Uppingham

Why Live in Uppingham?

Schools

Primary Education:

• Uppingham Church of England Primary School – A welcoming, well-rated primary school with a strong pastoral focus and a commitment to holistic development.
• Leighfield Academy – A member of the Rutland Learning Trust, offering modern facilities and a broad curriculum. It is known for good academic performance and outdoor learning.

Secondary and Independent Schools:

• Uppingham Community College – Located just outside the town in nearby Uppingham Gate, this state secondary has a strong reputation for academic success, particularly in the arts and sport.
• Uppingham School – One of Britain’s leading independent schools, founded in 1584. The school is at the heart of Uppingham and brings a significant cultural and economic presence to the town. Known for academic excellence, strong music and arts programmes, and impressive sports facilities, it educates pupils from across the UK and overseas.

Leisure and Recreation

• Uppingham School Sports Centre – Open to the public for gym use, fitness classes, and swimming. It offers high-end facilities including squash courts and a full athletics trac
• Uppingham Theatre – Owned by the school but with regular public performances including drama, dance, concerts, and touring productions. A cultural gem in the heart of the town.
• Goldmark Gallery – One of the UK’s leading independent art galleries, hosting exhibitions by contemporary artists, printmakers, and potters. It also includes a bookshop and DVD library.
• Tod’s Piece – A local recreation ground with a playground, football pitch, and picnic areas. It hosts seasonal events like fairs and markets.
• Eyebrook Reservoir and Rutland Water – Both within easy reach for nature walks, birdwatching, fishing, and water sports.

Pubs and Restaurants

Pubs and Inns:

• The Falcon Hotel – A 16th-century coaching inn in the heart of town offering elegant accommodation, afternoon teas, and a refined bar and dining experience.
• The Vaults – A lively pub with a good selection of beers, pub classics, and regular live music. Very popular with locals.
• The Crown Inn – A relaxed, dog-friendly spot offering traditional meals and a large beer garden.
• The Exeter Arms (Barrowden, 10 mins away) – A stylish country pub with seasonal food, open fires, and great Sunday roasts.

Restaurants and Cafés:

• Don Paddy’s – A popular all-day brasserie and wine bar on Market Place. Known for its contemporary menu, from breakfasts and burgers to cocktails and steaks.
• No.23 - a neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Uppingham offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu, alongside refined cocktails and a carefully curated wine list.
• Scandimania – A light, stylish coffee shop offering high-quality coffee, pastries, and light lunches with a Nordic twist.
• The Lake Isle Restaurant – A fine dining venue and boutique hotel, offering a refined seasonal menu with local ingredients and an award-winning wine list.
• The Garden Terrace Café (at Uppingham School Sports Centre) – A modern café with healthy food options and light meals for residents and visitors.

Transport Links

By Road:

• A47 – Uppingham lies directly on the A47, providing excellent east-west links to Leicester (45 minutes), Peterborough (45 minutes), and Corby (20 minutes).
• A6003 – Links Uppingham with Oakham to the north (10 minutes) and Kettering to the south (30 minutes), making it well connected by rural standards.
• A1 and M1 – Both major motorways are under 30 minutes’ drive, offering easy access to broader national routes.

By Rail (Nearby Stations):

• Uppingham does not have its own train station, but it is well served by nearby options:
• Corby Station – ~20 minutes by car; direct trains to London St Pancras in around 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Oakham Station – ~10 minutes; services to Leicester, Birmingham, Peterborough (for London King’s Cross), and Nottingham.
• Stamford Station – ~20 minutes; connects to Peterborough, Leicester, and beyond.

By Bus:

Regular bus services connect Uppingham to:

• Oakham (Centrebus 47 and 747)
• Leicester
• Corby
• Stamford
• Peterborough (via connection)
• Buses run from Uppingham Market Place and High Street, with timetables suited to both commuters and school traffic.

Airports Nearby:

• East Midlands Airport – Approx. 1 hour by car.
• Stansted Airport – About 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Luton Airport – Around 1 hour 30 minutes.

By Bike and Foot:

• Uppingham is compact and walkable, with scenic walking routes to surrounding villages and countryside.
• Avoid cyclists will find quiet country lanes and cycle-friendly routes connecting to Rutland Water and the Welland Valley.

Community and Events

Uppingham has a close-knit, welcoming community, with events held throughout the year, including:

• • Uppingham Feast Day – A summer celebration featuring stalls, live music, and family activities.Late Night Shopping and Christmas Market – A highlight of the winter calendar, drawing visitors from across the county.
• Heritage Open Days and Art Exhibitions – Often centred around Uppingham School and local galleries.
• Uppingham Fatstock Show – A traditional livestock show held in the town square each December – one of the last of its kind still running in Britain.

Conclusion

Selling in Uppingham? Uppingham is a hidden gem – combining timeless charm with modern sophistication. From its outstanding schools and cultural scene to its strong community and easy connections to larger towns and cities, Uppingham is a highly desirable place to live. Whether you’re after peace, culture, education, or access to the countryside, it delivers a rich and well-balanced quality of life.