Rockingham Castle - © Brian Coleman
Rockingham Castle is located in the gentle English countryside in Leicestershire, the castle is an impressive fortress synonymous with its links with William the Conqueror. Having been inhabited for close to 1,000 years there is plenty of history and heritage here. The castle is the home of the Watson family with several generations having lived here, visitors can take a tour of the fascinating castle along with the surrounding gardens. The castle is set in a wonderful natural landscape and offers some great scenic views.
Attractions
Rockingham Castle was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, the historic castle forms an imposing sight. Rockingham has been the family home for the Watson's for over four centuries and is still so currently. Before the castle passed ownership to the Watson family it had been owned by the crown. The castle is one of very few homes that can claim to be continuously occupied for close to a thousand years.
The castle offers visitors with some memorable view overlooking the Welland Valley and this was seen as a strategic point at which William could control his enemies. During the Tudor period Henry VIII granted the Castle to Edward Watson who proceeded to transform the fortress in to a Tudor house. The castle also played a role in the Civil War having first been taken by Cromwell and his supporters and later surrounded by the King's troops.
During the Victorian period the castle transformed itself in to a Victorian mansion, the incumbent Watson's at the time entertained and a friend was none other than Charles Dickens. Modern day Rockingham is still the family home for the Saunders Watson family and it has maintained its place at the centre of the agricultural community here.
Visitors to the Castle can tour the Castle at their own leisure and discover more about it and the fascinating stories from the guides that are located throughout the Castle. The guides provide a useful point of reference and can give visitors more in depth knowledge on the history and many stories associated with the castle.
The Old Kitchen has been subject to restoration work that has brought it back to what it would have looked like back in 1895 and the scene set is one for the preparation for a large dinner in progress.
The Great Hall was built in 1086 on the instruction of William the Conqueror. The room was divided at the start of the 17th century that resulted in the creation of the Panel Room. These rooms have been the centre of the house and place an active role today, being used as the reception rooms and the main dining room. The Great Hall has maintained a Tudor atmosphere with portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and some of her advisors and associates, including Lord's Burghley and Dudley. The Panel Room illustrates the changes that have taken place in the castle as a whole evolving from a fortress to its current role as a room in a family home.
In the Long Gallery visitors can see among the best furniture and paintings in the whole house. Historically the room had been at the centre of family entertainment. During the mid 19th century Charles Dickens visited the house and may have preformed one of his renowned plays here.
The Gardens cover some 18 acres and surround the house, the gardens provide a place here visitors can admire the flowers, plants and trees along with enjoying a relaxing walk in a pleasant environment blessed with some great views. The house and gardens offer a number of dramatic views in five counties and over the Welland Valley.
Among the oldest features in the gardens is the 400 year old 'Elephant Hedge' that bisects the formal terraced gardens from the 17th century. There are also informal gardens set here, notable gardens to look out for are the Rose Garden and the Wild Garden that contain several hundred species of shrubs and trees with a number of rare species too.
How to Get There
The Castle can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Rockingham is located approx 75 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 2 hours from London. From London take the A5 then the A406 North Circular and then the exit for the M1 Motorway. Drive up to junction 15 of the M1 and exit on to the A45 Northampton/Wellingborough. Drive on the A45 until the junction with the A43 and take the A43. Then take the A6003/Rockingham Road. Continue to drive on the A6003 and the Castle will be further along the road on your left.
There are parking facilities on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is LE16 8TH.
By Train:
From London St Pancras station in central London there are regular trains available to Kettering and Market Harborough located approx 8 to 10 miles from the Castle. The journey time is approx 1 hour, from the two train stations visitors can get a taxi to the castle.
Contact Details
Rockingham Castle
Rockingham
Market Harborough
Leicestershire
LE16 8TH
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1536 770240
Fax: +44 (0)1536 771692
email: estateoffice@rockinghamcastle.com
Website: Rockingham Castle
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
House is open from Easter until September:
Open between 12.00 until 17.00 (Castle opens at 13.00 & Grounds at 12.00)
From Easter until end of May open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
From June until September open on Tuesday, Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays.
NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the House & Gardens are open before going.
Further Information:
House & Gardens:
Adults: £8.50 approx, Children: £5.00 approx, Concessions: £7.50 approx & Family Ticket: £22.00 approx.
Gardens Only:
Adults: £5.00 approx & Children: £5.00 approx
Facilities:
For Disabled visitors there is wheelchair access in areas of the Castle and Gardens, there are also disabled toilet facilities.
The Tea Rooms offer visitors with a range of light snacks, scones, cakes, soup and bread.
The Gift shop sells a range of gifts, souvenirs, accessories and jewellery.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Rockingham Castle Map
Tips & Other Considerations
Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is worn across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Rockingham in Leicestershire, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planning tool. Check the traffic news and information before you travel.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates before you travel, look out for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
