There’s a plethora of eateries and cafes in Stamford and Rutland, and surrounding areas - we are very fortunate to have such a wide choice. Here’s just a few that are well worth a visit in my opinion. I’ve noted family-friendly ones, with baby changing facilities - and wide/big enough for prams.
Oakham
Castle Cottage Café has been described as an ‘oasis of charm’ by one visitor. It’s beautiful ‘enchanted’-style gardens make a wonderful spot to enjoy a great array of cakes and excellent food in summer. Inside, the old building makes it a wee bit tight for prams and pushchairs and no real baby changing facilities, however, that said, the atmosphere and the food more than makes up for it. - check
Mini Monsters whilst this is primarily a soft play in Oakham, I’ve included it in cafes because the coffee and cakes are fantastic, the sandwiches and children’s food is good too. And the bonus is you can have a coffee whilst your little one plays in the soft play. As would be expected, there are baby changing facilities.
One worth noting, is the Hare and Hog which is situated in the Oakham Enterprise Park in Ashwell. The cakes and coffees are great, and very friendly staff. The cafe offers breakfasts and lunches, and also sells the award-winning Rutland Charcuterie. It’s a small cafe but well designed and fairly easy to navigate with a pram. There are baby changing facilities. If you take your little ones to any of the sports courses available at the Active Rutland hub or Gym4Tots (also based on the Enterprise Park), then this is the perfect place to stop while you wait.
Fearnleys - Situated close to Whissendine, just off the Oakham to Melton road. In one word ‘Yum’. If you love Ice Cream, then Fearnleys is the place for you. With cows in the field opposite, that I understand provides the milk for the ice cream, you feel assured you are getting a good quality product. Also, they do fantastic milkshakes and lovely cooked breakfasts. Inside is spacious and roomy for those not so good day, and when it’s hot and sunny the kids can play outside - there’s a sandpit, mini toy tractors, a wooden climbing frame, and an indoor tunnel with smaller toys in for the very littlest people. Baby changing facilities are good and when we visited sparkling clean.
Opposite the market square, Caffè Nero in Oakham has a prime situation. It’s right next to Oakham Castle, so perfect to nip into before or after visiting the castle or going to Rhyme Time. The staff seem super friendly, and coffees, teas, hot chocolates, cakes, and paninis are great.