Oakham Museum
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Rutland County Museum

4.5
·307 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Rutland's rich past, from Roman finds to rural life and local crime, at this free county museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Avoid school holiday crowds

CrowdLow
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Oakham Museum

Rutland County Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Avoid school holiday crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Rutland's rich past, from Roman finds to rural life and local crime, at this free county museum.

4.5
(307 reviews)

"A wonderful surprise, very much worth a visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously

Admission is free! Please consider leaving a donation to support this valuable local museum.

🚗 Card Payment Parking

Pay by card in the car park. It can get busy during school holidays, so arrive early.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rutland Dinosaur Discovery

Rutland Dinosaur Discovery

Rutland Water Nature Reserve (nearby)

Marvel at the largest UK ichthyosaur fossil, a 10m sea predator discovered locally.

Rural Home Kitchen Exhibit

Rural Home Kitchen Exhibit

Main Exhibition Hall

Step back in time in a recreated rural kitchen, evoking nostalgia for many visitors.

Roman & Saxon Treasures

Roman & Saxon Treasures

Mezzanine & Reception Area

Discover impressive Roman archaeological finds and intricate Saxon golden buckles.

Hangman's Gallows

Hangman's Gallows

Main Exhibition Hall

A chilling glimpse into local history with the display of a hangman's gallows.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Impact

This museum offers free admission, making it an accessible gem. Donations are highly encouraged to support its upkeep and exhibits, like the fascinating Roman finds and Saxon buckles. Plan for a couple of hours to fully explore its diverse collections.

Parking & Accessibility

Card payment is available for the car park, which can get busy during school holidays. While the museum is generally accessible, check specific exhibit locations like the mezzanine for Roman finds.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Avoid school holiday crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons, weekdays
Why
Staff offer great insights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

BBC NEWS report on the RUTLAND DINOSAUR. The fossilised remains of a 10m-long sea predator called an ichthyosaur were found at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, England, during landscaping work. It is the largest of its type ever discovered in the UK. #BBCNews #Dinosaurs #Ichthyosaur #SeaDragon #RutlandWater #RutlandMemories #Rutland #Oakham #VHS #Camcorder #35mmslides #8mm #Upscaled #Digitising #...
@rutlandmemories
3.1K likes • 112K views

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously

Admission is free! Please consider leaving a donation to support this valuable local museum. Reddit

🚗 Card Payment Parking

Pay by card in the car park. It can get busy during school holidays, so arrive early. Reddit

A beautiful row of thatched cottages in Rutland,England.🥰🍁🏡🍂 📍Oakham is the county town of Rutland in the East Midlands of England, 25 miles east of Leicester, 28 miles south-east of Nottingham and 23 miles west of Peterborough. It had a population of 10,922 in the 2011 census, estimated at 11,191 in 2019. Oakham is to the west of Rutland Water and in the Vale of Catmose. cottage #cottagestyle #r...
@huyenjamin_hailwood
2.1K likes • 38.4K views
Horseshoe Theatre Company presents Allo Allo at the Rutland County Museum on the 18th and 19th of September Tickets on sale soon, watch this space . #rutlandcountymuseum #alloallo
theatre_rutland
4 likes • 96 views

⏳ Allow 2 Hours

You can see a lot in an hour, but 2 hours allows for a more thorough exploration. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

The staff are incredibly helpful and provide wonderful insights into the exhibits. Reddit

Tickets available at Rutland County Museum or Oakham Castle. #rutlandmuseum #loverutland
oakhamcastle
3 likes • 187 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously

Admission is free! Please consider leaving a donation to support this valuable local museum. Reddit

🚗 Card Payment Parking

Pay by card in the car park. It can get busy during school holidays, so arrive early. Reddit

⏳ Allow 2 Hours

You can see a lot in an hour, but 2 hours allows for a more thorough exploration. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

The staff are incredibly helpful and provide wonderful insights into the exhibits. Reddit

🎭 Check for Events

The museum hosts events like theatre performances and exhibitions. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.5
(307 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Rutland County Museum for its free admission and surprisingly diverse exhibits, ranging from Roman artifacts to a recreated rural kitchen and even a hangman's gallows. The helpful and knowledgeable staff are frequently highlighted as a major asset, enhancing the visitor experience. While small, it's considered a valuable and informative local gem.

"Pay by card carpark available for visiting the museum. It was busy as it was the school holidays. Spent a hour visiting as there's plenty to see."

Paul King

"Wonderful surprise, visited as the castle was closed. Very much worth a visit"

Grant Schofield

"Small but Informative free museum."

Danny Cook

What People Like

Free admission
Informative exhibits
Helpful staff

What People Dislike

Can be busy during holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Rutland County Museum is located in Oakham, the county town of Rutland. Oakham is accessible by road, and the museum is centrally located within the town. Parking is available on-site and can be paid for by card. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. Payment can be made by card. It's noted that the car park can become busy during school holidays. Reddit

Oakham is well-connected by road. For those traveling from further afield, train services are available to nearby stations, with onward travel by bus or taxi. TikTok

The museum is situated in Oakham, the county town, making it relatively easy to locate within the town center. TikTok

Absolutely! Oakham is a charming town, and the museum is a perfect addition to a day trip exploring Rutland's history and attractions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Rutland County Museum is free! However, donations are very welcome and greatly appreciated to help maintain the museum and its collections. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's always best to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

As admission is free, advance booking is generally not required for general visits. However, for special events, it's advisable to check for ticket availability. Instagram+1

