Forthcoming events in 

Family Cycle Trail

Bring the family and cycle on miles of traffic-free roads and tracks in Grimsthorpe Park. Hire your cycles from us, collect a map and follow the waymarked trails. There are different routes to suit your energy level and ability. You can also choose to take the Family Challenge by picking up a Challenge Pack (£5) and hunting down the clues and questions as you cycle the trail.(Challenge open 22 Jul - 8 Sep) The challenge is aimed at families with children aged 5-11. It's a great way to see the countryside, keep fit and enjoy fresh air together in a safe environment. The trail is open every standard open day.

Brigstock International Horse Trials

Rockingham Castle is delighted to be hosting the Brigstock International Horse Trial from 2013.  The event will include BE 100, Novice, Intermediate, CIC1 & 2 Star International cross country classes.  Show jumping & dressage classes.  Falconry, animals, Fun Agility, bar, trade stands & catering on site.
Gate prices per car: Fri £5, Sat & Sun £10.  Weekend ticket – 3 days  £20. 
Gates open: 9am – 5pm
www.rockinghamcastlehorsetrials.com

Walking with Lord Willoughby

During the 1800s he built his own railway line through the park and this walk will take in part of its route. There will also be a chance to discover more about his life and the fascinating times in which he lived.

Willow Weaving - Obelisks

Join Alison Walling, a very talented willow weaving artist, and learn willow weaving techniques by creating a beautiful garden obelisk.  Alison, whose teaching in arts and training in basketry will gently and competently guide you to create something fabulous. Suitable for beginners.

Tea, coffee and all materials are provided, as is a delicious lunch in Doddington's restaurant.

£79pp  Pre-booking essential

To book, or learn more about Rachel Petherham and her events, please call her direct on 01400 272344 or email catkinflowers@tiscali.co.uk

Spring Bank Holiday at Doddington

For the three days over the late May Bank Holiday (25, 26 & 27 May) we have some exciting events planned for you!

On Saturday 25th our Farm Shop is holding a Strawberry Fair which will celebrate strawberries and other soft seasonal fruits – there will be plenty of tasters and recipes.

On Sunday 26th and Monday 27th we are holding our first 'Doddington does Vintage' event in our Coach House which will be a fantastic vintage fair full of friendly stallholders selling their retro and collectable items. Browse an amazing carefully-chosen choice of goods, and find something unique and fabulous for yourself, your home or as a gift. You can also enjoy vintage games (boules and croquet) in the Coach House's private garden and partake in a little tea, as our Coach House will also be offering a vintage-style tea party. On your way in, admire the vintage cars on display! Open 10am to 5pm. Admission will be £1 per person (children under 16 free; no extra charge for games but teas available to buy).

Both House & Gardens will open on the Sunday and the Monday.

A visit to Doddington over the Spring Bank Holiday is a chance to enjoy our historic House, delightful Gardens and our Strawberry Fair and new vintage event. Don't forget you can enjoy coffee and cake in our Cafe or book into our Restaurant for lunch (01522 812 505).

Celebration of Lincoln Engineering Weekend

Lincoln’s most precious engineering masterpiece – the Cathedral hosts a three day celebration of engineering. The weekend of the 25th, 26th and 27th May will see Lincoln Cathedral filled with exhibitions about Lincoln engineering. There will be links back into the agricultural origins of Lincoln’s mechanical engineering set alongside cutting edge electronic and turbine technology. There will be plenty of fun with interactive displays and the finals of competitions for schools and apprentices.
10am - 4pm  (12 noon to 3pm on Sunday 26 May)                                                                    

Steam, Transport & Family Show

Midland Events Club are returning to the Rockingham Castle for the Steam Transport & Family Show.  There will be steam engines, transport and vintage vehicles.  Lots of family entertainment which will include; Dog Agility Demonstration, Model aircraft & boats,  Motor Cycle Up and Over Arena Display, Pipe Band, Irish dancing, Classic Cars & Shire Horses. Caravan Club Camping.
Gate price: Adults £8. Concession £7.  Children (5-16) £4 Family ticket (2+3) £22
Gates open: Saturday 9.30am till 5pm Sunday 9.30am till 4.30pm.  
 Event Organiser, Arrow Marketing.  01780 783963/ 07860 758872
Email phil@arrowmanagement.fsnet.co.uk     www.steamfestival.co.uk

Walking with Monks

Step back almost 1,000 years when the park was home to Cistercian monks. Look for traces of their Abbey and discover their fate in the 1530s.
Guided walk is free but you will need a valid park ticket. This is a two hour walk. Suitable clothing required. To book a place email ray@grimsthorpe.co.uk

RHS Event - Produce your own: Compost & Other Natu

Join Dave Newman of Sage Gardener for an illustrated talk about making garden compost and other natural plant foods using largely sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. The talk will be followed by a visit to the Kitchen Garden to see examples of the techniques in action.

10am-12.30pm Members £15, non-members £18 (incl tea, coffee and cake from 9.30am) Meet in Farm Shop. To Book: 01522 812510

Flower Power Plant Fair

The popular Flower Power Plant Fair will return to Doddington in 2013 on Sunday 9 June. You can expect to see a carefully-chosen selection of nurseries and plant growers presenting quality, interesting and inspirational plants for your garden - all set in part of our own Garden!

