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.
Rockingham Castle Opening Times 2026
General Opening
Rockingham Castle is currently closed for the season. The Castle opens for selected events throughout the year. Outside of these scheduled events, the Castle is closed to visitors unless they are part of an organised group or event.
Upcoming Events and Special Openings
October Garden Mornings
The Castle gardens are open on selected Tuesday mornings in October:
- Tuesday 6th October, 10am – 2pm
- Tuesday 13th October, 10am – 2pm
- Tuesday 20th October, 10am – 2pm
Halloween Fun at Rockingham Castle
Family-friendly Halloween activities run from Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st October. This event is designed for families and children to enjoy during the half-term holidays.
Jousting Event
A spectacular jousting event takes place on Sunday 21st June. The event runs from 11am – 4pm, with gates opening at 11am. The Castle itself opens from 11.30am, with last entry at 3.00pm. The Joust begins at 2.00pm.
Historic Houses members visit for free on standard open days
Free entry does not apply to special event days.
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 for 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.