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Winter Opening Times

Opening Times

The Castle and Grounds are now closed for the winter season and will re-open at Easter 2024. The Gardens, Grounds and Castle will be closed except for two special events:

Halloween Opening

Victorian Christmas

For more information, dates and to book please visit the event pages.

Please see our FAQs page for any questions you may have before visiting.

You can purchase annual memberships and gift vouchers through our website. For more information on these please visit our Memberships and Vouchers page.

Frequently Asked Questions – Victorian Christmas

When does the event run?

The event runs Thursday 30 – Sunday 3 December and Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 December.  Guided tours run every 15 minutes through the day between 11am – 5pm.

How long do tours last?

Tours last around 45 minutes and are led by one of our Castle guides who are in costume and in character as members of the Victorian household such as the Housekeeper, Governess, Butler and Footman.

Can I change my tour time?

You will need to contact the Estate Office to see if its possible for us to adjust your tour time. Please be aware that many time slots will be sold out close to the event so it may not be possible.

Can I arrive at a different time to by ticket?

Yes, you can arrive earlier than your tour time to enjoy something to eat or to explore the Gardens. We open from 11am.

Please make sure you check the time of your tour closely as we do ask that everyone is prompt. Tours will start on time and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you at a later time if you are late for your tour.

Can I purchase tickets on arrival?

Yes, you can purchase tickets on arrival but, as tickets are limited for the Castle tours we are advising everyone to pre-book in advance. We may not have space left if you arrive without pre-booking your tickets. Tickets can be purchased from the Heated Marquee in the Castle courtyard.

Do I need to print my tickets?

No, you can either show them on your mobile device or printed. We do need to see the confirmation barcode on arrival to scan you in.

I am an Historic Houses member, can I use my membership for this event?

I’m afraid Historic House memberships are not accepted at this event.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, there is parking which is included in your ticket price. Parking is on grass but we have mesh underneath the top layer to stop anyone getting stuck.

There are also a small number of accessible parking spaces on site.

Are dogs allowed?

With the exception of assistance dogs, dogs are not permitted into the Castle or tea rooms.

Are pushchairs allowed inside the Castle?

We are afraid that we do not allow pushchairs through the Castle itself. A small number of storage spaces are available for pushchairs whilst you are on the tour.

Is Walkers House tea room open?

Yes, the tea room is open where you can purchase a range of light lunches and festive treats.  A full menu will be available here once finalised.  We also have a heated marquee in the Castle courtyard offering the same range of festive treats and lunches to enjoy.

Please note: No food or drinks are allowed to be taken on the Castle tour.

When is the Walkers House tea room open?

The Tea room and marquee opens at 11am and final orders are at 5pm.  The tea rooms and marquee close at 5.30pm.

I have booked a Castle tour ticket, does this include access to the grounds?

Yes, access to the grounds is included in your tickets. You will be able to pick up a map of the grounds from the courtyard marquee.

I have a question regarding accessibility, what should I do?

You can find our more information regarding accessibility arrangements on our website here

If you still have a question, please contact the Estate Office team who will be able to help.

I am a carer/I am bringing a career with me, do they get a free ticket?

Yes, carers get free entry to the event. We ask that all paid-for tickets are purchased first and the conformation/order number is sent through, by email, to the estate office with proof of the carers status. We will then add the additional carers ticket on. Please allow 2 working days for this to be completed.

Frequently asked questions for the Pride & Prejudice

Thursday 11th August 2022

When is the event?
It takes place on Thursday 11 August 2022 in the Castle grounds, between 7:30pm – 9.30pm (approximate finish).

When do the gates open?
The gates open at 6:30pm for you to get into the grounds.

Can I buy tickets on arrival?
Limited Tickets will be available on a arrival.

Do I need to print my tickets?
You can either print your tickets or show them on your phone or device.

I’m a Historic Houses member, how do I organise tickets? 

We regret that Historic Houses members do not receive free entry for this event.

I have a 2 for 1 voucher I wish to use, how do I organise tickets?

We regret that Historic Houses members do not receive free entry for this event.

Is there an onsite car park? 

Yes, this a large onsite car park which is a five minute walk from the food fair.  There are a small number of accessible car parking spaces also available. Please ask for directions to this car park on arrival.

Do I have to pay for parking?

No, car parking is included in your admission ticket.

Is the Castle open? 

No, the Castle is closed for this event.

Can I buy something to eat at the event? 

Yes, there will be a small catering outlet offering hot drinks and cold drinks. You are welcome to bring your own picnic with you as well.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Rockingham Castle Food & Drink Fair

16th & 17th July 2022

When are you open?

The Food fair is open on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th  July. You need to pre-book your tickets through our website where you will select an entry time, either 11am, 12noon or 1pm.  These time slots are in place to spread visitors out through the day so people can see all the stalls they would like to.

How long can I stay on site?

Each ticket allows a two hour visit.

Can I buy tickets on arrival?

Limited Tickets will be available on a arrival.

Do I need to print my tickets?

You can either print your tickets or show them on your phone or device.

Can I arrive at a different time than what is on my ticket?

No, please arrive within your ticket time.

I’m a Historic Houses member, how do I organise tickets? 

We regret that Historic Houses members do not receive free entry for this event.

I have a 2 for 1 voucher I wish to use, how do I organise tickets?

We regret that Historic Houses members do not receive free entry for this event.

Is there an onsite car park? 

Yes, this a large onsite car park which is a five minute walk from the food fair.  There are a small number of accessible car parking spaces also available. Please ask for directions to this car park on arrival.

Do I have to pay for parking?

No, car parking is included in your admission ticket.

I have a question about access in the Gardens, what should I do? 

You can view our accessibility information on our website here. This may be able to answer your question in the first instance.  If not, you can contact the estate office by email: estateoffice@rockinghamcastle.com or by calling 01536 770240.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are welcome in the gardens but must be kept on a lead. Please clean up after then and dispose of anything in the bins provided.  A water bowl is available in the Courtyard.

I have an infant, do they need a ticket?

All children under 16 will receive free entry. You will need to purchase a complimentary ticket for them through the online system.

Can I buy something to eat at the event? 

Yes, there are plenty of places to buy delicious food to eat on site or take away with you.

Does the Castle have seating?

We do have a limited number of seating available across the event site.

Is the Castle open? 

No, the Castle is closed for this event.