Oakham Castle
Oakham Castle things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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All that is left of Oakham Castle is its Great Hall which has survived from Norman times. Unlike Pevensey Castle, it was not fortunate enough to have a Roman base which could withstand the test of time. The Castle is conveniently located in the center of Oakham, the county town of Rutland, the smallest county in England. One of the unique things about Oakham Castle is its collection of horseshoes. No one knows where this tradition started but every visiting nobleman or royal has to provide a horseshoe to hang on the wall of the Great Hall on their first visit to Oakham Castle. The oldest horseshoe belongs to Edward IV from the 15th century. There are over 200 horseshoes now including horseshoes given by Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria. The Great Hall at Oakham Castle is surrounded by a large field where the Castle’s outbuildings would have stood. The defensive walls are also still in place. From the top of the hill for the wall, you have fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Silver BackpackerSilver Backpacker
10
Oakham town sits in the county of Rutland, a beautiful area to explore. The town is old and steeped in history . It has lovely shops, eateries, pubs, and a nice small Saturday market. The church is beautiful & next door, the castle, what remains of it, which is the main hall, dating back to the 1100s, well worth a visit also connected to the hall a very nice tea room serving very nice food & drinks not cheap but worth it food and service excellent . Rutland is beautiful enough to explore the back lanes and villages such as Uppingham. You step back in time, and same here, plenty of tasty eateries , pubs, and shops, a beautiful little church, the Falcon Hotel worth a visit for tea coffee or something a little stronger. Also, to visit Rutland Waters, a place in springtime where ospreys return from Africa to nest here . This is a nice time to visit the area autumn now with us the leaves are changing into their different beautiful colours . If you decide to explore Rutland, you won't be disappointed . Enjoy.
Ryan KirkRyan Kirk
00
What an interesting building which is in brilliant condition having received lottery funding some years ago, hard to believe that the building was used as Magistrates Court until i think 2002, there is also a memorial plaque displaying names of local residents killed in WW1 but alongside was a detailed service history about most of those listed, just off the main building is a cosy cafe with very friendly staff, good menu and a mean coffee, The grounds have been maintained well and there is a free carpark (time limit) for visitors to the castle
A340 fanA340 fan
00
Oakham is a hidd3n beauty spot! If you're in the area and are looking for a place of interest, look no further! Free parking, free entry (dogs are welcome too) with a cafe and toilets inside. The building itself dates back to around the 11th century, being one of the best preserved Norman halls in the country. The inside is adorned with a fascinating array of horseshoes that have been gifted to the hall over the many centuries. The grounds are a nice walk too, being connected to the adjacent park. Well worth a visit for fans of history!
Toby WatsonToby Watson
30
What a gem. Ancient building saved by its continuous use as a courtroom. Huge horseshoes on the walls, a tradition that visiting Royalty and gentry have to leave one makes for a very unusual experience combined with the beautiful oak roof structure. The volunteer guide brought the history of the place alive for us. There is a cafe too, sadly closed on our Monday visit. An unusual war memorial too, with the dates 1914 to 1919. If you fancy taking yourself off for some quiet time visit the holding cell. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Anthony HibbsAnthony Hibbs
10
Great way to spend an hour or two. Entry is free and dogs are welcome inside and out. There is a nice outside space for the kids or dog. The horseshoe collection is quite unique and the volunteers inside are really happy to help. Nice little stop on the heritage trail, a bit of a shame the outer walls have been ruined. Check out the 5 hole stocks just outside the entrance too, only other surving example is in Woodstock Oxfordshire.
J BJ B
10
Nearby Attractions Of Oakham Castle
Rutland Farm Park
Wisteria Hotel
Rutland County Museum
Castle Cottage Cafe
Cutts Close Park
All Saints Church : Oakham
Oakham Market
Rutland Farm Park
4.3
(231)Click for details
Wisteria Hotel
4.6
(201)Click for details
Rutland County Museum
4.5
(177)Click for details
Castle Cottage Cafe
4.5
(115)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Oakham Castle
The Captain Noel Newton - JD Wetherspoon
The Admiral Hornblower
Lord Nelson - Oakham
Jashir - Indian Cuisine
Otters Fine Foods
Sarpech
The Angler Oakham Hotel and Pub
Hitchen's Barn
The Grainstore Brewery & Tap
Wheatsheaf
The Captain Noel Newton - JD Wetherspoon
4.1
(651)Click for details
The Admiral Hornblower
4.4
(480)Click for details
Lord Nelson - Oakham
4.3
(368)Click for details
Jashir - Indian Cuisine
4.8
(225)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Castle Grounds Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DR, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1572 757578
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Website
oakhamcastle.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(571 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Oakham Castle is a historic building in Oakham, Rutland. The castle is known for its collection of massive horseshoes and is also recognised as one of the best examples of domestic Norman architecture in England. It is a Grade I listed building.
attractions: Rutland Farm Park, Wisteria Hotel, Rutland County Museum, Castle Cottage Cafe, Cutts Close Park, All Saints Church : Oakham, Oakham Market, restaurants: The Captain Noel Newton - JD Wetherspoon, The Admiral Hornblower, Lord Nelson - Oakham, Jashir - Indian Cuisine, Otters Fine Foods, Sarpech, The Angler Oakham Hotel and Pub, Hitchen's Barn, The Grainstore Brewery & Tap, Wheatsheaf
