Rockingham Castle
Norman castle commissioned by William the Conqueror and home to the Saunders-Watson family.
Northamptonshire, LE16 8TH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
Full details of accessibility arrangements at Rockingham Castle can be found on our website under the accessibility tab.
Rockingham Castle has stood on this wonderful escarpment position for almost 950 years.
There are very few homes that have been owned by just one family since being relinquished as a royal Castle. Whether it is images of Knights in shining armour, a Tudor house, a Victorian home staffed with servants, or contemporary art, Rockingham has it all.
All standard open day entry includes a complimentary outside tour, telling you the history of the Castle and grounds. Its a great way to learn about the development of the site before entering the Castle!
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times for Rockingham Castle
Rockingham Castle is open to visitors during specific periods of the year. The opening times for 2026 are as follows:
- Sunday 29th March – Sunday 26th April: Open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays only.
- Sunday 3rd May – Tuesday 29th September: Open on Tuesdays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays only.
The grounds open at 11:00 AM, and the castle opens at 11:30 AM. Complimentary outside tours are available at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM. The last entry to the castle is at 3:00 PM, and the site closes at 4:00 PM.
Special event days may have different opening times and ticket prices. Please refer to the specific event details for accurate information.
Admission Prices
General admission prices for Castle, Gardens, and Grounds entry:
- Adult (16+): £19.25
- Senior (65+): £17.70
- Student (with valid student card): £17.70
- Child (4-15): £11.50
- Child (0-3): Free
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £49.90
General admission prices for Gardens and Grounds entry:
- Adult (16+): £12.50
- Senior (65+): £12.00
- Student (with valid student card): £12.00
- Child (4-15): £6.25
- Child (0-3): Free
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £31.50
Historic Houses Members are allowed free entry on standard open days but not on event days. Complimentary carers tickets are available for visitors requiring assistance.
Special Events
Rockingham Castle hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Some notable events include:
- Snowdrops Garden Open Days: 17th, 18th, and 19th February 2026.
- Easter Fun: 5th and 6th April 2026.
- Fleetwood Mac by Moonlight: 29th May 2026.
- Country at the Castle: 30th May 2026.
- Medieval Joust: 21st June 2026.
- National Garden Scheme – Open Gardens: 23rd June 2026.
- David Austin Rose Day: 24th June 2026.
- "Othello" by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men: 25th June 2026.
- Fairy Day: 26th July 2026.
- Legends Live – ABBA & Queen by Moonlight: 14th August 2026.
Each event has specific timings, ticket prices, and conditions. Please refer to the event details for more information.
Accessibility
Rockingham Castle provides various accessibility features, including parking for visitors with impaired mobility, wheelchair access to certain areas, and complimentary carers tickets. However, some areas of the castle and grounds may have limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the site.
For further details on accessibility, please contact the estate office or refer to the accessibility information provided.
Historic Houses members visit for free on standard open days
House & Garden
Adult – £19.25
Senior – £17.70
Student – £17.70
Child (4-16) – £11.50
Child (0-3) – Free
Family – (2 adults and up to 3 Children) – £49.90
Historic House members gain free entry to all standard open days. Free entry does not apply to special event days.
Gardens Only
Adult – £12.50
Senior – £12.00
Student – £12.00
Child (4-16) – £6.25
Child (0-3) – Free
Family – (2 adults and up to 3 Children) – £31.50
Historic House Members can book in advance if they wish, or can organise their tickets on arrival. In both cases they must provide their historic houses card on arrival to the ticket office to validate their entry.
PLEASE NOTE: Historic Houses members do not get free entry on special event days. Please see our website for full details of special event days.
Groups wishing to visit the house during public open days are welcome; on these occasions group visitors will join the public on a ‘free-flow’ basis.
Guided tours for groups are available on most days by appointment.
The minimum number for a group booking is 20 persons.
A school trip to Rockingham Castle provides a unique experience that could not be replicated in a school environment.
Our Castle tour usually covers all aspects of the Castle’s history as appropriate to the ages of the group. However, we tailor our tours to your needs therefore special emphasis on a particular period can be arranged.
Contact us for more information:
01536 770240
Full details of accessibility arrangements at Rockingham Castle can be found on our website under the accessibility tab.
Getting here
Northamptonshire, LE16 8TH
Located 2 miles north of Corby, 9 miles east of Market Harborough.
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.
Rockingham Castle: In Pictures
James Saunders Watson, owner of Rockingham Castle
This remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, has been my family’s home for 450 years. The Castle is now home to my wife, Elizabeth and our children, all of whom enjoy the Castle as I did as a child. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Looking to visit Rockingham Castle?
Rockingham Castle is open from April to May, on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. It’s also open from June to September, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays. See our Opening Times and Admissions tabs above for further information on dates and times in which you can visit the castle and its grounds. Historic Houses members enjoy free entry when showing their membership card at the gate.
If you’re interested in joining Historic Houses as a member, you can find out more about membership below. Members enjoy free access to almost three hundred independently owned historic houses across the UK for free using their membership card, as well as a quarterly magazine and monthly online lectures about the houses.
Other houses that members can visit nearby
Boughton House
Boughton House, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 1BJ
Kelmarsh Hall
Main Road, Kelmarsh, Northampton, NN6 9LY
Deene Park
Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 3EG
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.