Top 15 Attractions in Oakham, Rutland – Explore England’s Hidden Gem

The county town for Rutland, England’s smallest county, is appropriately compact yet offers a wealth of activities for visitors.

For example, the grand hall of Oakham Castle is remarkably well-preserved, having retained much of its 12th-century character.

Adjacent to it lies the parish church, a remarkable Medieval structure featuring rare Decorated Gothic capitals within its nave.

Moreover, it is noteworthy that Oakham is situated beside England’s largest reservoir, which has evolved into a sanctuary for wildfowl over the past 45 years.

Rutland Water encompasses two visitor centres aimed at enhancing the experience of observing local wildlife and hosts the annual British Birdwatching Fair, a significant event for birdwatching enthusiasts.

1. Oakham Castle

This historic site, while perhaps not fitting everyone’s definition of a castle, ranks among the most intact Norman structures in the nation.

The Great Hall at Oakham Castle was once part of a much larger fortified manor.

Within the nave, one can observe characteristic round Norman arches, which are supported by three robust circular pillars on either side, each adorned with intricately carved Romanesque capitals.

A closer examination reveals the traces of musicians carved into these capitals, which were defaced during the Civil War by Puritan forces.

The hall’s collection of ceremonial horseshoes is particularly striking.

This tradition originates from a custom whereby peers of the realm would present a horseshoe to Oakham’s Lord of the Manor during their initial visit to the town.

In total, there are 230 horseshoes, the oldest of which was donated by Edward IV following his victory at the Battle of Losecoat Field in 1470.

2. Rutland Water

As one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, Rutland Water boasts the greatest surface area of any reservoir in England.

Spanning over 3,000 acres, this expansive body of water was excavated over five years in the early 1970s and subsequently flooded in 1976. Over the years, it has developed into a vital habitat for avian species, with a nature reserve safeguarding the western shore.

To illustrate, approximately 4% of Europe’s gadwall population winters at Rutland Water, while ospreys were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s.

Two visitor centres provide opportunities to engage with the diverse bird species residing at Rutland Water.

The lake serves as a popular venue for sailing and water sports, offering cruises aboard the Rutland Belle during the spring and summer months.

A beach is available on the north-east side, and a 23-mile path encircles the shore for walkers and cyclists alike.

3. All Saints’ Church

Located adjacent to the castle, All Saints’ Church is distinguishable from miles away due to its prominent Decorated Gothic tower and spire.

The building showcases a blend of Gothic architectural styles that span several centuries, and was carefully restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1850s.

The tower and spire originate from the 1300s, whereas the earliest structure is the Early English south portal and porch from the preceding century.

The nave exemplifies 14th-century Decorated Gothic design, featuring rarely seen carved capitals atop the pillars, depicting biblical scenes, botanical patterns, grotesques, and a green man.

Attentive observers will be able to identify representations of Adam and Eve, the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden, the Annunciation, and the Coronation of Mary.

4. Rutland County Museum

To gain insight into England’s smallest county, the Rutland County Museum, housed in a former military structure dating back to 1795, is an ideal location. This building once served as the riding school for the Rutland Fencible Cavalry and was converted into a county museum in 1969. Entry is free, allowing visitors to explore a wealth of fascinating exhibits.

An example includes a Neolithic hand-axe made of Alpine jade, one of only 120 discovered in the country, located on newly ploughed ground in Rutland in 2015. The fossil collection is noteworthy, featuring a bison horn and long-extinct Triassic and Jurassic oysters.

In a rather macabre display, intact New Drop Gallows from the early 19th century are also on exhibit.

Additionally, numerous Medieval archaeological finds have been uncovered in the Rutland region.

Among the most prized artifacts is the Brooke Reliquary, an exquisite enamel casket crafted in Limoges during the 13th century.

5. Barnsdale Gardens

Comprising 38 distinctive gardens or “rooms” within an eight-acre area, Barnsdale Gardens is a creation of Geoff Hamilton (1936-1996), a well-regarded presenter on the BBC’s long-running Gardeners’ World. He acquired this plot in 1983 when it was merely an arable field.

Vibrant with color and creativity, Barnsdale Gardens attracts many birds and features an extensive range of styles, providing endless inspiration for personal gardening projects.

For instance, there is a Japanese garden, a miniature “Versailles” parterre, a rose garden, a cottage garden, a wildlife garden, a herb garden, and an allotment frequently utilized by Hamilton for the show’s segments on fruits and vegetables.

The tearoom emphasizes local produce and features outdoor tables set on the lawn during sunny weather.

6. Normanton Church

Situated on the eastern shore of Rutland Water, Normanton Church presents a captivating sight that merits a second look.

This Neoclassical church is partially submerged in the lake but remains accessible and serves as a wedding venue.

Constructed in the late 1820s, it was deconsecrated with the establishment of Rutland Water.

Rather than being demolished, the floor was filled with rubble above the waterline, with a concrete cap placed just beneath the windows.

The church is surrounded by an embankment and extends into the lake.

A visit to the small pier adjacent to it promises excellent photographic opportunities.