Since the museum is free to enter, there are no specific discounts. However, donations are gratefully accepted from all visitors. Reddit

While entry is free, tickets for special events might be available at the door, but it's recommended to secure them in advance if possible. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features a diverse range of exhibits covering archaeology, agriculture, and local crime history, including Roman finds, Saxon buckles, and a hangman's gallows. Reddit

Most visitors spend around an hour, but you could easily spend up to two hours exploring the collections in detail. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a variety of exhibits that can be engaging for children, including historical artifacts and displays. Special exhibitions, like 'Space Toys', have also been popular. Reddit

The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions, such as the 'Space Toys' exhibition or floral arrangement displays. It's worth checking their schedule. InstagramReddit

While the dinosaur fossil was found at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, the museum showcases the rich natural and archaeological history of Rutland, connecting to such significant local discoveries. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not appear to have an on-site cafe. However, Oakham town center offers various cafes, pubs, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. TikTok

Information regarding bringing your own food is not readily available. It's best to consume food and drinks outside the exhibition areas. Oakham has lovely spots for picnics. TikTok

Oakham, the county town, provides a good selection of dining options, from traditional pubs to cafes and eateries, catering to various tastes and budgets. TikTok

Many pubs and cafes in Oakham are family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere and menus suitable for children. TikTok

Yes, Oakham town center has various options for takeaway food, allowing you to enjoy a meal in a nearby park or back at your accommodation. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted in many museums, but it's always wise to check for specific signage or ask staff. Flash photography is usually prohibited. TikTok

The recreated rural kitchen, the hangman's gallows, and the displays of Roman and Saxon artifacts offer unique photographic subjects. Reddit

The Rutland Dinosaur fossil is located at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, not within the museum itself. Photography rules may vary at the reserve. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Natural light can be limited inside museums. The best time might depend on the specific lighting of the exhibits, but generally, any time the museum is open is suitable for non-flash photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Rutland County Museum is a great free outing for families. While the hangman's gallows might be a bit spooky, exhibits like the rural kitchen and historical artifacts can spark curiosity. Past special exhibitions, like 'Space Toys,' have been a big hit with younger visitors, showing the museum's potential to engage children. Reddit

Plan for about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your children's interest levels. The car park can get busy during school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day is a good strategy. Remember to encourage a small donation to support this valuable local resource. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a dream for budget travelers as admission is completely free! You can explore a wealth of local history without spending a penny on entry. The on-site car park accepts card payments, which is convenient, though it can get busy. Reddit

To make the most of your visit without breaking the bank, pack a picnic to enjoy in Oakham's public spaces. The museum staff are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share insights, offering a rich experience that rivals paid attractions. Your voluntary donation is the only cost, and it's well worth supporting. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about history, the Rutland County Museum offers a concentrated dose of local heritage. You'll find fascinating Roman archaeological finds, including artifacts that shed light on daily life in Roman Britain. The Saxon golden buckles are also a highlight, showcasing intricate metalwork from an early period. Reddit

Don't miss the exhibits on agricultural history and local crime, which provide a broader context of Rutland's development. The recreated rural kitchen offers a tangible connection to domestic life through the ages. The staff's willingness to share extra information can significantly deepen your understanding and appreciation of the collections. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rutland Dinosaur: A Local Marvel

While not housed within the Rutland County Museum itself, the discovery of a massive 10-meter-long ichthyosaur fossil at Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a significant local event that captures the imagination. This 'sea dragon' is the largest of its kind ever found in the UK, highlighting the rich paleontological history of the region. The find underscores the importance of local heritage and the potential for incredible discoveries right on your doorstep. TikTok

This discovery adds another layer to Rutland's appeal, showcasing that the county is not just about charming villages and historical buildings but also holds secrets from prehistoric times. It's a testament to the ongoing exploration and understanding of our planet's past, making the area even more fascinating for visitors interested in natural history. TikTok

Exploring Rutland's History: From Romans to Rural Life

The Rutland County Museum offers a comprehensive journey through the county's past. Visitors can explore Roman archaeological finds, including intricate artifacts that speak to the region's ancient inhabitants. The museum also delves into the more recent history of rural life, with a particularly poignant recreated rural home kitchen that many visitors find reminiscent of their grandparents' homes. This exhibit provides a tangible connection to the domestic history of the area. Reddit

Beyond domestic life, the museum doesn't shy away from the grittier aspects of history, featuring exhibits on local crime, including the chilling display of a hangman's gallows. This adds a darker, yet historically significant, dimension to the narrative of Rutland. The collection of Saxon golden buckles also offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and culture of early medieval settlers in the region. Reddit

With its diverse displays, the Rutland County Museum serves as a vital repository of local heritage. The free admission makes it an accessible way for everyone to learn about and appreciate the unique history of England's smallest county. The helpfulness of the staff further enhances the visitor experience, providing context and deeper insights into the artifacts on display. Reddit

Events and Community at the Museum

The Rutland County Museum is more than just a static display of artifacts; it's a vibrant community hub that hosts a variety of events. These can range from theatrical performances, such as the 'Allo 'Allo' production by the Horseshoe Theatre Company, to exhibitions showcasing local talent, like floral arrangements for National Flower Arranging Day. Instagram+1

These events provide excellent opportunities for visitors to experience the museum in a dynamic setting and engage with local arts and culture. They also highlight the museum's role in supporting and promoting community activities within Rutland. Checking the museum's schedule before your visit is highly recommended to catch any special happenings. Instagram+1

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