Attractions and Places To See around Oakham - Top 20

Around Oakham, particularly at Rutland Water, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. These include hiking, cycling, fishing, and various water sports. The area is also excellent for wildlife spotting, being home to over 25,000 waterfowl. For cycling, the Rutland Water Cycle Route is very popular, offering varied terrain. You can find numerous routes for cycling and gravel biking around the area.

Yes, Oakham offers several hiking opportunities. Rutland Water itself provides a great area for a hike, though alternatives to walking back on the same track can be limited if you don't want to do the full circuit. The Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project also offers a five-mile audio walk along its towpath. For more structured routes, you can explore various hiking trails around Oakham, including moderate paths like the 'Oakham to Brooke Priory loop along the Rutland Round'.

For scenic views, the areas around Rutland Water offer expansive vistas. Gorse Field, Harris Grove & Ball's Meadow, and Brooke Hill Wood, located on the outskirts of Oakham, provide stunning views over the countryside and Rutland Water. These woodland and open grassland areas are publicly accessible for walking.

Yes, you can explore Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland, an ancient woodland that offers a change of scenery from the open views around Rutland Water. This 28-hectare wood is part of the Rutland Water SSSI and was formerly part of a Medieval deer park. It's a great spot for a walk, whatever the weather.

Oakham is rich in historical landmarks. You can visit the 12th-century Oakham Castle, known for its Great Hall and unique collection of ceremonial horseshoes. The impressive 14th-century All Saints' Church with its distinctive spire is also a prominent landmark. Don't miss The Butter Cross in the market place, dating back to at least 1611, which features unusual five-hole stocks. The Oakham Heritage Trail is a great way to explore these and other significant sites.

Yes, the Rutland County Museum, housed in a former Victorian riding school, offers a fascinating look into the county's history, including exhibits on archaeology, rural life, and unique crime and punishment artifacts. It's also a good starting point for the Oakham Heritage Trail. For those interested in local craft beverages, The Grainstore Brewery & Tap offers tours and tastings.

Normanton Church is an iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. It was saved from demolition in the 1970s following public protest when plans were outlined to flood the area for the reservoir. Now, it appears to float when the lake is full, or as if its lower half has sunk, making it a unique and picturesque attraction. It also serves as a venue for weddings and concerts.

Oakham offers several family-friendly options. Rutland Water provides ample space for family walks and cycling. Rutland Farm Park is a great place for children to interact with farm animals. The Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre allows visitors to learn about and even handle exotic birds of prey. Additionally, Cutts Close Park in Oakham features a play area and a skate park.

Yes, some attractions in and around Oakham offer wheelchair accessibility. Normanton Church and Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop are noted as wheelchair accessible. When planning your visit, it's always advisable to check specific accessibility details with the venue directly.

The best time to visit Oakham for outdoor activities generally aligns with milder weather. Spring (for bluebells in Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland) and summer are ideal for cycling, hiking, and water sports at Rutland Water. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery for walks. While the area is accessible year-round, some facilities or activities might have seasonal operating hours.

Oakham's historic Market Place hosts lively markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and a vibrant atmosphere. For unique shopping, Mill Street is known for its boutiques, salons, artisans, and cafes, providing a range of shopping and dining experiences.

Yes, there are several options. Wymondham Windmill, Tea Rooms & Windmill Wheels Bike Shop offers a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a mid-ride stop. Near Rutland Water, you can find refreshments at Rutland Nurseries Cafe between Manton and the Lynton reserve, or at the Horse & Jockey pub in Manton. In Oakham town, Mill Street also features various cafes.

Beyond the main attractions, you might enjoy discovering the Oakham Signal Box, built in 1899 and famous for being the template for model railway signal boxes. It's still in daily use. Another unique spot is Sir Jeffery Hudson's House, a thatched cottage near the town centre, once home to the 'smallest man from the smallest county'.

Absolutely! Cycling is a very popular activity around Oakham, especially around Rutland Water. The Rutland Water Cycle Route is a highlight, offering a full circuit around the reservoir. You can find numerous routes for both general cycling and gravel biking, catering to various difficulty levels and distances.