Oakham Castle
England's finest Norman Great Hall, crowned with 240+ royal horseshoes and 800 years of justice.
Oakham Castle is one of England's finest surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture, built between 1180 and 1190. The Great Hall stands as the centerpiece of this historic site, famous for its extraordinary collection of over 240 gilded horseshoes donated by royalty and nobility over nearly 850 years. Free admission welcomes visitors to explore 12th-century sculptures, intricate stonework, and centuries of judicial history. Located in the heart of Oakham's Market Place, the castle grounds offer a peaceful setting with a café and sensory garden.
A brief summary to Oakham Castle
- Castle Grounds Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DR, GB
- +441572757578
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to experience the castle with fewer crowds and better light for photography of the horseshoes and sculptures.
- Book a guided tour in advance (£3.50 per person) through experienced volunteer guides who share compelling stories about the horseshoes and the castle's judicial history.
- Allow time to explore the Sensory Garden and Motte and Bailey grounds, which offer peaceful walking paths and historical context for the castle's original fortifications.
- Visit the Castle Cottage Café for refreshments and check the Christmas charity card shop during the festive season, which supports local and national charities.
- Obtain a free 2-hour parking pass from reception or the café upon arrival, enabling convenient access to this central Market Place location.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Car
From the A1 motorway, exit onto the A47 towards Oakham. Follow signs to Oakham town centre and the Market Place. Oakham Castle is located directly off the Market Place at Castle Grounds. Free parking is available on-site with a 2-hour pass obtainable from reception or the café. Travel time from Leicester is approximately 30 minutes; from Peterborough approximately 45 minutes.
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By Bus
Oakham is served by regional bus services connecting to Leicester, Peterborough, and surrounding towns. Journey times vary from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on origin and service frequency. Buses arrive at Oakham town centre, from which the Market Place and castle are a 5-minute walk. Check local transport operators for current timetables and fares.
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By Train
Oakham railway station is served by East Midlands Railway with connections to Leicester (approximately 35 minutes), Peterborough (approximately 50 minutes), and London St Pancras (approximately 90 minutes). From Oakham station, the Market Place and castle are approximately 10 minutes' walk downhill through the town centre.
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Walking from Town Centre
Oakham town centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly. From the High Street or any central location, the Market Place is easily reached on foot within 5–10 minutes. The castle entrance is clearly signposted from the Market Place. The surrounding streets are level and accessible.
Oakham Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Oakham Castle
A Norman Masterpiece of Stone and History
Oakham Castle's Great Hall represents one of the finest surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture in Europe. Built between 1180 and 1190 by Walkelin de Ferrers, lord of the manor of Oakham, the structure showcases the sophisticated craftsmanship of the late 12th century. The hall comprises a central nave flanked by two arcaded aisles, each supported by three massive stone columns quarried locally from Clipsham. These columns are crowned with remarkable carved sculptures depicting six musicians, each playing a different instrument, believed to have been created by masons who previously worked on Canterbury Cathedral. Though weathered by time, the sculptures retain exceptional quality and detail, offering a tangible connection to medieval artistry.The Royal Horseshoe Tradition
The castle's most distinctive feature is its unparalleled collection of over 240 gilded ceremonial horseshoes, a tradition whose exact origins remain shrouded in medieval mystery. These horseshoes were presented by peers of the realm—dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, barons, and bishops—upon their first visit to Oakham, a custom that has endured for nearly 850 years. The oldest surviving horseshoe was donated by Edward IV in 1470 following his victory at the Battle of Losecoat Field. More recent additions include horseshoes from the Princess Royal (1999), the Prince of Wales (2003), Princess Alexandra (2005), the Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla (2014), and a double presentation from the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (2024). Each horseshoe carries its own story, transforming the Great Hall into a living chronicle of royal and aristocratic visits.Eight Centuries as England's Seat of Justice
Oakham Castle holds the distinction of being one of England's longest-running seats of justice. The first recorded assize—a formal court session—took place here in 1229, and Crown Court proceedings have been held within these walls every two years ever since, making it a continuous venue for English law for nearly 800 years. This judicial heritage is woven into the very fabric of the building, connecting it to pivotal moments in English legal and political history. The castle has hosted numerous royal visitors, including King John (1206), Henry III (who visited at least seven times between 1219 and 1258), Edward II (1323), and many other monarchs and nobles whose presence shaped the nation's destiny.From Fortified Manor to Heritage Landmark
While modest in size compared to traditional castles, Oakham Castle was originally part of a much larger fortified manor complex. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest the site once featured a curtain wall, gatehouse, drawbridge with iron chains, strategic towers, and a protective moat. The present gateway facing the Market Place, resembling those at Burley-on-the-Hill, was erected by George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham in the early 17th century. Following extensive restoration funded by a £2.165 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant awarded in 2014, the castle reopened to the public on 30 May 2016 with improved facilities and interactive displays. Today, the grounds function as a free public park maintained by Rutland County Council, featuring the Sensory Garden and Castle Cottage Café.Architectural Splendor and Decorative Detail
The Great Hall's interior showcases magnificent oak-timbered roofing and leaded windows that frame views of the surrounding grounds. The carved finials adorning the gables at either end of the hall display exceptional craftsmanship: the west gable features a centaur (though its bow has broken away), while the east gable depicts Samson wrestling a lion. These sculptural elements, combined with the soaring stone columns and their musical capitals, create an atmosphere of medieval grandeur that transports visitors across nearly nine centuries. The hall's proportions and decoration reflect the wealth and status of its original patron, Walkelin de Ferrers, and the sophistication of Norman architectural ambitions in the English provinces.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Windmill Farm Park
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Grimsthorpe Castle Park & Gardens
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Essential places to dine
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Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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St George's Shopping Park
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Karma Corner Gifts
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The Pot Pourri Shop Leicester
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Haymarket Shopping Centre
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Urban Outfitters
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