For more information about the organisers, please visit http://www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk/ 

Jousting & Medieval Living History Village

The Knights of Nottingham & the Oxford Household make a triumphant return to Rockingham Castle.  To the thunder of hooves and the clash of steel - let combat commence. The Black Knight has come to do battle and intends to win at any cost.  The Oxford Household provide a fascinating medieval living history village demonstrating skill-at-arms and trades from life in earlier times.  Story telling for children and adults.  
12 noon – 5pm.  Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults £10.50, Children £7.50 & Family ticket (2+2) £29.50.   Event only: Adults £9.50, Children £5.50 & Family ticket (2+2) £24.50. 

Walking with Sir John Vanbrugh

He died before his project was completed but the inspirational ideas of one of Britain's greatest architects will be unravelled as we walk around the outside of the castle that isn't a castle!
Guided walk is free but booking is essential. Email ray@grimsthorpe.co.uk. A valid park ticket is required. Suitable clothing for an outdoor, two hour walk is required.

Willow Weaving - Birds

This is one of Rachel's favourite courses – willow artist Alison Walling will teach you random weave techniques and you will create a willow bird (we used to say chicken but you just don't know what you are going to create until you start...!). 

The course is run by Guest Tutor, Alison, whose teaching in arts and training in basketry will gently and competently guide you to create something fabulous.

Tea, coffee and all materials are provided, as is a delicious lunch in Doddington's restaurant.

10am – 4.30pm Meet in the Farm Shop

£79pp Pre-booking essential. Suitable for beginners.

To book, or learn more about Rachel and her events, please call her direct on 01400 272344 or email catkinflowers@tiscali.co.uk

Head Gardener's Tour with Supper

Enjoy a private tour of the gardens at Deene Park with the Head Gardener. Have tea in the Great Hall before moving outdoors to experience the sights, sounds and smells on offer. Afterwards, enjoy a two course supper in the Old Kitchen Tea-Room.

Starts at 6pm. Tickets £35 per person.  Booking essential on 01780 450278

Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Concours & Rally

This flagship Club event attracts the world’s largest collection of around 1,000 Rolls-Royce and post-1933 Bentley cars with members travelling from across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

On Saturday 15th June H&H Classics Limited will hold their "Excellence in Engineering" auction covering Rolls-Royce, Bentley and selected cars from other marques. Sunday 16th June is the Club's Concours d’Elegance when the cars are arranged by class for judging followed by prize giving. It is a spectacular site to see all these beautiful cars assembled together.  For further information visit www.rrec.org.uk or call 01327 811788

Cooking in the Kitchen Garden

Taking place in the Kitchen Garden (under shelter / shade), our relaxed and informal cookery demos highlight what's seasonal and good now. Cookery demonstrator Amy Claridge uses produce from the Kitchen Garden to create interesting dishes, which the audience then polish off!

11am (until approx 1.30pm). Come and go as you please - don't feel obliged to stay for all the dishes.

This even it free wnd there is no need to book.

If you have any queries, you are welcome to contact Amy on 01522 698 698 (office hours).

The St Peter’s Singers

Performance in the Vanbrugh Hall. This choral performance is always popular. Purchase your tickets early. Visit the Grimsthorpe Castle website for more details. If the weather is kind there will be a chance to bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens and grounds from 6.00pm.The concert starts at 8.00pm. 01778 423036 to book your ticket.

The Suffering Obstacle Race

The Suffering arrives at Rockingham Castle.  10k on Saturday & 10 miles on Sunday on a course designed to excite, thrill and challenge. How much Suffering can you take?
Prices start from £30.  www.thesufferingrace.co.uk
BOOK NOW!  SUFFER LATER!

European Stone Festival 2013 at Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting the European Stone Festival, on the Cathedral’s East Green. With up to 150 stonemasons and stone carvers from all over Europe it will certainly be a great sight. The stonemasons, carvers and trainees taking part will have 14 hours to design a ‘Food and Farming’ themed piece. This will be a rare opportunity to watch some of the best European craftsmen and women, in a setting steeped in history.

At 15.00 on the Sunday, the stones that have been worked will be auctioned on the East Green     
Entry to the festival will be free of charge to the public. 
For more information visit www.stein-festival.de

The Scented Garden

Scent can have a powerful effect on emotion and mood, and an aromatic garden can be a means to health, well-being and pleasure. This course is designed to help you create your own fragrant space within the garden as well as covering the therapeutic uses of these fragrant plants. The course includes an illustrated talk covering choice of plants to ensure fragrance throughout the year and a demonstration of how to make a highly scented bouquet. The course is run by Dr Rachel Petheram of Catkin Flowers, Doddington's resident cutting florist.

Rachel is a tutor at RHS Harlow Carr, one of the Independent newspaper's top 50 florists in the UK, and also creates some of our beautiful home-grown Christmas decorations.

Tea, coffee and notes are provided, as is a delicious lunch in Doddington's restaurant.

