The history of Oakham goes back over a thousand years with people living here much earlier too. Oakham is a beautiful vibrant market town which somehow manages to be wonderfully quiet compared to the noisy chaos of London. It makes for a great day out or even long weekend away. Our special private walking tour is the best way to either see it all or get your bearings for a longer stay.
Oakham Castle is known for being one of the best preserved examples of Norman architecture. Its great hall is home to massive horseshoes, often made by local blacksmiths, to celebrate visitations from important people, (traditionally royalty or peers of the realm) including King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II Following recent restoration work it is now even easier to explore the old boundaries of the castle which may have been part of a much larger Anglo-Saxon burgh or fortification.
Nearby is the impressive Grade 1 listed 13th century All Saints Church which is almost at the centre of Oakham in more ways than one.
No tour of Oakham is complete without a visit to the beautiful market square which still has a market several days every week. Perhaps pride of place goes to the centuries old Buttercross complete with its original and rather unique stocks where miscreants would be secured with perhaps the odd bit of old fruit or vegetable. Nearby is the recently restored old water pump too.
Talking about food, we have the chance to explore some of the lanes and High Street of Oakham which is well-deserved culinary reputation with butchers, bakers, cafes and restaurants. Once a month Oakham holds a farmers market and there is even a traditional sweets shop and a cheesemonger. In fact there are plenty of fine craft and clothing shops too if that tickles your fancy. Lots of pubs too so do see our Oakham Pub Tour.
Being the County Town, Oakham is also home to the wonderful Rutland Museum, home to the only surviving New Drop Gallows which is suppose isn’t all that wonderful.
There are lots of old institutions in Oakham, not least of which is the old hospital of St John and St Anne which was set up in 1398. We’ll see the original medieval chapel there and learn of its near 630 year mission to help the sick and poor that continues to this day.
As we head back we will see the ancient home of the shortest man in Rutland who is said to have inspired the story of little Tom Thumb, a beautiful picturesque street that used to be known as Dead Mans Lane and the most famous railway signalbox in the world.
Meeting Time: AM or PM
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.
How to book Oakham Private Walking Tour
Standard Adult Prices per person includes any entry fees (child prices available upon request).
1 Adult = £50
2 Adults = £40
3 Adults = £30
4 Adults = £25
5 – 10 Adults = £20
To make a booking please contact us via email yeoldeenglandtours@gmail.com
Alternatively you can book by using the automated booking process with Viator. *COMING SOON*
Please note we also run an Optional Extra to visit Rutland Water to see the rather lovely Normanton Church which is just 15 minutes or so away by car at £20 per person.
Stephen Liddell 