Events

Looking for a fun family activity?

Why not hire our larger-than-life lawn games? Choose from giant Jenga, Connect 4 and, in true Rutland spirit, Horseshoe Throwing.

Ask at reception to hire

All games £2.00 per session

Enjoy an afternoon of live music with the D’ukes of Rutland at Oakham Castle.

This friendly local ukulele group from Oakham is known for their fun, uplifting performances, bringing a mix of well-loved songs and plenty of feel-good entertainment. Set against the backdrop of the historic castle, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax, sing along, and enjoy live music in a unique setting.

Free to attend. No booking required.

Donations to Friends of Oakham Castle

Saturday 8th August

Discover Oakham’s rich history and heritage on a guided walking tour with local guide Nicola Sandall. Explore historic streets, fascinating characters, curiosities and hidden stories, while visiting landmarks including Oakham Castle, All Saints Church and the original 1584 school building.

Meet at Oakham Castle at 10.30am for tea or filtered coffee and biscuits before the walking tour begins at 11.00am.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Starting point: Oakham Castle
Finishing point: Rutland County Museum
Price: £14 per person

Booking is essential: Oakham Castle 01572 757578
Event details and bookings: www.oakhamcastle.org/events.

In the Castle Grounds…

Ferrers Household Medieval re-enactment group

Step back in time with the Ferrers Household Medieval Re-enactment Group and discover what life was really like beyond the battlefield. Their authentic living history camp recreates the everyday world that travelled with a medieval army, featuring skilled craftspeople, artisans, families and soldiers. Explore traditional crafts, meet costumed re-enactors and experience the sights, sounds and stories of medieval camp life.

Medieval walking tours

Join Nicola, our knowledgeable tour guide, for a special mini walking tour of Oakham as we celebrate Rutland Day and the town’s rich medieval heritage. Discover fascinating tales of medieval life, meet colourful local characters from the past, and explore some of Oakham’s most historic buildings and landmarks. As you wander through the town, you’ll uncover stories that bring its remarkable history to life and see the medieval features that still remain today.

Medieval dress is optional, but everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy this journey through Oakham’s impressive past.

All tours are free on Rutland Day and start at Oakham Castle.

Outdoor Lawn Games

Challenge your friends and family to our larger-than-life lawn games at the event. Have a go at giant Jenga, Connect 4 and, in true Rutland spirit, Horseshoe Throwing.

Circus Workshops

Step right up and discover the magic of the circus with hands-on Circus Skills Workshops. Perfect for children of all ages, this fun-filled activity gives everyone the chance to learn exciting new skills with the help of experienced instructors.

Other activities include:

Root & Branch Out – Outdoor crafts including bird boxes & seed balls

Rutland & Leics Wildlife Trust.

Face painting & more!

Inside our Great Norman Hall

Independent Makers Market

Children’s Crafts with the Rutland County Council Fostering team

Archaeology stall

Castle Cottage Cafe

Enjoy locally sourced food and drink at Castle Cottage Cafe. Serving delicious homemade cakes, breakfasts and light lunches.

To celebrate Rutland Day, the café will be serving a special Rutland Cocktail made with Multum Gin Parvo, alongside a Hambleton Bakery Pippin Platter showcasing the flavours of the county.

Celebrate the best of local flavours at the Rutland Food & Drink Festival in the heart of Oakham.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Oakham, this popular family-friendly festival brings together a fantastic selection of artisan food, local drinks, gifts and handmade crafts. Browse stalls from regional producers, discover delicious treats to take home and enjoy a relaxed day out.

Our 12th-century Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of the finest in the UK, with a magnificent oak-timbered roof, leaded windows, and a stunning aristocratic display of gilded horseshoes. Located in the beautiful market town of Oakham, we offer onsite parking for up to 8 vehicles, with more public car parks a moment away. The Motte and Bailey Castle grounds with their Sensory Garden are also great to explore and provide a delightful place to picnic. Guided tours can be pre-booked for group visits and delivered by our experienced guides. They include the interior and exterior of Oakham Castle, the key points and the best stories from its nearly 1,000 year history, its Victorian court and its extraordinary horseshoes.

We also have the perfect place to enjoy teas, coffees and snacks in the onsite Castle Cottage Café.

Guided Tours are £4.50 per visitor. Availability is limited on tours and all visitors must pre-book in advance of arrival. All visitors with a pre-booked tour must arrive 5 minutes before the pre-booked tour start time. The Castle Cottage Cafe can be busy so please allow additional time for service or pre-book your requirements before your visit. Some parts of the tour include steps / ramps and can also incorporate the exterior (weather permitting). Further information on accessibility at the castle can be found in the Oakham Castle Access Guide. Tours are given in English. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to welcoming you to Oakham Castle.

Oakham Castle, Castle Grounds, Market Place, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DR
Tel. 01572 757578 E. castle@rutland.gov.uk