Discover Oakham: Rutland News, Shopping, Eating, Drinking & Castle Museum
Welcome to Discover Oakham, The Heart of Rutland
Welcome to Discover Oakham, your definitive guide to the historic county town of Rutland. Oakham is a place where
deep-rooted heritage meets a vibrant modern community.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we invite you to explore the unique character of our market town
brought to you by Oakham & Rutland News.
A Journey Through History
Oakham’s story is woven into the very fabric of England. As the county town of the UK’s smallest county, it has long served as a center for trade, justice, and education.
Oakham Castle, Step inside one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. The Great Hall is world-renowned for its unique collection of over 200 ceremonial horseshoes, donated by peers of the realm and Royalty to the Lord of the Manor—a tradition spanning centuries.
Oakham School, Founded in 1584 by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, this prestigious institution has been a cornerstone of the town for over 400 years, blending historic architecture with a reputation for academic excellence
Notable Figures
Oakham has been home to some of history’s most colourful characters.
Sir Jeffrey Hudson, known as the "Queen's Dwarf," Hudson was a courtier to Queen Henrietta Maria. His life was one of high adventure, involving pirates, duels, and an unexpected arrival at a royal banquet inside a cold venison pie.
Titus Oates, The infamous fabricator of the "Popish Plot" was born here. Though his legacy is controversial, his ties to Oakham remain a fascinating footnote in the town’s seventeenth-century history.
Oakham Today: A Vibrant Town Center
While we honour our past, Oakham Today is a thriving hub of activity. The town center is a "must-visit" destination for those who appreciate quality and local charm.
wander through our streets to find a curated mix of independent boutiques, luxury gift shops, and traditional retailers that offer a personalised shopping experience you won't find on a standard high street.
Experience the heartbeat of the town every Wednesday and Saturday at the traditional outdoor market. For food lovers, our monthly Farmers’ Market showcases the very best of Rutland’s "Leap of Faith" produce, from artisan cheeses to locally reared meats.
Eat & Drink, from cosy, timber-framed pubs serving local ales to sophisticated bistros and charming tea rooms, Oakham offers a diverse culinary scene. Whether it’s a quick coffee or a fine-dining experience, there is a table waiting for you.
Discover Oakham is here to ensure you don't miss a thing. Explore our listings to find the best of what our town center has to offer today.
Oakham Castle, The Jewel of Rutland
If you walk through the wrought-iron gates just off Oakham Market Place, you’ll find yourself standing before one of the most significant historical sites in England. Oakham Castle is not your typical fortress of towers and moats; it is home to the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Northern Europe.
Castle Cottage Cafe
Within the historic grounds of Oakham Castle, Castle Cottage Cafe is one of the town's best-kept secrets. This independent cafe offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the High Street.
The Buttercross and Stocks, A Window into Medieval Oakham
If you stand in the heart of Oakham’s Market Place, you are standing on ground that has been the center of local commerce and justice for over 700 years. The most iconic symbols of this long history are the Buttercross and the ancient Stocks that sit beneath its protective roof.
The Oakham Water Pump A Conduit to the Past, Oakham Market Place
Standing quietly in the corner of the Market Place, the Oakham Water Pump is more than just a piece of vintage street furniture. While it no longer serves the town's thirsty residents, it remains a tangible link to a hidden subterranean world—a network of ancient water sources that run beneath the very feet of shoppers and visitors.
Cutts Close Oakham’s Green Oasis
Just a stone's throw from the High Street lies Cutts Close, the town’s main park and a favourite retreat for locals and visitors alike. Steeped in history and managed by Oakham Town Council, this park offers the perfect blend of tranquil green space and vibrant community life.
The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Statue, a UK First, Oakham Rutland
In the gardens behind Oakham Library, you will find one of the town’s most significant contemporary landmarks, the bronze memorial to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Rutland County Museum, The Story of England’s Smallest County
Located on Catmose Street in the heart of Oakham, Rutland County Museum is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to understand the unique identity of this small but mighty county.
Oakham Railway Station
For many visitors, Oakham Railway Station provides their first glimpse of our county town. Far from being just a modern transit point, the station is a beautifully preserved piece of Victorian history that has served the community since the mid-19th century.
Oakham’s Famous Signal Box
If you’ve ever waited at the level crossing on Melton Road, you’ve been standing in the shadow of a genuine celebrity. The Oakham Level Crossing Signal Box is arguably one of the most famous railway structures in the world not because of its size, but because it has been recreated in miniature on thousands of kitchen tables across the globe.
Oakham War Memorial A Legacy of Sacrifice
Standing prominently in the churchyard of All Saints’ Church, the Oakham War Memorial is a poignant landmark that serves as the town's focal point for Remembrance. Designed as an elegant lantern cross in the medieval style, it stands as a silent witness to the profound impact of the 20th century’s global conflicts on our local community.
Rutland County Library, Oakham, Rutland, A Hub for Culture and Discovery
Located on Catmose Street, Rutland County Library is far more than just a place to borrow books. It is a vibrant community hub where Oakham’s deep history meets modern-day resources. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to study, a fun afternoon for the kids, or a dive into your family’s ancestry, the library is the heart of the town’s intellectual life.
The Railway Pub & Steam Bar Oakham Rutland
Located directly opposite the historic Oakham Railway Station, The Railway Pub & Steam Bar is much more than a local watering hole.
The Oakham Heritage Pub Crawl
This Historic Inns & Artisan Ales Walk takes you from the station, through the hidden alleyways of the town center, and finishes at the oldest inn in Oakham. It’s a perfect way to experience the town's hospitality while soaking up its history.
Angela Harding Capturing the Spirit of Rutland
If you have ever browsed a high-end bookstore or admired a nature-inspired calendar, chances are you have encountered the evocative work of Angela Harding. A celebrated printmaker and illustrator, Angela has become one of the UK’s most recognisable artists, with her distinct style deeply rooted in the rolling landscapes of Rutland.
Hitchen’s Barn, A Culinary Masterpiece in Oakham
If you are looking for the pinnacle of dining in Rutland, Hitchen’s Barn on Burley Road is an essential stop. Owned and run by the formidable husband-and-wife team Neil and Louise Hitchen, this restaurant has quickly become a "neighborhood favorite" with a national reputation, consistently proving that world-class cooking can be both relaxed and accessible.
Osprey Property Burley Road Oakham Rutland, A Full Circle Success Story in Oakham
Located on Burley Road, just a short walk from the Oakham town center, Osprey Property has long been a familiar name in the Rutland and Stamford property markets. Known for its high-end branding and "customer-first" approach to sales and lettings, the company recently made headlines with a significant acquisition that brought its founder’s
story full circle.
Hungry Birds, A Quirky Retreat on Burley Road
If you are looking for a spot that perfectly captures the "independent" spirit of Oakham, Hungry Birds is a must-visit. Located at the beginning of Burley Road, just a stone's throw from the High Street, this charming coffee shop has earned a reputation for its eclectic décor, warm welcome, and some of the best homemade treats in Rutland.
The Wisteria Hotel & Hunters Bar A 17th-century Landmark
Standing elegantly on Catmose Street, the Wisteria Hotel is one of Oakham’s most storied buildings. This Grade II listed property, part of which dates back to 1604, originally served as a grand hunting lodge. Today, it combines that Jacobean charm with modern boutique hospitality, serving as a key anchor in the "County of Good Taste."