Rutland County Museum
Free local museum in Oakham, housed in a former cavalry riding school, covering Rutland rural life, archaeology and everyday history.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Rutland County Museum occupies a former riding school built in the mid-1790s for the Rutland Fencible Cavalry in the centre of Oakham. The building was converted into a museum for the county of Rutland in the late 1960s.
The first collections came from two sources: a rural life collection assembled by a local teacher and a mainly archaeological collection previously kept at Oakham School. Over the years the holdings grew to include farm tools, wagons and tractors, the tools of rural trades, domestic and social history objects and finds from archaeological sites across Rutland. The local studies collection moved here from Oakham Library in 2010.
Today the museum shows the story of the smallest historic county in England through its objects, and offers learning sessions for schools. It is run with the support of the Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle, to whom visitor donations go.
Highlights
- Rural life collection of farm tools, wagons and tractors
- Local archaeology from sites across Rutland
- Domestic and social history displays
- Virtual reality experience about the Rutland Sea Dragon (ages 7+)
- Historic cavalry riding school building
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free. Voluntary donations are collected at the entrance and support the Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle. Cash and card are accepted at the shop and donation box.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Step-free entrance with semi-automatic front doors. A wheelchair can be borrowed on request. A lift serves the balcony exhibition area (ask a team member for help). Hearing loops are fitted in the entrance gallery and the Colonel Noel meeting room. Baby changing facilities are available. Blue Badge holders can park free outside the entrance for three hours.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
Interactive displays include a virtual reality experience about the Rutland Sea Dragon for ages 7 and over, and an augmented reality sandbox suitable for all ages. Family events are listed on the museum website.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Pay and display at South Street car park next to the museum (card or phone payment only); five spaces are reserved for museum visitors during opening hours. Blue Badge holders can park free outside the entrance for three hours.
- Accessible parking
What3Words location: freely.glides.listings.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum gift shop. No cafe is mentioned on the museum website.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Learning sessions for schools are offered. The Rutland Sea Dragon virtual reality experience (ages 7+, no booking) runs at set times in the morning and afternoon. |
