Rockingham Castle, Northamptonshire. Paid entry
Details
Accessibility
- https://rockinghamcastle.com/your-visit/access/
- Guide dogs welcome
- Large font signs and leaflets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
- Baby Changing Facilities.
Brief description
https://rockinghamcastle.com/ + https://rockinghamcastle.com/whatstoseeanddo/
2025: "Rockingham Castle is a Grade I listed medieval fortress perched high above the Welland Valley in Northamptonshire, about two miles north of Corby. Built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century as a strategic royal hunting lodge, it features a classic Norman design with a motte-and-bailey layout and a stout twin-D‑tower gatehouse. In the late 13th century, King Edward I modernised the fortress—adding dramatic round towers and enriching its interiors.
After falling into disrepair by the 15th century, it was granted by Henry VIII to Edward Watson. The Watson family transformed it into a Tudor family residence, and it remains their home to this day, passing through the generations as both a private residence and historic site. Visitors can explore atmospheric rooms such as the Servants’ Hall, Great Hall, Old Kitchen, Panel Room, and the Victorian‑era Long Gallery (with photographic displays if mobility is limited). Surrounding the castle are 12–18 acres of gardens: terraced formal gardens with the famous 450‑year‑old “Elephant” yew hedge, rose beds, and a gently wild ravine garden with a children’s trail. Approachable for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, Rockingham Castle offers guided tours, seasonal events (like jousting and fairy days), a charming tearoom, gift shop, and lawns suitable for picnics and dog-walking."
+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockingham_Castle
2025: "Rockingham Castle is a former royal castle and hunting lodge in Rockingham Forest,[1] approximately two miles from the town centre of Corby, Northamptonshire, England. The castle has a strong gatehouse, which is to be expected for castles of its time. There are two large semicircular towers, protruding from the castle wall, located on either side of the gate. These are also known as D-towers. This gatehouse is on the east side of the structure, facing almost entirely towards the field.
The plan of the castle is a typical rectangular shape, with a passage through the center of the structure. This passage is entered through a porch beneath a drop arch, and was guarded by a portcullis in front of a wooden door. Another door is located at the end of the passage. Along the sides of the passage are openings, leading to rectangular chambers. In the east walls of these were the doorways two the semicircular chambers of the towers. The gatehouse and its towers have only two floors. This design is reminiscent of the rectangular stone gatehouse of the early Norman castle.[10] The remainder of the castle is contained by stone walls.
Within this castle are many halls, units of housing, and other buildings. Rockingham Castle was used as a principal setting for the BBC English Civil War period drama By the Sword Divided. In the TV series, "Arnescote Castle" was the home of the Royalist Lacey family. The castle also featured in the film Top Secret!, which starred Val Kilmer."
Address
Rockingham Castle Estate, Rockingham, Market Harborough LE16 8TH
estateoffice@rockinghamcastle.com
Phone
Website
https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/
Directions
https://rockinghamcastle.com/your-visit/directions/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockingham_Castle
2025: "The parish borders directly onto the town of Corby. Rockingham (and Corby) are part of North Northamptonshire, part of the ceremonial county of Northamptonshire.
The castle overlooks the villages of Rockingham and Caldecott, and has views over the Welland Valley. Privately owned, it is open to the public for events and on certain days.
The place was visited by writer Charles Dickens, who was a friend of Richard and Lavinia Watson, ancestors of the current family. The castle is arguably the inspiration for Chesney Wold in Dickens' novel Bleak House, published in 1853.
The castle takes its name from the manor of Rockingham, which was the only manor of the parish which in turn had markedly few church lands, especially as is common after the dissolution of the monasteries. Rockingham Forest was, largely outside of the parish, named after the place during the time of William the Conqueror because of the castle's importance as a royal retreat.
A cricket pitch lies within the grounds and is home to Old Eastonians Cricket Club."
Opening Times
https://rockinghamcastle.com/opening-times-2025/ + https://rockinghamcastle.com/your-visit/tickets/Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
https://rockinghamcastle.com/your-visit/directions/
Amenities
https://rockinghamcastle.com/whatstoseeanddo/
Gardens
Castle / Coastal Defence
Free Parking
Picnic Site
Shop
Cafe
View Point
Weddings https://rockinghamcastle.com/weddings/and
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
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Location
Nearest Venues
436 metres*
Caldecott, Rutland. Open Daily. Free Admission.
1.39 miles*
Middleton, Market Harborough, Northamptonshire
1.94 miles*
2.20 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.