Oakham

Why Live in Oakham?

Schools

Primary Schools:

• Brooke Hill Academy – A well-regarded primary and nursery offering a supportive learning environment and strong community ties.
• English Martyrs Catholic Primary School – Known for high standards in teaching and a warm, inclusive ethos.
• Catmose Primary – Part of the Rutland and District Schools Federation, offering a creative curriculum and good academic results.

Secondary & Independent Schools:

• Catmose College – The town’s leading state secondary school, consistently rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, with excellent facilities in academics, sport, and the arts.
• Oakham School – A prestigious independent day and boarding school founded in 1584. Known nationally for academic strength, performing arts, and top-tier sports programmes.
• Harington School – A high-performing sixth form college offering A-levels in a focused academic setting.

Leisure & Recreation

• Rutland Water – Just a mile outside the town, this vast reservoir is a haven for outdoor activities: sailing, cycling, birdwatching, fishing, and walking. The nature reserve is one of the best in the UK.
• Oakham Castle – A Norman great hall surrounded by historic horseshoes. It’s used for events, weddings, and public exhibitions.
• Catmose Sports Centre – A modern leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym, fitness classes, sports hall, and tennis courts.
• Oakham Library & Museum – Offers educational exhibitions, community events, and a quiet space for reading and research.
• Cutts Close Park – Oakham’s central park with a bandstand, play areas, and open spaces for picnics and summer concerts.
• Walking & Cycling Trails – Oakham has direct access to a number of countryside trails and routes around Rutland Water and beyond.

Pubs & Restaurants

Pubs & Inns:

• The Grainstore Brewery Tap – A real ale destination, brewing its own award-winning beers and hosting live music and food nights.
• The Lord Nelson – A characterful town-centre pub offering traditional food with a modern twist, local ales, and a cosy atmosphere.
• The Wheatsheaf – Slightly tucked away, this is a local favourite for relaxed dining and a welcoming community vibe.
• The Admiral Hornblower – A smart gastropub with a courtyard garden, known for Sunday roasts and stylish décor.

Restaurants & Cafés:

• Hambleton Hall – A Michelin-starred restaurant on the edge of Rutland Water. Elegant fine dining with spectacular views and an outstanding wine list.
• Orbis Oakham – A vibrant, modern small-plates restaurant and cocktail bar offering global flavours with vegan and gluten-free options.
• Kavanagh’s Tearooms – A traditional tea room perfect for homemade cakes, light lunches, and afternoon tea.
• Otters Fine Foods – A delicatessen with an eat-in area, known for charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and seasonal dishes.
• San Giorgio Ristorante Italiano – Authentic, family-run Italian dining with homemade pastas and friendly service.
• Hungry Birds Café – Popular for brunch and coffee, with a relaxed, modern interior and locally sourced ingredients.

Transport Links

By Rail:

• Oakham Railway Station – Centrally located with regular East Midlands Railway services. Key routes include:
• Leicester – ~30 minutes
• Peterborough – ~35 minutes (connections to London King’s Cross in under 50 minutes)
• Nottingham – ~50 minutes
• Birmingham New Street – ~1 hr 30 mins (with changes)

The station makes commuting to nearby cities easy and allows day trips to London within two hours total travel time.

By Road:

• A606 & A6003 – Connect Oakham to Melton Mowbray, Leicester, Stamford, and Kettering.
• A1 – Approximately 10 miles away, providing fast access to the North and South.
• Local Parking – Ample short and long-stay car parks are available near the town centre, with permits for residents and free parking options in nearby areas.

By Bus:

• Regular services connect Oakham to:
• Uppingham
• Stamford
• Melton Mowbray
• Peterborough
• Corby
• Oakham’s bus station and stops are centrally located for easy access.

By Bike or Foot:

• The town is compact and walkable, with good pavements and designated cycle routes.
• Rutland Water cycle path is accessible directly from the town, offering a scenic 23-mile route.

Airports Nearby:

• East Midlands Airport – Approx. 1 hour by car.
• Stansted Airport – Around 1 hour 45 minutes via A1.

Conclusion

Selling in Oakham? Oakham offers the best of rural living with excellent connections. Its mix of historic beauty, modern amenities, good schools, and access to the countryside makes it a prime choice for quality of life. Whether you’re raising a family, seeking a peaceful retirement, or working remotely with the option to commute, Oakham has the infrastructure, charm, and community to support you.