mellow light for photography, and woodlands turning copper and gold; pack layers.
Shorter days, possible frost and occasional snow; cozy pubs and indoor sightseeing shine.
Flowers bloom, countryside comes to life, and farmers markets restart; bring comfortable walking shoes.
Oakham at Night
Hiking in Oakham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A series of circular walks around the county; check local guides for accessible sections near Oakham.
Popular lakeside route with varied scenery and wildlife viewing points.
Gentle woodland paths and viewpoints near Barnsdale Gardens offering easy hikes.
Airports
How to reach Oakham by plane.
Approximately 40-60 miles away, with rail and road links to Oakham via Peterborough and the A1.
About 70-80 miles away; international flights and good road connections via the M42/M6.
Approximately 80-90 miles away; direct trains from nearby hubs and easy road access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families living in Oakham while commuting to nearby towns for work.
A sizable retiree population enjoying the countryside and quiet town life.
Students attending colleges in the region and professionals traveling to nearby towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in parks and clubs during summer; local leagues and social play.
Scenic routes around Rutland and country lanes attract cyclists of all levels.
Nearby golf courses including Rutland County Golf Club; serene countryside settings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oakham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many pubs and cafes offer vegetarian pies, seasonal salads, and veggie mains; alert staff to dairy or egg preferences and ask for substitutions.