Oakham offers several distinct reasons to stay: historic sites, themed trails, a working farm attraction, as well as markets and music in summer. When planning, the changing highlights are particularly useful to know about: a walk with a specified length, year-round animal encounters, and events held on set days of the week or during a particular season.
History in Buildings and Details
The Great Hall at Oakham Castle was built between 1180 and 1190. The grounds of Oakham Castle and the Great Hall are free to visit. Opening arrangements may change, so check before your visit.
In the Church of All Saints, the capitals of the nave—the upper parts of the columns—feature figures, foliage and biblical scenes. Oakham’s Butter Cross is shown on John Speed’s 1611 map of Oakham; Oakham Signal Box was built in 1899. The statue of Queen Elizabeth II in the gardens of Oakham Library depicts the monarch with three corgis and can be reached via the town’s footpath.
Walks and Nature Along the Oakham Canal
The Oakham Heritage Trail is a walking route where you can discover local history. The Oakham Canal Audio Walk follows a different route: a five-mile circular walk through the town and along the towpaths. You can play or download the tracks; MP3 players can be borrowed from Oakham Library or Oakham Castle. If you are choosing between the two routes, the Heritage Trail focuses on local history, while the Audio Walk is specifically mapped out as a five-mile circular route.
A footpath runs along the entire eastern bank of the Oakham Canal, providing an accessible route. This stretch of the canal provides a habitat for wildlife, particularly waterfowl.
Animals, Markets and Music
Rutland Farm Park is an 18-acre working farm attraction in Oakham. Visitors can explore the paths and meet and feed the animals throughout the year. It is a ten-minute walk from Oakham town centre. The park therefore combines a working farm with specific activities for visitors.
Popular markets are held in Oakham on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The “Bands in the Park” series takes place regularly at the bandstand in Cutts Close on Sundays throughout the summer. The timings differ: the markets are held on set days of the week, while the music series takes place on Sundays in summer. Check local dates if you are travelling specifically for a market or event.
Cycling Routes from the Town Centre
The “Oakham Cycling Routes” leaflet suggests three cycle rides that start in the town centre. The routes vary in length and difficulty and, where possible, follow traffic-free cycle paths. When choosing, you can take the route length and level of difficulty into account while bearing in mind the stated qualification about using cycle paths.
Discover more destinations: North Luffenham, Ashwell, Uppingham, Langham, Lyddington, Clipsham, Morcott, Greetham.
For the wider travel overview: Rutland.