7. Oakham Butter Cross

Located directly across from the gates of Oakham Castle is a Grade I listed Butter Cross, a market shelter that dates to at least the early 17th century.

This structure appears on a map from 1611 and was utilized for both the sale of dairy products and sermon delivery.

Historically, there were four such structures in Oakham.

At the base of the central pillar, there is a set of wooden stocks containing five holes, the precise function of which remains unclear.

The old town pump is situated nearby, complementing the Butter Cross, while the surrounding Market Place is picturesque, particularly during market days.

8. The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

Located on the safeguarded western shore of Rutland Water, near the village of Egleton, stands the first of two visitor centres associated with the reservoir.

Inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh in 2001, the Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre operates every day of the year, serving as an excellent resource for the area’s diverse birdlife.

The exhibition area incorporates interactive games and informational boards that provide detailed insights into the various wildfowl that inhabit the lake annually. During the summer, visitors can also observe live video feeds from an osprey nest.

With panoramic windows overlooking the wetlands, the centre serves as the focal point for the British Birdwatching Fair every August and features a shop offering binoculars, telescopes, and a wide array of bird-related literature.

9. Lyndon Visitor Centre

Situated on the southern shore of Rutland Water, the Lyndon Visitor Centre was inaugurated by none other than Sir David Attenborough in 1985. The facility has since been modernized and is located in a tranquil area of the lakeside, offering unobstructed vistas of the water.

The entrance greets you with a self-guided trail, which meanders through both ancient and newly planted woodlands, leading to seven distinct bird-watching hides.

During the summer months, one of these hides is ideally suited for observing the lake’s ospreys, typically staffed by a volunteer offering valuable insights and tips.

10. Rutland Farm Park

An attraction that younger visitors will undoubtedly appreciate, Rutland Farm Park operates year-round on a working farm dedicated to the conservation of rare breeds of sheep, cattle, poultry, and pigs.

The 19 picturesque acres were once part of the Neol estate, with all existing farm buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Here, children can meet and interact with a variety of domestic animals.

They can groom ponies, feed cows, engage with lambs, sheep, and goats, and even cuddle guinea pigs and rabbits.

A walk-through free-range poultry pen allows guests to feed the birds and collect eggs.

11. Aqua Park Rutland

During the summer season, visitors can take on the UK’s largest inflatable water challenge, located on the northern side of Rutland Water.

Aqua Park Rutland operates in the summer, launching end of May, offering an exhilarating obstacle course measuring 100 by 80 metres, complete with slides, climbing walls, balance bars, blast bags, and rollers, each bearing creative names.

For example, “The Beast” stands as the tallest inflatable climbing wall in the country, while new challenges such as the Ice Tower XXL and Action Tower XXL have recently been introduced.

A typical 50-minute session swiftly passes, priced at £20, with buoyancy vests and wetsuits provided.

Children are required to be at least eight years old, a minimum height of 1.1 meters, and able to swim 50 metres while wearing a buoyancy vest.

12. Rutland Water Park

For a dynamic experience on the water, the Rutland Water Park is a brief stroll along the northern shoreline of the lake.

This water-sports centre provides rentals or sales of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, windsurfing equipment, paddleboards, and sailing dinghies, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and harnesses are included in the rental cost.

Furthermore, those seeking to understand water safety fundamentals or requiring more advanced instruction in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, or kayaking can rely on a team of educators certified to national governing body standards for each activity.

13. Bugtopia the Zoo

This establishment originated as a mobile bug experience, aimed at introducing children and adults to the fascinating world of insects through educational “meet and greets.” In 2014, Bugtopia secured a permanent site for its zoo on Rutland Water, officially opening to the public in the following year.

The main highlights of the attraction are the invertebrates, including scorpions, leafcutter ants, worms, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

In addition to these, a variety of small rescued animals, obtained from the pet industry or other zoos, offer visitors a chance to interact with creatures such as meerkats, armadillos, Asian palm civets, frilled dragons, and raccoon dogs.

14. Birdfair: British Birdwatching Fair

In August, Rutland Water becomes the focal point for the UK’s birdwatching community during the British Birdwatching Fair.

Typically held on the third weekend of August, this event attracts tens of thousands of participants, with annual fundraising efforts directed towards specific conservation initiatives, whether it be safeguarding the world’s oceans or protecting migratory birds in the eastern Mediterranean.

The fair features hundreds of trade stalls offering an array of birdwatching equipment, accessories, and supplies, such as guides, binoculars, and bird feed.

A comprehensive program of talks presented by naturalists, experienced birdwatchers, and ornithology experts complements the event, alongside a major auction that raises funds for the designated conservation charity each year.

15. Oakham Market

The heart of Oakham takes on a vibrant atmosphere on Saturdays and Wednesdays when the historic Market Place transforms into a hub of stalls offering fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheese, freshly baked bread, pastries, herbs, eggs, and clothing.

On the third Saturday of each month, Goal Street hosts a farmers’ market where patrons can purchase local products such as honey, jams, charcuterie, sausages, pickles, preserves, and locally sourced beef directly from farmers.