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4- and 5-star hotels in Oakham
A shortlist of the 4- and 5-star hotels in Oakham, Rutland, from a country-house hotel with an outdoor pool to self-catering cottages and village inns around the town and Rutland Water.
Staying in Oakham
Oakham is the county town of Rutland, known for its historic castle, market square and traditional stone buildings, with Rutland Water close by for walking, cycling and water sports. The town centre is compact and walkable, with the railway station and All Saints Church also in the historic core. The hotels on this shortlist are spread between the town itself and the surrounding villages and hamlets, from addresses on Oakham's High Street and Stamford Road to Exton, Manton and Cottesmore.
That spread shapes who each hotel suits. The Lake Isle on High Street East and Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa on Stamford Road Barnsdale sit closest to the centre, convenient for exploring Oakham on foot. Hambleton Hall, Harley's House and The Barnsdale Rutland in Exton, Rutland Water Courtyard Rooms in Manton and Kings Arms Inn in Wing are quieter bases for walking and cycling. Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering, The Marquess Of Exeter in Lyddington and The Tithe Barn B&B in Cottesmore suit guests who want space or pets and family facilities.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering
1 Stocken Hall Farm Cottage Stocken Hall Road Stretton, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereFor families and groups who want the whole place to themselves, this 5-star self-catering cottage sits 10.7 km from Oakham among the fields at Stretton. A full kitchen with oven, microwave and dishwasher, plus a washing machine, makes longer stays easy, while the garden, patio and fireplace give you room to spread out. Cots and high chairs are provided for younger guests, and pets are welcome. Golf and horse riding are nearby, and parking and wifi are both free.
See Moo Cow Cottage Self CateringHarley's House
12 Rutland Retreats The Avenue Exton, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereIdeal for a small group or family, this 5-star house keeps you 0.8 km from Oakham's centre. A garden, playground and fishing on the doorstep cover children and anyone who likes to be outdoors, and free parking means you can leave the car and walk in.
See Harley's HouseHambleton Hall
Hamleton Hall, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereWith an outdoor pool, tennis court and restaurant, this 4-star country house 1.2 km from Oakham suits couples and guests who want a proper hotel day as much as a bed. Its 4.8 out of 5 rating from 519 reviews reflects consistent quality. Breakfast, concierge and luggage storage, plus lifts and wheelchair access, keep a stay relaxed, and wedding services make it a fair bet for celebrations.
See Hambleton HallThe Lake Isle
16 High Street East Oakham, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAn inn on High Street East, this 4-star address 9.8 km from Oakham pairs a restaurant and bar with free parking and free wifi. Guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 194 reviews, and it is non-smoking throughout with room service. Fishing and golf are close by, so it fits a short break where eating well and getting out matter more than a long list of facilities.
See The Lake IsleRutland Water Courtyard Rooms
Rutland Water Golf Club Manton, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereRooms at Rutland Water Golf Club, 3.3 km from Oakham, put the lake and the golf course at the front of the stay. Balconies, bathrobes and toiletries give the 4-star rooms a comfortable finish, and guests rate them 4.7 out of 5 from 96 reviews. Parking and wifi are free, with a bar and snack cafe on site. Best for golfers and couples wanting quiet near the water.
See Rutland Water Courtyard RoomsKings Arms Inn
Top Street Wing, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA 4-star village inn at Wing, 5.9 km from Oakham, with a restaurant and free parking. Guests rate it 4.5 out of 5 from 287 reviews. Its appeal is simple: eat in, sleep well, and use it as a base for the surrounding villages. Suits couples and travellers who prefer a small, food-led place over a large hotel.
See Kings Arms InnRutland Hall Hotel & Spa
Stamford Road Barnsdale, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe largest hotel here, with 1,264 reviews and a 4.3 out of 5 rating, this 4-star sits just 0.3 km from Oakham. Family rooms and free parking make it work for both weekends away and longer stays.
See Rutland Hall Hotel & SpaThe Finchs Arms
Oakham Road, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereRight by the water 1.2 km from Oakham, this 4-star inn suits guests who want to fish, canoe or simply sit by the lake. A restaurant, bar and garden are on site, with bike rental, a picnic area and a terrace for warm days. Families are covered by family rooms, cots and special diets, and guests rate it 4.3 out of 5 from 1,164 reviews.
See The Finchs ArmsThe Barnsdale Rutland
The Avenue Exton, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA 4-star hotel 0.8 km from Oakham with a spa, outdoor pool and swimming pool, plus a garden and terrace. Its 4.3 out of 5 rating comes from 893 reviews. Guests who want to swim, book a treatment and eat in one place will find it here, with family rooms, cots and wheelchair access, and pets allowed. Parking and wifi are free.
See The Barnsdale RutlandFox and Hounds
19 The Green Exton, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThis 4-star inn at Exton, 3.2 km from Oakham, centres on its bar and restaurant, with a library and fireplace for slower evenings. Guests rate it 4.3 out of 5 from 325 reviews. Room service, free newspapers and free parking add convenience, and the garden and picnic area are there for fine weather. A good fit for couples and anyone who values a traditional pub atmosphere.
See Fox and HoundsThe Marquess Of Exeter
52 Main Street Lyddington Rutland, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereIn Lyddington, 11.9 km from Oakham, this 4-star inn offers a restaurant and bar with breakfast, lunch and dinner served, plus breakfast in room and room service. Family rooms, cots and sofa beds suit those travelling with children, and pets are welcome. Guests rate it 4.1 out of 5 from 214 reviews. Parking and wifi are free.
See The Marquess Of ExeterThe Olive Branch
Main Street, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay hereA 4-star inn with a restaurant, bar and terrace 9.9 km from Oakham. Its perfect 5.0 rating rests on only 3 reviews, so treat it as a small, recently rated place rather than a proven one. Bathrobes, free bottled water, hairdryers and free wifi, plus a meeting room and wheelchair access, suit couples and guests who want a garden and quiet meals out.
