FAQs

Our Open Season starts on Easter Sunday (9 April) to 26 September 2023.

Easter Sunday (9 April) to 29 May, we are open on Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays. From 4 June to 26 September, we are open on Tuesdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays. Please check the website before visiting to check we are open on each day.

Outside tours are complimentary tours that we run on most open days (not during some events).

A Castle guide will take you on a tour of the Gardens and Grounds talking about the history and development of the Castle over its 950 year history.

Well behaved dogs are allowed in the gardens and grounds. They must be kept on a lead at all times.

Pre-booking is not essential for normal open days.  You can purchase tickets by cash or card on arrival.

Visitors can pre-book tickets before arrival on our website to avoid disappointment, including Historic Houses and Annual Membership tickets that are free of charge.

Event days tend to be much busier so it is recommended to pre-book for these dates as we run fast-track lanes for pre-booked tickets.

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

The grounds open at 12noon each open day with the Castle opening at 1pm.

Last entry to the Castle is 4.30pm and we close at 5pm.

The Final entry  for the Castle is 4.30pm.  Final Entry to the Gardens is 4.30pm. The Gardens close at 5pm.

You can order your ticket online as normal. A Historic Houses ticket is listed as an option, please select this and add your membership number when prompted. You will need to show your membership card on arrival to validate the tickets. If you cannot show your membership card on arrival you will be charged an entry fee.

Please Note: Historic House Memberships are not valid on special event days. Please check our events page for a full list of dates.

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

No, car parking is included in your admission ticket. There is no additional charge.

You can view our accessibility information on our website. 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.

Carers tickets go free.  We ask that you purchase your paid tickets online in advance and email through the order confirmation number.  We can then add the carers ticket.

All children 3 and under will receive free entry on most open days. You will need to purchase a complimentary ticket for them through the online system.

There is a small charge for under 3’s on selected events to account for any activities and prizes they will be able to claim.

We do not permit pushchairs or prams through the Castle but there is a small storage space for them by the main entrance to the Castle itself.

Pushchairs are permitted throughout the Gardens although some areas of the wild garden may be slightly tricker than others due to the undulating ground.

Yes, Walker’s House Tea Room is open from 12am – 4:30pm on our open days.

Yes you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic to have in the gardens. We ask that all rubbish is disposed of in the bins provided or taken home with you.

We have picnic benches by the visitor car park, however you are welcome to either sit on the grass or bring a camping chair.There are also benches spaced around the gardens for those who struggle to walk longer distances.

For the privacy of the family, photography is not permitted inside the Castle itself.

Your are very welcome to take photos in the gardens for your own personal use.

Commercial photography and photo shoots are not permitted without prior arrangement.

We do not allow large bags through the Castle. There is no space for storage so we kindly ask that these are not brought along with your visit.

Yes, if you have booked a Castle and Gardens ticket this includes entry to the Gardens throughout the day. The gardens are open from 12noon – 5.00pm. Final entry is 4pm.