10am – 4pm Meet in the Farm Shop £59pp Pre-booking essential

To book, or learn more about Rachel and her events, please call her direct on 01400 272344 or email catkinflowers@tiscali.co.uk

Antiques and Collectors Fair

Search for that hidden gem! The stalls will be set out in front of the castle and your entry fee will include access to the gardens and grounds. Watch out for the televison cameras as BBC's  Bargain Hunt returns this year. Refreshments available. Castle will also be open on Sunday (additional charge)

Grow your own Wedding Flowers

This course is designed for anyone who wants to grow cut flowers for a specific event. The morning is dedicated to planning and growing seasonal flowers, including a tour of Rachel's cutting garden. In the afternoon you will be taught how to make a hand-tied bouquet and a button-hole, which you will take away with you.

The course is run by Dr Rachel Petheram of Catkin Flowers, Doddington's resident cutting florist.

Rachel is a tutor at RHS Harlow Carr, one of the Independent newspaper's top 50 florists in the UK, and also creates some of our beautiful home-grown Christmas decorations.

Tea and coffee is provided, as is a delicious lunch in Doddington's restaurant , and you will leave with notes and all your flowers.

10am – 4pm Meet in the Farm Shop £79pp Pre-booking essential

To book, or learn more about Rachel and her events, please call her direct on 01400 272344 or email catkinflowers@tiscali.co.uk

Rockingham Castle Game & Country Fair

Set in the beautiful grounds of Rockingham Castle this Family Country and Game Show with all day entertainment includes birds of prey, working dogs, children's entertainment as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees.
Also on Sunday at this event, we're proud to host the Companion Dog Show- so bring along a canine friend and have a go! (And all proceeds from entries will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care).
For details of classes available at the competition click here
 Open 10am - 5pm
Ticket prices: £7 adults, £6 concessions, Children (5-16) £3 Family: £18 (2 adults, 2 children) – under 5’s free
www.oakleighfairs.co.uk
admin@oakleighfairs.co.uk   
01206 263088

John Williams Classical Guitar - Lincoln Cathedral

A concert performed by classical guitarist John Williams will take place in the Nave of Lincoln Cathedral. The concert will also feature music from The Hot Club of Lincoln Minster School.
Tickets will be priced at £22, £28 and £32, available from the Cathedral Shop
Tel: 01522 561644.

Festival of Running

Ever thought about running 70 miles in 24 hours? Long distance runners will be covering a lot of ground in Grimsthorpe Park on the first endurance race of its type to be held here. For those with a little less energy there will also be a half marathon taking place. Check out the FAT FEET website for more details on how to book

International Agility Festival

Bring your dog and experience the top competition for agility enthusiasts. Take part in the ‘have-a-go’ ring where you can try this exciting sport or the Companion Dog Show (10 Aug), open to all dogs.
Free admission, car park charges apply.
8am – 5.30pm daily
Visit www.kcagility.org.uk or email agilityfestival@thekennelclub.org.uk.

Vikings! Of Middle England

The Vikings return!  Be prepared for Battles, Pageant, Living History Camp and much more.  The Vikings Of Middle England are most famous for their realistic, exciting and entertaining battle displays.  The thunderous clash of steel rings out as opposing forces meet. Off the battlefield life in the tented encampment goes on with tradesmen displaying their skills, making weapons, coins and wood turning.  
12 noon to 5pm.   Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults £10.50, Children £7.50 & Family ticket (2+2) £29.50.   Event only: Adults £9.50, Children £5.50 & Family ticket (2+2) £24.50.

Family Festival Day

Come along and enjoy - Classic cars, craft stalls, terrier racing, live music, bouncy castles.....and more!

Rockingham Castle Food and Craft Fair

Set in the historic Great Park at Rockingham Castle we celebrate all that is good to eat and drink from across the region and far beyond. As well as a huge range of food and drink (and related goodies) there will also be unique arts, craft and gift products to enjoy. A full programme of food and cookery demonstrations as well as wine and beer tasting sessions will all add to a really good weekend for everyone from the amateur enthusiast through to the most sophisticated gastronome.
Entrance prices: £5 adults, £4 concessions, £2 children (5-16) under 5’s free
 Open 10am - 5pm
www.oakleighfairs.co.uk     admin@oakleighfairs.co.uk    0800 141 2823 

The Suffering Obstacle Race

The Suffering returns to Rockingham Castle.  10k on Saturday & 10 miles on Sunday on a course designed to excite, thrill and challenge. How much Suffering can you take?
Prices start from £30.  www.thesufferingrace.co.uk
BOOK NOW!  SUFFER LATER!

Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle

It’s Christmas Eve 1881 and the Castle is decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas.  The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas lunch.  Guided tours in period costume take place throughout the day.  The Castle Courtyard decorated with illuminated trees offers a warm welcome to visitors. Christmas shopping with a difference with the Gift Shop offering an exciting range of gifts for friends & family.  The Castle restaurant is open for lunch, tea & supper or just a cup of something hot and a mince pie.
11am – 8pm daily.  Castle tour:  Adults £7, Children £3 (5-16yrs). Under 5’s free.  Car parking £2.50