Rockingham Castle stands on the edge of an escarpment giving dramatic views over five counties and the Welland Valley below. Built by William the Conqueror, the British Castle was a royal residence for 450 years and for 450 years it has been a family home. The predominantly Tudor building has architecture, furniture and works of art, including a remarkable collection of 20th century pictures and British history. Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to the Castle and based Chesney Wolds in Bleak House on Rockingham.

Surrounding the Castle there are expansive English gardens. The vast 400 year old “Elephant Hedge” bisects the formal terraced English gardens, and below is the beautiful “Wild Garden” which includes many specimen trees and shrubs including the remarkable Handkerchief Tree.

Rockingham
Castle

Built by William
the Conqueror, Rockingham was a Royal residence
for 450 years...

Rockingham
Castle

Built by William
the Conqueror, Rockingham was a Royal residence
for 450 years...

 
Explore the ramparts...
See the elephants...
Elegant settings...
Haute cuisine...
Timeless beauty...
 

Places to stay...

Great accommodation near Rockingham Castle

Great accommodation near Rockingham Castle

Things to do...

Our recommendations for great days out in the Rockingham area

Our recommendations for great days out in the Rockingham area

Opening Times

From Easter (23rd March) to the end of June

Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays

July to September

Tuesdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays

Open 12 noon – 5pm.  Grounds open at 12 noon. Castle opens at 1pm

Contact Details

Telephone:
01536 770240

Fax:
01536 771692

Email:
estateoffice@
rockinghamcastle.com


Internet:
www.rockinghamcastle.
com


Address:
Rockingham Castle Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8TH

Admission

Castle

Adults £8.50
OAP £7.50
Children (5-16 years) £5

Family ticket £22 (2 Adults and 2 Children)

Grounds Only

Adult & Child £5 each
(not available when special events are held in the grounds)

Group Admission:

Adults/OAP £7.50
Adults/OAP Private guided tours £9.50
Children £4

Groups by arrangement throughout the year.

School Groups

£4 each (1 Adult free with every 15 children)

 

 

