Rockingham Castle is a royal castle and hunting lodge occupied by the Watson family. The castle served formerly to the royal family, where various monarchs would visit it as a retreat and to practice their hunting activities. The last monarch to visit before the transition of the ownership was King Edward III, but it was King Henry VII who granted the castle to Edward Watson.
Located on a hilltop in Rockingham Forest, the site of the castle was a popular terrain for strategic military purposes. The beautiful views of Welland Valley you will enjoy from the terraces were not so much appreciated for the scenery back then. No, the view of the valley was very much an advantage to the army that was capable to manipulate that peak, attracting settlements as far back as the Romans to create buildings there. The order to build the Rockingham Castle came from William the Conqueror in the 11 c. AD. He ordered a wooden Motte-and-Bailey to be constructed, which 30 years later was upgraded to a stone building by William II. There were other developments to William II’s stone building, including the two D-Towers added in the late 13th c. by Henry III.
Just outside of Corby, in the East Midlands, Rockingham Castle is very easily accessible; from Corby get on the A6003 heading north towards Rockingham, where you will find the route to the castle signposted along the way. The nearest train station is in Corby city centre, where you will have to get the number 3 bus to Welland Vale. The walk to the castle from there is 25 minutes long. Parking near Rockingham Castle is available, and you will be guided to it by the guards at the entrance.
The surroundings of Corby are a beautiful romantic site of the English countryside. Within it are some very fine restaurants offering the best cuisines. Restaurants near Rockingham Castle are many, but you may find making the right decision a tad difficult. Looking through the ample list of places to eat nearby Rockingham Castle on this page, you will find that the decision has been made easy for you. Make sure your special day at Rockingham Castle ends with an equally special meal with your friends or loved ones and book a table today.
Did you know the descendants of Edward Watson still live at Rockingham Castle, where their home is used for various banqueting events?