Top 10 Things To Do In Oakham, England

1. Take a trip back in time at Oakham Castle

The most iconic site in Oakham is a splendid and well-preserved piece of Norman architecture. Built between 1180 and 1190, Oakham Castle recently underwent a major restoration project from a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant. However, it’s not exactly a castle anymore as the only remaining part of Oakham Castle is its Great Hall. While here, you can find an unexpected number of horseshoes on display which were donated by English nobility, a tradition whose beginnings were lost in time.

Oakham Castle

Address: Castle Grounds Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DR, United Kingdom

Website: Oakham Castle

Opening hours: Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun - Tue, Thu)

Price: Free

2. See the largest reservoir in England at Rutland Water

At the east end of Oakham, you will find the famed Rutland Water reservoir. It is labeled as the largest reservoir in England and one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. With a variety of recreation-related facilities here, you can go fishing, birdwatching, take on some water sports, or hang out by the beach. There is also a bug zoo, a cafe, and a mini golf facility perfect for the little ones. However, as of writing, some facilities may be closed due to the pandemic so best to check with the management first before visiting.

Rutland Water

Address: Rutland, England

Website: Rutland Water

3. Attend a community event at Victoria Hall

Throughout the history of Oakham, Victoria Hall has served as a venue for the community’s gatherings. In the mid-19th century, it was originally called The Agricultural Hall because this was where local farmers held their meetings. Towards the end of the century, it was renamed to its current name and is labeled as a Victorian Grade II listed building. It has been renovated with its old charm still intact and today functions as a multi-purpose hall for several of the town’s social and business events including weddings, forums, exhibitions, local markets, and even dance classes.

Victoria Hall

Address: 39 High St, Oakham LE15 6AH, United Kingdom

Website: Victoria Hall

4. Learn the town's local history at Rutland County Museum

Every town has a certain place dedicated to telling its history and local life. For Oakham, you can learn the town history at Rutland County Museum. Housed in a former military building called Riding School of Rutland Fencible Cavalry, Rutland County Museum became operational in 1969. It tells the local history, which is mainly centered on agriculture, military, and archaeology, through many artefacts, antique collections, and exhibits. However, only 20 guests are allowed to enter at a time so be prepared to queue outside.

Rutland County Museum

Address: Catmos St, Oakham LE15 6HW, United Kingdom

Website: Rutland County Museum

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sat: 1:30pm - 4:30pm (closed on Sun, Tue, Thu & Fri)

Price: Free

5. Wander through the beauty of Barnsdale Gardens

Considered the brainchild of Geoff Hamilton, a known English gardener and broadcaster, Barnsdale Gardens was brought to the small screen by Hamilton on the BBC series “Gardeners’ World”, where he shared affordable and organic gardening tips. Barnsdale Gardens is made up of 38 smaller “pocket gardens” such as a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and an orchard, among many others. The aim of the attraction is for guests to be able to get ideas for their own garden, similar to what Hamilton promoted. It is also a lovely place to have some tea and simply relax for the day.

Barnsdale Gardens

Address: Barnsdale Ave, Exton, Oakham LE15 8AH, United Kingdom

Website: Barnsdale Gardens

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Mar - Oct: 13 USD (adult), 8 USD (children); Nov - Feb: 10 USD (adult), 6 USD (children)

6. Be captivated by the remarkable Normanton Church

Sitting on the east banks of Rutland Water, Normanton Church is a unique and almost magical structure worth your visit. Once known as St. Matthew’s Church in the early 1700s, it stood as the village’s parish until part of the village was destroyed for an aristocrat family. Several hundred years later, when the reservoir was to be made, Normanton Church was de-consecrated with half of it sitting above the water and the other half filled with concrete and rubble. Thanks to the local efforts of wanting to save the beautiful structure, it now functions primarily as a wedding venue for many.

Normanton Church

Address: Normanton Park Rd, Oakham LE15 8RP, United Kingdom

Website: Normanton Church

7. Go birdwatching at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

On the western shores of Rutland Water, you will find The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre. Located by the lovely village of Egleton, The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre is an ideal place for education and learning, especially if you’re into birdwatching and wildlife observation. It is one of the two visitor centers sitting on Rutland Water and is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in a nature-filled trip. There is also a coffee shop for refreshments and a gift shop for souvenirs on site. Plus, the facility is wheelchair-accessible.

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

Address: Oakham LE15 8BT, United Kingdom

Website: The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily during the summer); 9am - 4pm (daily during the winter)

Price: 8 USD (adult), 6 USD (concession), 5 USD (children), 21 USD (family)

8. Take a nature hike at Lyndon Visitor Centre

Located on the southern shores of Rutland Water, Lyndon Visitor Centre is one of the two visitor centers in the reservoir. It is the perfect place for people who are planning a nature trip to explore some of the best wildlife the area can offer. One of the stars of this initiative is the osprey, wherein you will be able to see a live webcam of their activity upon entering the center. There are also seven other birdwatching sites across the reserve. You can also opt to go for a hike, a relaxing walk, or simply admire the views of nature around you.

Lyndon Visitor Centre

Address: Oakham LE15 8RN, United Kingdom

Website: Lyndon Visitor Centre

Opening hours: Mar - Sep: 9am - 5pm (daily); Oct: 10am - 3pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD (adult), 6 USD (concession), 5 USD (children), 21 USD (family)

9. Make new furry friends at Rutland Farm Park

Don’t miss out on a trip to Rutland Farm Park if you are taking your little ones with you. Get up close and personal with friendly farm animals such as goats, sheep, cows, and pigs, and probably some of your kids’ favorites including rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses. There is also a lovely tea shop, Daphne’s Tea Shop, and a gift shop inside these 19th-century farmhouses. As of writing, there are some guidelines that guests must take note of upon visiting the farm due to the pandemic. Check out their website before booking a trip here.

Rutland Farm Park

Address: Uppingham Rd, Oakham LE15 6JD, United Kingdom

Website: Rutland Farm Park

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am – 5pm (during summer months), 10am – 4pm (during winter months) (closed on Mon)

Price: 8 USD (adults), 6 USD (children), 23 USD (family)

10. Take on the challenge at Aqua Park Rutland

For some adrenaline rush, you can check out Aqua Park Rutland. Located on the northern side of Rutland Water, it is the UK’s largest inflatable water obstacle course. If you are physically up for the challenge, you will be going through a series of inflatable walls, slides, bars, and many more while trying not to fall into the water. It is the perfect place to get a full exercise routine and an awesome bonding experience with your family and friends as well. However, as of writing, the park will remain closed until the end of the year due to COVID-19.

Aqua Park Rutland

Address: Bull Brig Ln, Whitwell, Oakham LE15 8BL, United Kingdom

Website: Aqua Park Rutland

Price: From 32 USD

Discover the loveliness of Oakham

A small town with much more to offer, Oakham definitely should not be overlooked when planning a trip to the English countryside. It has got a bit of everything, from historical buildings to exciting experiences. Whether you are an old soul or an adrenaline junkie, there is something for you at Oakham.