Rockingham Castle Gardens
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Parties / Large Groups
Guided Garden Tours. The gardens at Rockingham extend to about 18 acres & fall into two distinct garden types. The formal gardens surround the Castle and include the Cross Garden, Rose Garden & the remarkable “elephant” yew hedge which dissects the formal garden & is reputedly 400 years old. The second part of the garden is the Wild Garden which extends across the valley to the east of the Castle & is home to a fascinating collection of plants & trees. Head Gardener, Richard Stribley guides these informative tours during which questions are positively encouraged. The group tariff for a minimum of 20 adults is: Adults £7.50. Time allowed approximately 1 hour 30 mins for the garden tour.
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Open House
OPENING TIMES 2010 From Easter (4th April) to the end of May Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays June to September Tuesdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays Open 12 noon - 5pm. Grounds open at 12 noon. Castle opens at 1pm
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Parking
There is plenty of parking for visitors.
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Disabled Access
We have made great efforts to ensure that we can cater for disabled visitors at Rockingham Castle. We welcome comments from visitors as to how we might improve our service. Parking The parking area for our disabled visitors is located immediately outside the Norman Towers which form the entrance to the Castle. On arrival at the Ticket Office you will be provided with a Welcome leaflet . The map inside indicates the disabled parking area. If you identify your need to any member of staff they will be delighted to assist you with directions. Wheel Chair Access Due to the architecture it is not possible for visitors in wheel chairs to enter the Castle via the main visitor entrance. The access is via the ramp to the Gift Shop the location of which is identified on the Welcome Leaflet. We have a portable ramp providing access to our Restaurant in Walkers House. Whilst this can and is put in place on a need basis it would be helpful to know in advance that you need this ramp. Please call or email us with the date of your visit. Large Print Welcome Leaflet & Guide Book A large print Welcome Leaflet is available at both the Ticket Office on arrival or at the Entrance to the Castle. A large print Guide Book is available, free of charge, also at the Entrance to the Castle. Audio Tour An audio tour, narrated by the Castle's Owner, James Saunders Watson, is available to hire. These are available to all our visitors to enjoy and accordingly at very busy times may not be available. If you would like to book the use of one of these tours please email or telephone the Office and the necessary arrangement will be made for you. Photograph Album & Panorama There are a number of areas in the Castle which are not accessible to those with limited mobility (The Long Gallery and Salvins Tower). In each case we have photographs which are located in the Gift Shop which give a flavour of the Long Gallery, view from Salvins Tower & tour of the gardens. Garden Access The formal gardens are generally accessible to those with a mobility constraint. We have recently installed handrails, ramps and added a "by pass path" to a set of steps in the Rose Garden. The beautiful Wild Gardens are set in a steep sided Valley where access is more difficult. Please telephone or email the Office prior to a visit if you have any concerns about visiting Rockingham. WC's There is a full disabled WC situated adjacent to the Ticket Office on the visitor car park.
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Shopping
The Castle Gift Shop is located at the end of the tour of the house but can also be approached from the Castle Courtyard. Elizabeth Saunders Watson is the inspiration behind the preparing of the shop for visitors. The shop has been highly praised in the 2008 Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme inspection for variety and originality. We have endeavoured to ensure that the items in our shop are not to be found in other houses shops. We have something for just about everyone from toys to ties, picnic sets to puzzles, china to jewellery, books to book marks, bits and pieces for gardeners, cooks and hardworking mothers
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Restaurant
The tearooms are situated in Walker's House, an annex of the Castle found within the Courtyard, and offer truly historic surroundings in which to enjoy refreshments. We are open from 12 noon until 5pm on Open Days and provide a waitress service operation with a comprehensive menu ranging from a cup of coffee to a full lunch. There is always an interesting range of filled rolls, hot snacks and light lunches (from £2.95) and in colder months, large bowls of warming soup with thick chunky bread (£4.50) or baked potatoes with a variety of savoury fillings (£6.25). Try our robust ploughman's lunches with regional British cheeses, such as Quenby Stilton and Lincolnshire Poacher, and freshly baked rustic bread (£6.95) or chicken & ham pie with plum chutney and buttery new potatoes (£6.95). We also have a daily specials board reflecting the best of British regional cookery and seasonal produce. Walker's House is also licensed so why not enjoy a glass of wine or a traditional English beer with your lunch. For afternoon tea we have a range of cakes and scones (from £1.95) including Ann's fabulous homemade lemon drizzle cake or honey, date & walnut teabread (£2.55), as well as our nearly famous Rockingham Cream Tea (£4.75). Children are always welcome and we offer a healthy meal box option at £3.75 to keep them happy. Our menu changes as the season progresses to incorporate the freshest possible ingredients and we always endeavour to support local suppliers. We hope this gives you a flavour of what Walkers House has to offer, and that you take the time to drop in during your visit to Rockingham Castle.
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Picnic Area
There are tables and benches in the gardens and grounds for visitors to sit and enjoy the gardens and a picnic if they wish.
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Pets
Pets on a lead are welcome in the gardens and grounds.
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Alcohol license
Walkers House restaurant is fully licensed.
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Special Events
15th & 16th May Kaleidoscope of Colour 13th June Jousting & Medieval Living History Village OPEN AIR THEATRE SEASON Heartbreak Productions present 4th July Secret Garden 11th July Falconry & Owl Day 22nd August Rover P5 & P5B Club Annual Rally 29th & 30th August Vikings! Of Middle England 22nd – 26th November Christmas at Rockingham Castle PARK EVENTS 19th & 20th June Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Concours & Rally 25th & 26th September Craft and Food Fair Entrance price for Park event does not include access to the Castle & gardens. The Castle & grounds are only open on the dates stated in our published leaflet, on our website & in our advertising.
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Family/Baby changing facilities
Yes.
