Oakham

Oakham is a market town in Rutland, England, known for its Norman castle and traditional town center. The place has a compact core with shops, pubs, and buildings from different periods arranged around the castle grounds and market square.

The castle dates to the late 1100s and still stands with its great hall, where court hearings once took place. It served as an important administrative center for the region across many centuries.

The town square reflects how daily life centers around the market, where locals and visitors gather much like they have for centuries. This gathering space shows how the community still values its trading heritage through regular markets and local events.

The town is reachable by train from Birmingham and Peterborough, and buses link it to nearby Corby and Stamford. Walking through the compact center makes sense for a visit, as most attractions are close to each other.

The castle's great hall holds an unusual collection of silver horseshoes left by nobles who visited the town across 500 years. This custom is found nowhere else and tells stories of royal and aristocratic journeys through the area.