Rockingham Castle
This remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, has been my family's home for 450 years. Prior to the Watson's ownership the Castle was held by the crown. There are very few other homes that have been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years and within that time been owned by just one family since being relinquished as a royal Castle. I think this is a particularly extraordinary aspect of Rockingham's long and fascinating story. The Castle is now home to my wife, Elizabeth and our children, all of whom enjoy the Castle as I did as a child.
Visitors to the Castle will immediately understand why William the Conqueror ordered a Castle to be built here. With its magnificent views across the Welland Valley this stronghold was crucial in helping William subdue his new kingdom. As well as a fortress the Castle was an important seat of government, the Great Council of Rockingham being held here in 1095.
Gardens
Poised above the Welland Valley with fine views of five counties the ramparts enclose 12 acres of sweeping lawns, formal and informal gardens set among the medieval fortifications. There is a circular Rose Garden on the site of the old keep and a magnificent wild garden in the ravine below containing over 200 species of trees and shrubs, many rare.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
OPENING TIMES 2010
From Easter (4th April) to the end of May
Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays
June to September
Tuesdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays
Open 12 noon - 5pm. Grounds open at 12 noon. Castle opens at 1pm
Please note that the Castle and Grounds are CLOSED TO VISITORS ON SATURDAY'S
ADMISSION CHARGES 2010
House & Gardens:
Adults £8.50, Senior Citizens £7.50
Children (5-16 years) £5
Family ticket (2+2) £22
Grounds Only:
Including Gardens, Salvin's Tower,
Gift Shop and Licensed Tea Room. Adult or Child £5
(Not available when special events are held in grounds)
For our Younger Visitors. We have masses of big open spaces for children to run around in and enjoy themselves. You are free to bring games to play but please refrain from playing ball games in the formal part of the garden. In the grounds there is a quiz featuring Wentworth the Gallant Guardian of Rockingham Castle. His hopeless servant has lost his gold, please help him to find it. The quiz will be given to you on arrival. Inside the Castle there is an I Spy booklet to help children with observation, learn about the Castle and, most importantly, have fun.
Outside Tours. Outside tours take place daily on open days at 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm. These tours are complimentary, last approximately 30 minutes and cover the development of the Castle through the ages. Please meet in the Courtyard beside the 'tours' board.
Dogs. Dogs are most welcome so long as they are kept under control. With the exception of guide dogs we do not allow dogs in the Castle.
GROUP ADMISSIONS
Guided tours for groups are available on most days, by appointment.
Full details are available on the Group Visit page which is reached via the icon at the top of this page.
Groups: (min 20 visitors)
Adults £7.50 (on open days)
Adults £9.50 (private guided tour)
Children (5-16 years) £4.25
School groups: (min 20 visitor)
Children £4.25 (1 adult free with every 15 children)
Additional adults £7.50
Groups and school parties can be accommodated on most days by arrangement.
Directions:
Rockingham Castle is ideally positioned in the centre of the country with good road, rail and air links.
By Road: Poised on the side of the Welland Valley, the Castle is off the A6003, 1 mile north of Corby; 24 miles from Peterborough, Northampton and Leicester; half an hour from the A1 and the M1 and 10 minutes from the A14 at Kettering.
By Satnav: LE16 8TH
By Rail: There is a regular train service from London St Pancras to Corby (3 miles),Kettering (8 miles) & Market Harborough (10 miles). The train journey takes approximately one hour. Taxis should be available at the Stations.
By Air:
East Midlands Airport 48 miles 1 and 1/4 hours
Birmingham Airport 56 miles 1 and 1/4 hours
Stansted Airport 71 miles 1 and 1/2 hours
Luton Airport 58 miles 1 and 1/4 hours
Helicopter landing may be available in the Grounds by prior arrangement.
Address :
Rockingham Castle, Rockingham
Market Harborough,
Leicestershire
LE16 8TH