Celebrating 950 years of living history

About Rockingham Castle

This remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, has been my family’s home for 450 years. Prior to the Watson’s ownership the Castle was held by the crown. There are very few other homes that have been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years and within that time been owned by just one family since being relinquished as a royal Castle. I think this is a particularly extraordinary aspect of Rockingham’s long and fascinating story. The Castle is now home to my wife, Elizabeth and our children, all of whom enjoy the Castle as I did as a child.

I very much hope that you enjoy looking at our website and that you will visit Rockingham soon.

James Saunders Watson

Upcoming Events

All events

Autumn Artisan Fair

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September

The Artisan Market will showcase the best of food, drink and crafts from the local area.

October Garden Mornings

Tuesdays ~ 6th, 13th & 20th October - 10am - 2pm

Join us this autumn as we leave our garden gates open a little longer… Come and delight in an array of colour as the vibrancy of our summer blooms give way to dazzling autumnal hues in Rockingham Castle’s gardens on selected Tuesday morning in October. Get even closer to nature on a woodland walk through the Wild Garden […]

Halloween Fun at Rockingham Castle

Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st October

Take part in spooky activities with the witches & wizards of Rockingham!

Festive Wreath Making

Tuesday 1st December & Wednesday 2nd December

Create your very own Rockingham Castle festive wreath! ‘Tis the season to get crafty! Join us again this December at one of our fabulous festive wreath making workshops! Our step by step guided workshops are hosted by our supremely talented gardeners who will nurture your creativity and wreath making skills. The team delight in helping […]

Mosaic in concert at Christmas

Thursday 3rd December - doors open at 6.30pm

Rockingham Castle presents Mosaic in Concert at Christmas This Christmas at Rockingham Castle lose yourself in a rousing and moving rendition of choral Christmas classics from the reign of Queen Victoria to the present day. Mosaic is a six-voice ensemble from the East Midlands who explore the A Capella repertoire in varying forms, including renaissance […]