- Oakham is the principal town of Rutland, which is the smallest county in England by both area and population.
- The town's custom of the 'Horseshoe Tax' dates back to the 15th century, requiring peers of the realm to forfeit a horseshoe upon arrival.
- The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of the most complete 12th-century buildings of its type in England.
- Rutland has historically functioned as a separate administrative unit since the Domesday Book, despite being temporarily merged into Leicestershire during the late 20th century.
- The local economy has shifted from agricultural and ironstone industry roots to a heavy reliance on tourism and education-related services.
About Oakham
Oakham is the historic county town of Rutland, England's smallest ceremonial county, known for its well-preserved medieval character and proximity to the expansive Rutland Water. The town is famous for the unique tradition of presenting a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor when a peer of the realm passes through, a practice commemorated at Oakham Castle. Visitors frequently explore the area to access the vast leisure facilities at Rutland Water and the historical architecture of All Saints Church : Oakham. The surrounding landscape provides a scenic backdrop for the Rocks By Rail Living Ironstone Museum, which preserves the region's industrial heritage.
Highlights of Oakham
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
View the extensive collection of ornamental horseshoes donated by royalty and nobility over several centuries.
Parks
Cycle or walk the 25-mile perimeter track surrounding this major man-made reservoir.
Parks
Participate in inflatable obstacle courses on the water during the summer months.
Museums
Ride historical industrial locomotives and view vintage railway equipment in a former quarry setting.
Parks
Observe diverse bird populations from designated hides located within the wetland habitats.
Temples
Examine the intricate stone carvings and 14th-century architectural features of this prominent parish church.
Historical places
Visit this 18th-century folly situated within the parkland of the former Exton Park estate.
Top things to do in Oakham
The 22 highest-rated places in Oakham, ranked by travellers.
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Museums
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Temples
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Historical places
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Oakham on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Oakham
Late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather allows for full enjoyment of the outdoor activities and water sports around Rutland Water.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the town center's history and the extensive perimeter of the nearby reservoir.
The town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, though a car or bicycle is recommended for accessing the wider Rutland Water area and surrounding villages.
Stay in the town center to be within walking distance of historic sites or look for countryside inns near the banks of Rutland Water for a quieter experience.
Mid-range; while town amenities are standard, the popularity of the reservoir area can increase accommodation costs during peak summer weekends.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 22 curated attractions in and around Oakham, ranked by traveller ratings.
Aqua Park Rutland is the highest-rated place to visit in Oakham right now.
The largest category is temples, with 7 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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