See The Olive BranchThe Tithe Barn B&B
Clatterpot Lane Cottesmore, Oakham, United Kingdom
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star bed and breakfast in Cottesmore, 5.0 km from Oakham, with wifi, a garden and a restaurant. Facilities are limited to these, so it suits travellers who want a simple, quiet base with breakfast and somewhere green to sit, and who plan to spend their days out around Rutland.
See The Tithe Barn B&BApples In Rutland
9 Main Street Bisbrookerutland Le15 9Ep, Oakham, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star guest house on Main Street in Bisbrooke, 9.5 km from Oakham, with a garden and terrace and pets allowed. Golf is nearby, and free parking plus free wifi cover the essentials, with laundry service and iron and board for longer trips. Non-smoking rooms and a smoking area are both provided. Suits couples and pet owners exploring the villages by car.
See Apples In Rutland
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 10.7 km |
| Harley's House | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | – | 0.8 km |
| Hambleton Hall | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 519 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.2 km |
| The Lake Isle | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 194 | Yes | – | – | – | 9.8 km |
| Rutland Water Courtyard Rooms | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 96 | Yes | – | – | – | 3.3 km |
| Kings Arms Inn | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 287 | Yes | – | – | – | 5.9 km |
| Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 1,264 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.3 km |
| The Finchs Arms | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 1,164 | Yes | – | – | – | 1.2 km |
| The Barnsdale Rutland | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 893 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 0.8 km |
| Fox and Hounds | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 325 | Yes | – | – | – | 3.2 km |
| The Marquess Of Exeter | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 214 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 11.9 km |
| The Olive Branch | ★★★★ | 5.0 | 3 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 9.9 km |
| The Tithe Barn B&B | ★★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5.0 km |
| Apples In Rutland | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 9.5 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
Closest to the centre
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa on Stamford Road Barnsdale, Harley's House at 12 Rutland Retreats The Avenue Exton and The Finchs Arms on Oakham Road all sit within 1.2 km of the centre, practical for a short break spent on foot around the market square and castle.
For pools and spas
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa and The Barnsdale Rutland both have swimming pools, with indoor and outdoor pools respectively, and Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa adds a Jacuzzi, massage and gymnasium. The Lake Isle offers a restaurant, bar and room service for a quieter stay.
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa · The Barnsdale Rutland · The Lake Isle
For families
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, The Finchs Arms, The Barnsdale Rutland and The Marquess Of Exeter all list family rooms, and the first three also provide cots. The Barnsdale Rutland adds an outdoor pool, while The Finchs Arms has a garden, picnic area and fishing.
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa · The Finchs Arms · The Barnsdale Rutland · The Marquess Of Exeter
For pets
Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering, The Barnsdale Rutland, The Marquess Of Exeter and Apples In Rutland all allow pets. Moo Cow Cottage adds a garden, patio, fireplace and washing machine, so it works well for longer stays with a dog.
Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering · The Barnsdale Rutland · The Marquess Of Exeter · Apples In Rutland
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Oakham is accessible by road via the A606 and A6003, and by rail on the cross-country route between Peterborough, Leicester and Birmingham, with the railway station in the town centre. From London, the usual route is by train from King's Cross to Peterborough, then a connecting service to Oakham; by car, the journey is via the A1 and A606. The nearest major airport is East Midlands, with Birmingham and Luton also within reach. Once in Oakham, the town centre is compact and walkable. For Rutland Water and surrounding villages, a car or bicycle is useful; local bus services connect Oakham with nearby towns, though they are less frequent on Sundays.
When to go
The most comfortable months for visiting Oakham are late spring to early autumn, when temperatures are mild and the countryside is at its best for walking and cycling. Summer brings the busiest period, especially around Rutland Water. Winter is generally quiet, with shorter daylight hours and occasional frost. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, so it is wise to be prepared for changeable weather at any time.
Questions, answered
Which hotels in Oakham are closest to the centre?
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa on Stamford Road Barnsdale is 0.3 km from the centre, Harley's House on The Avenue in Exton is 0.8 km and The Finchs Arms on Oakham Road is 1.2 km.
Do any Oakham hotels have a pool or spa?
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa has indoor and outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi, massage and gymnasium. The Barnsdale Rutland has an outdoor pool and a spa, and Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa also lists a fitness centre.
Which hotels are good for families?
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, The Finchs Arms, The Barnsdale Rutland and The Marquess Of Exeter all have family rooms, and Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, The Finchs Arms and The Barnsdale Rutland provide cots.
Is parking available at these hotels?
Yes. Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering, Harley's House, Hambleton Hall, The Lake Isle, Rutland Water Courtyard Rooms, Kings Arms Inn, Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, The Finchs Arms, The Barnsdale Rutland, Fox and Hounds, The Marquess Of Exeter, The Olive Branch and Apples In Rutland all list free car parking.
Which hotels allow pets?
Moo Cow Cottage Self Catering, The Barnsdale Rutland, The Marquess Of Exeter and Apples In Rutland all allow pets.
Which hotel is best rated by guests?
Hambleton Hall has 4.8 out of 5 from 519 reviews, followed by The Lake Isle and Rutland Water Courtyard Rooms at 4.7 out of 5.
Do any hotels serve breakfast?
Hambleton Hall, Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, The Marquess Of Exeter and The Olive Branch list breakfast, and The Marquess Of Exeter also offers breakfast in room.
Which hotel is best for a short break?
The Lake Isle on High Street East is 9.8 km from the centre and has a restaurant, bar, room service and free parking. Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa on Stamford Road Barnsdale is just 0.3 km from the centre.