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

CANCELLED – Snowdrops Garden Open Days

We have made the difficult decision to cancel Snowdrops open days on the 17th, 18th & 19th February. Owing to the recent and ongoing poor weather our Wild Garden and car park have become water logged meaning it is unsafe to proceed with this event. Ticket holders will be contacted and a full refund issued. […]

Easter Fun

There will be plenty of Egg-citement at Rockingham Castle as the Castle & Gardens opens this Easter Bank Holiday!

Fleetwood Mac by Moonlight

Don’t miss a night of inspired renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. Relive the complex trials and tribulations of this remarkable band as Fleetwood Mac by Moonlight lead you through decades of nostalgia, under a starry Rockingham Castle sky. Dance, laugh, reminisce, and Go Your Own Way down memory lane with your nearest and dearest, […]

Country at the Castle

Saturday 30th May Great ready to for a boot-stompin’, sing-along kind of night! Country at the Castle is a brand-new music event which brings together the most iconic and inspiring country music from across the decades. Performed by renowned country music talent, Rory O’Neill, Country at the Castle will showcase hits from seminal artists such […]

Medieval Joust at Rockingham Castle

Knights and Horses combine for hard-hitting and fun Medieval Jousting display on the Tilting Lawn.

National Garden Scheme – Open Gardens

Join us on Tuesday 23rd June for Rockingham Open Gardens in collaboration with National Garden Scheme.

David Austin Rose Day at Rockingham Castle

We warmly invite you to experience a very special day in an English country garden. David Austin Rose Day at Rockingham Castle on 24th June 2026, offers the chance to spend time with fellow enthusiasts among roses in our stunning formal gardens. Enjoy an exclusive talk by Senior Rose Consultants from David Austin® Roses. Discover […]

“Othello” By the Lord Chamberlain’s Men

Come and enjoy ‘Othello’ in the Castle Gardens, performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

Fairy Day

Embark on an adventure in the Wild Garden to find the Fairy Doors, meet the Rockingham Woodland Fairies and complete the Toadstool Trail.