Forthcoming Events

Events at Rockingham Castle: Antique & Collectors Weekend in the Park
Antique & Collectors Weekend in the Park
Up to 200 dealers from across the UK and Europe displaying and selling a huge variety of items from jewellery to furniture including paintings, porcelain, silver and silver plate, art deco and art nouveau, rustic, metalwork, treen , mirrors, lighting, postcards and ephemera, brass, copper - items for the home and garden and much, much more etc. 10am to 5pm each day Event: Adults £3.75, Senior Citizens £3.50 & Children (5-16) £1 Further information from Field Dog Fairs on 01780 410286 or 07889 097400 - e-mail fielddogfairs@aol.com - website www.fielddogfairs.co.uk The Castle and grounds are open on Sunday 25th & Monday 26th. Entrance price for Park event does not include access to the Castle & gardens.
Saturday, May 24, 2008 to Monday, May 26, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Jousting & Medieval Living History Village
Jousting & Medieval Living History Village
The Nottingham Jousting Association performs a thrilling display of horsemanship and skill at arms from days gone by. Great entertainment to the thunder of galloping hooves & clash of steel. The Oxford Household provides a fascinating medieval living history village demonstrating many skills and trades from life in earlier times. Story telling for children and adults. 12 noon – 5pm Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults £10.50, Senior Citizens £9.50, Children £7 & Family ticket (2+2) £28. Event only: Adults £8.50, Senior Citizens £7.50, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £22.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: People, Pets & Family Fun Day in the Park
People, Pets & Family Fun Day in the Park
This enormously successful Pets & People Show is coming to Rockingham Castle. This event is one for all animal lovers - from cats to iguanas, to rats and donkeys and of course a Dog Show. Whatever your age or pet this show really does have something for you. Dozens of Pet Charities are also represented and veterinary advice will be available. There will be activities for the whole family including up to 100 trade stands, licensed bar and arena events. An event not to be missed. 10am – 5pm each day Event: Adults £5, Senior Citizens & Concessions £4, Children £2 info@craftandfoodshows.co.uk www.craftandfoodshows.co.uk Contact telephone number 02476 54105 Entrance price for Park event does not include access to the Castle & gardens which are open on Sunday 15th June. The Castle & grounds are only open on the dates stated in our published leaflet, on our website & in our advertising.
Saturday, June 14, 2008 to Sunday, June 15, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Falconry & Owl Day
Falconry & Owl Day
Flying and static displays of falcons and owls. Two arenas with flying demonstrations and expert commentary throughout the day. A remarkable display of flying taking place over the Castle grounds and Welland Valley. 12 noon – 5pm Event & Castle: Adults £8.50, Senior Citizens £7.50, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £22.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Alfresco Shakespeare – Midsummer Night’s Dream
Alfresco Shakespeare – Midsummer Night’s Dream
Heartbreak Productions present Midsummer Night’s Dream. Gates open from 6pm each night, performances commence 7.30pm on the Terrace. Spectacular views over the Welland Valley and the backdrop of the 400 year old yew Elephant Hedge. Kindly sponsored by North Northants Development Corporation 01536 274979 http://www.nndev.co.uk Light refreshments during interval. Please bring own chairs, warm clothing & picnic if desired. Adults £12.50 Children £6. Box Office (credit cards accepted) 01536 770240
Sunday, July 13, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Alfresco Shakespeare  - Henry V
Alfresco Shakespeare - Henry V
Heartbreak Productions present Henry V. Gates open from 6pm each night, performances commence 7.30pm on the Terrace. Spectacular views over the Welland Valley and the backdrop of the 400 year old yew Elephant Hedge. Light refreshments during interval. Please bring own chairs, warm clothing & picnic if desired. Adults £12.50 Children £6. Box Office (credit cards accepted) 01536 770240
Sunday, July 20, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Steam & Country Show in the Park
Steam & Country Show in the Park
Working tractors demonstrating ploughing & threshing. Stationary engines and transport display area. Miniature steam engines. The Peak Vale Tractor Pulling Team & mini tractor pulling. Heavy haulage vehicles & arena. Military vehicles, vintage cars & motor bikes. Wild West Camp. Three event arenas. Family entertainment & activities. Fair Organs, Old Tyme Fun Fair and side stalls. Land Rover Experience off road experience. Large market of over 100 stalls & Craft Marquee. Dog Show with family dog show, obedience & agility classes, best looking dog event and many more classes. Caravan Club camping & camping areas. 10am to 5pm each day. Event: Adults £5, Senior Citizens £4 & Children £2. Information & trade booking forms available at www.davehoyles.co.uk Entrance price for Park event does not include access to the Castle & gardens which are open on Sunday 10th August. The Castle & grounds are only open on the dates stated in our published leaflet, on our website & in our advertising.
Friday, August 08, 2008 to Sunday, August 10, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Vikings! of Middle England
Vikings! of Middle England
Once again the Vikings are visiting the Castle telling the story of Viking times. Be prepared for Battles, Horses, Pageant, Living History Camp and much more. 12 noon to 5pm Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults £10.50, Senior Citizens £9.50, Children £7 & Family ticket (2+2) £28. Event & Castle: Adults £8.50, Senior Citizens £7.50, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £22.
Sunday, August 24, 2008 to Monday, August 25, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Kites Day
Kites Day
Fun for all the family. Free entry to grounds for child with own kite. Demonstrations, spectacular and unusual kites, teddy bear parachute dropping & kite workshops. 12 noon to 5pm Event & Castle: Adults £8.50, Senior Citizens £7.50, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £22.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Craft & Food Fayre Rockingham Castle Park
Craft & Food Fayre Rockingham Castle Park
Join the country’s finest craftsmen and food artisans displaying thousands of unique products which is back by popular demand. Attracting in the region of 8,000 visitors this event is not to be missed. There will be Chef demonstrations by Richard Fox from Food Poker and Look North “Fox on the Run”. Craft marquees, huge food hall, interactive displays & donkey sanctuary. There will be activities for the whole family to enjoy their visit to this craft and food fayre. 10am – 5pm each day Event: Adults £5, Senior Citizens & Concessions £4, Children £2 info@craftandfoodshows.co.uk www.craftandfoodshows.co.uk Contact telephone number 02476 541055 Entrance price for Park event does not include access to the Castle & gardens which are open on Sunday 28th. The Castle & grounds are only open on the dates stated in our published leaflet, on our website & in our advertising.
Saturday, September 27, 2008 to Sunday, September 28, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Rockingham Castle Game Fair - Castle Park
Rockingham Castle Game Fair - Castle Park
The Rockingham Castle Game Fair will be a fantastic day out for all the family. With international main ring attractions, gun dog events, ferrets, clay shoot, terriers, lurchers, fly tying, shopping, crafts and cookery demonstrations, not to mention the glorious surroundings….we think we have something for everyone. 9am - 5pm each day Event: Adults £7, Children and Senior Citizens £3, Family Ticket £20 (2 adults, 3 children), infants: Free Website: www.selbygamefair.co.uk/new/rockingham/index.htm Email address: Info@rockinghamcf.co.uk Contact telephone number 01205 871354 Entrance price for Park event does not include access to the Castle & gardens which are now closed until our Christmas opening 17 - 21 November. The Castle & grounds are only open on the dates stated in our published leaflet, on our website & in our advertising.
Saturday, October 11, 2008 to Sunday, October 12, 2008
 
Events at Rockingham Castle: Christmas at Rockingham Castle
Christmas at Rockingham Castle
Christmas shopping with a difference, the Gift Shop will be offering an exciting range of gifts for friends & family. The Castle Courtyard decorated with illuminated trees offers a warm welcome to visitors. The Castle will be decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas with guided tours provided in period costume taking place throughout the day. 11am – 8pm daily Shop, restaurant & grounds: No charge. Castle tour: Adults £5 Children £1
Monday, November 17, 2008 to Friday, November 21, 2008