The Quaint English Town of Oakham

Beautiful Oakham is a historic town in England's smallest county of Rutland, which is in the East Midlands. Oakham is twenty five miles away from the city of Leicester. Oakham is one of my favourite places to spend an afternoon, it's like stepping back in time. The town's history is incredible, and the beauty of the town is picture postcard, an English town at its finest. It's a treat to go there and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Town Centre

In the centre of Oakham is the Market Place, which regularly holds a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll find delightful stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, local products, and all sorts of knick-knacks! It's friendly, welcoming, and naturally you'll be able to have a cup of tea, relax, and take all the scenery in.

Beyond the Market Place, Oakham is simply a joy to wander around, with its pretty streets and old buildings.

You are spoilt for choice for refreshment stops, with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Fancy shopping, too? Then Oakham is the place to go with shops and boutiques, you'll definitely find yourself a treat!

Buttercross

I am forever impressed by Oakham's very own Buttercross, which proudly stands in the Market Place. It's my personal choice of location for having my cup of tea! With stone seats to rest on, to take in the medieval history.

It's an ancient octagonal Buttercross, dating from the medieval times. Which was once where locally produced butter, milk and eggs were sold. It's a Grade I listed building and it has certainly stood the test of time!

Plus, get this, also in the Buttercross you will find wooden stocks. Yes, those stocks which were used as a punishment, where your feet were put in the stocks, and you'd get public humiliation of food thrown at you, or worse, being hit or kicked. But don't get too excited, these days the wooden stocks are just for show!

All Saints Church

From afar, you can see the glorious view of All Saints Church, a stunning view in the skyline. The church is located just off the Market Place. I was last there in the summer, and the church yard was full of beautiful flowers, which looked and smelt delicious!

All Saints Church was built in the 14 century and it is a Grade I listed building.

Oakham School

A stones throw away from the church is the famous Oakham School, which is a huge landmark within the town. The school dates back to 1584, founded by Archdeacon Robert Johnson. With past pupils, including actor and comedian Miles Jupp, Alex Goode (the rugby union player who plays for the Saracens), actors from The Twilight Saga and The Vampire Diaries, Charlie Bewley, and (former Rugby Union player) Tom Croft.

Oakham School is a Church Of England school, with day and boarding students, from the ages of ten to eighteen years old.

Oakham Castle

Oakham Castle is one of my most favourite historic buildings in the whole of England. It really is just a magical place. A Norman castle, which is another Grade I listed building, which Oakham proudly boasts. The castle dates back to 1180. The centuries for which the castle has stood always takes my breath away.

Within the castle, in the great hall, the walls are covered in horseshoes, each unique with their own story. With well over two hundred, given by people which include, royalty, earls, and dukes. An early horseshoe was left by King Edward IV in 1470. The horseshoes are an incredible sight, and a must to go and see. You will be amazed by all the history within those castle walls.

Train Station

Oakham has its very own train station, it is a quiet station of just two platforms, and an hourly service. The station opened in Victorian times, in 1848. The Grade II listed building, station house was designed by the architect, Edward Wood.

It's fun to walk over the stations footbridge and also to have a look at the nearby level crossing signal box building.

If you travel to Oakham by train, the station is very conveniently close to the town centre.

Rutland Water

Not far from Oakham you will find Rutland Water, one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. Rutland Water is a day trip within itself! It is stunningly beautiful. Perfect for walkers, cyclists, or to take a picnic and just relax.

I have been many times, and I love to watch the boats on the water. It is perfect to take your dog to, as well, though watch out for cyclists! Rutland Water is wonderful if you want to just relax, unwind and get some nature in your soul.

Oakham is a gem in England's crown. A traditional old English Market Town. A place not to be missed. A town alive in events, activities, and history. A must to be explored!