Oakham Castle

In the heart of the charming town of Oakham lies a remarkable medieval monument — Oakham Castle. This is not your typical fortress with grim towers, but rather a magnificently preserved Great Hall, recognized as one of the finest examples of Norman domestic architecture not only in Great Britain but in all of Europe.

Built in the late 12th century by Lord Walkelin de Ferrers, the castle was originally part of a fortified manor house. Today, this compact building made of light stone with a majestic oak roof and elegant leaded windows is a Grade I listed architectural heritage site. It impresses visitors with its intimate atmosphere and unusual interior decoration.

The attraction's main highlight is its unique tradition involving a collection of gilded horseshoes that adorn the hall's walls. It is important to note that admission to the castle remains free for all visitors, making it a must-see on the itinerary of any tourist traveling through the county of Rutland.

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The first thing that catches the eye upon entering is the incredible collection of over 240 gilded horseshoes. According to an ancient tradition, every peer of the realm or member of the royal family visiting the manor for the first time must present a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor. Here, you can find truly unique specimens, such as a horseshoe presented by King Edward IV back in 1470 to mark a battle victory.

Be sure to take note of the architectural elegance of the Great Hall itself. The majestic oak roof rests on arcades with three massive stone columns decorated with twelve 12th-century sculptures. Among them, you can spot figures of musicians created by craftsmen whose style resembles the work found in Canterbury Cathedral.

After exploring the interior, it is worth strolling through the "motte-and-bailey" castle grounds, where a picturesque sensory garden has been laid out. For those feeling hungry, there is a cozy cafe on-site. If you want to learn more hidden facts, we recommend booking a tour: experienced guides lead them for just £3.50 per person, turning a simple walk into an exciting journey through time.

Finding this historical monument is easy, as it is located in the heart of the town of Oakham, right on the Market Place. The exact address for navigation is: Castle Grounds Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DR. Thanks to its central location, the castle is within walking distance of major town attractions and the pleasant Cutts Close Park.

For those who prefer public transport, the town is served by Oakham railway station, from which the castle is just a few minutes' walk. If you are arriving by taxi from other areas or neighboring settlements, drivers can drop you right at the entrance to the Market Place area.

If you plan to arrive by private car, keep in mind that the access road to the castle is quite narrow. There is a small parking area on-site, but on market days or during major events, spaces may be limited, so it is recommended to consider parking in one of the nearby town car parks.

The history of this site dates back to the late 12th century. The castle was built between 1180 and 1190 by Lord Walkelin de Ferrers. Notably, the craftsmen who worked on the Great Hall's carvings also had a hand in creating the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, which explains the exceptional quality of the stone sculptures.

One of the most impressive chapters in the site's history is its legal significance. It is one of the oldest seats of justice in England: Crown Courts have been held within these walls every two years since as far back as 1229. Additionally, for a long time, the building served as an administrative center, hosting meetings of the Rutland County Council until 1936.

In the early 17th century, the castle's appearance was enhanced with new details: Duke George Villiers ordered the construction of the gateway facing the marketplace. While time took its toll on the ancient walls, a grant of over £2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund allowed for a major restoration to begin in 2014. The refurbished castle reopened its doors to the public in May 2016.

To leisurely explore the Great Hall, study the horseshoe collection, and walk through the grounds, most travelers find 1–2 hours to be sufficient. This is plenty of time for a self-guided tour of the main exhibition and for photographing the architectural details.

If you are an enthusiast of history and architecture, we recommend joining an organized tour. A professional guide will help you dive deeper into the castle's 800-year history, revealing nuances that are easily missed during a brief visit. In this case, your visit might last a bit longer, but the experience will be more complete.

Oakham Castle welcomes visitors five days a week. The doors are open from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that the castle is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays.

The schedule may change due to private events or official ceremonies, so it is highly recommended to check the official website before your trip to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

Oakham is a charming English town, and a visit to the castle is an excellent starting point for exploring its history and welcoming atmosphere. A stroll around the area will allow you to see ancient buildings, enjoy local cuisine in traditional pubs, and experience the rhythm of life in the English countryside.

Many interesting locations are just a few steps away from the castle walls, making it easy to create a full itinerary without the need for long commutes.