Oakham Private Pub Tour

Our Private Oakham Pub Tour isn’t just a pub tour but also visits some of the oldest and most characterful parts of the market town of Oakham and we will see castles, churches, market squares and all sorts of other history along the way. A drink for each person in each pub is included in the tour price though of course soft and sometimes hot drinks are available if preferred.

We normally meet outside Oakham Railway Station which is easy for day-trippers from London (also Nottingham, Peterborough and Leicester) but this tour is also perfect for anyone staying in one of the lovely hotels in Rutland, all just a short taxi ride away. If you’re staying in Oakham itself, I can meet you at your hotel.

We’ll head off on a short walk through some picturesque steets and after we have walked by the unique Oakham Castle we will stop off at the wonderful Wheatsheaf. It’s a lovely local and is from the 17th-century, snug and cosy with itsoak beams and beer garden, offering real ales, whiskies and rums.

Five to ten minutes walk away past the fantastic All Saints Church and through an atmospheric alley or two we will see the old Buttercross and town stocks, so everyone be on their best behaviour before we sample a drink at the Lord Nelson nestled away in a corner of Oakham market square.

The Lord Nelson looks rather small from the outside but it’s actually quite large inside and as the County Motto of Rutland goes, Much In Little! The Lord Nelson has been masterfully restored in recent years and its two floors are now bursting with character. The drinks live up to the atmosphere with award winning local ales and an extensive range of gins, guest ales and craft beers.

I have fond memories of The Admiral Hornblower as I stayed here for a few nights when seeing a dear friend who lives locally, it was the week of the Queens funeral so a rather surreal atmosphere. Nevertheless this pub and beautiful little town made such an impression on me that I decided to move here, well 10 minutes walk away.

It’s all based around a 17th century former Farmhouse that has been lovingly restored and as well as its wonderful pub is renowned for its food too.

Possibly the nicest ‘Spoons’ in the county. For more than 60 years, these premises were the Royal British Legion, having been acquired in the late 1940s from Captain Noel Newton. Newton served in the army during World War I with the rank of captain, then major – and was awarded the Military Cross. He was later a member of Rutland County Council. The premises are built onto a surviving part of The Limes – a grand house named after the tall trees in its walled garden.

Rutland is famed for its agricultural produce and its food and drink. Oakham even has its own Grainstore Brewery with a traditional Tap pub which has a large selection of its award winning beers and ales. The Grainstore Brewery Tap opened its doors in September 1994 and today is recognised as one of the best brew pubs in Britain. The combination of superb beers, brewed on the premises, and a traditional pub setting has proven to be a winner, earning the accolade of The Good Pub Guide ‘Own Brew Pub of the Year’ on no less than five occasions in 2003, 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2019.

Naturally enough this make for a great last stop of our Oakham Private Pub Tour. There is even a shop so you can buy your favourite new tipple and take it back with you.

Starting Time: About Midday… depending on you.City Location: Oakham
Duration of Tour: 3-4 hours Approx

Meeting Point: Oakham Railway Station for those arriving from London (about 40 minutes to Peterborough then 25 to Oakham) or elsewhere. Otherwise we can meet you at your hotel in Oakham or mutually convenient location.