Two Towns — One Unforgettable Day
Only a few miles apart — yet entirely different worlds
Oakham and Stamford sit just ten minutes apart by train, yet could hardly feel more different. Oakham is Rutland through and through — intimate, characterful, full of independent food and craft shops with a Norman castle at its heart. Stamford is all Georgian grandeur — limestone streets, hidden courtyards, fine jewellers and a skyline that has appeared on screen more times than almost any other English town. Together they make for one of the most satisfying day tours on the entire site.
England’s smallest county town — and one of its most loveable
We begin in Oakham — the county town of Rutland, home to your guide and a place of extraordinary character. The Norman castle is virtually unique in England, its great hall hung with massive horseshoes gifted by visiting royalty including King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. And did you know Oakham has the first and only memorial statue to Queen Elizabeth II in the country?
From the castle we’ll discover All Saints Church, the beautiful market square with its ancient Buttercross and original stocks, and the wonderful independent high street. And we’ll find the only surviving Short Drop Gallows in the country — don’t worry, you won’t end up in them. We still have Stamford to visit.
“If you don’t try the local Melton Mowbray Pork Pie and Stilton Cheese while you’re here, it is almost a crime — and Oakham does have the only surviving gallows in the country, just saying.”
— Stephen, your guide & Oakham resident
Oakham Castle Hall — royal horseshoes on every wall
The Buttercross — complete with original stocks
Stamford — arguably the finest Georgian town in Britain
Stamford’s alleyways — speciality shops, fine jewellers & hidden courtyards
The finest Georgian town in Britain — and one you’ll recognise from the screen
Ten minutes by train and we arrive in a completely different world. Stamford is widely considered the finest Georgian era town in Britain and is said to be the most beautiful town on the entire old A1 Road between London and Edinburgh. You may not have visited before, but you’ll likely recognise it — its streets have stood in for countless period dramas, from Middlemarch to Pride and Prejudice.
We’ll explore the gorgeous limestone streets and narrow alleyways, discover hidden courtyards full of speciality shops, fine jewellers and designer boutiques, and visit some of the remarkable churches that punctuate the skyline. The Friday market and buzzing high street offer a perfect blend of independent and well-known names — and the cafés and pubs are as good as anywhere in England.
Just 15 minutes from Oakham by car — the enchanting Normanton Church at the water’s edge of Rutland Water. Add it to your day and make it truly unforgettable.
Optional extra — Normanton Church at Rutland Water (+£20pp) — just 15 minutes from Oakham
Pricing
Per Person — Entry Fees & Train Between Towns Included
Child prices available on request. Optional Normanton Church add-on: +£20pp.
Train fare from London not included — book via National Rail. Can start from Stamford station if preferred.
Book by email or instantly via Viator.
Frequently Asked Questions – The Oakham and Stamford Private Walking Tour
Meeting Time: 9-10am if staying locally or later if thats easier for you and you’re travelling from London/Nottingham etc.
Location: Oakham and Stamford
Duration of Tour: 6 hours Approx
Meeting Point: Oakham Railway Station for those arriving from London or elsewhere (about 40 minutes to Peterborough then 25 to Oakham) . Otherwise we can meet you at your hotel in Oakham or mutually convenient location. Obviously we can also meet at Peterborough station or Stamford Station and do the tour in reverse!
How to book Oakham and Stamford Private Walking Tour
To make a booking please contact us via the email button above.
Alternatively you can book by using the automated booking process with Viator by clicking below.
