The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is hailed as the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Europe. Built between 1180 and 1190, great banquets and courts would have been held here. You can also observe a unique 230-strong collection of ornate ceremonial horseshoes, all donated by Peers of the Realm, and admire 12th-century sculptures at the Great Hall.

🚵‍♂️ Eric 🚲

March 21, 2025

Cycling

The castle was built between 1180 and 1190 by Walkelin de Ferrers, lord of the manor of Oakham, and a great nephew of Robert de Ferrers, 1st Earl of Derby.[1] The Great Hall comprises a nave and two arcaded aisles, each with three large stone columns. There are a number of 12th-century sculptures decorating the hall including six musicians that are supported by the columns. The sculptures are carved from local stone quarried at Clipsham and are believed to have been made by masons who had also worked at Canterbury Cathedral.[2]

Adie

July 26, 2022

Cycling

Oakham Castle probably doesn't fit the traditional image of a castle. What is now called Oakham Castle was originally the Great Hall of a much larger fortified manor house. This …

Routes here

Best routes to Oakham Castle Great Hall

4.8

(4)

hikers

1. Oakham to Brooke Priory loop along the Rutland Round

15.6km

04:08

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.0

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2. Oakham Castle Great Hall – All Saints' Church, Oakham loop from Oakham

6.32km

01:38

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

1.0

(1)

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3. All Saints' Church, Oakham – Oakham Castle Great Hall loop from Barleythorpe

6.60km

01:42

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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Informations

Elevation 110 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 3 February

6°C

1°C

91 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: Oakham, Rutland, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom

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Oakham Castle Great Hall

1. Oakham to Brooke Priory loop along the Rutland Round

2. Oakham Castle Great Hall – All Saints' Church, Oakham loop from Oakham

3. All Saints' Church, Oakham – Oakham Castle Great Hall loop from Barleythorpe

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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