ROCKINGHAM: A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND VILLAGE ESCAPE IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

1st May 2021

Last Updated on 6th July 2021 by Bejal

The delightful village of Rockingham is located on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire and north of Corby on the edge of the beautiful Welland Valley. Inhabited by only around 110 people it has all the necessities that a small village would desire including a beautiful church, local shop, tea rooms, a pub, village hall, a bed and breakfast and a castle accompanied by stunning gardens! Rockingham is the perfect base for a weekend break or a perfect day trip destination that will leave you reeling to return with its chocolate box houses and warm local welcome.

In This Article

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A Little Rockingham History

There has been a settlement at Rockingham in ancient, Roman and Saxon, times, the first real village probably housed labourers employed by the Crown to build and maintain the Norman Castle. This collection of huts was situated below the entrance towers.

As the Castle grew in importance, so did the village – being designated a Borough in the 12th century and a “Town” by Royal Charter of Elizabeth I.

Much of the Tudor village was destroyed during the Civil war and the village was later reconstructed out of stone on the hill below the Castle. This is essentially the village as it stands today, the earliest house being dated 1670.

The village was modernised by Richard Watson (member of parliament) in the 19th century, when several new houses were built and the older cottages enlarged. Further improvements were carried out in the 1950’s.

The Forest covered much of what is now Northamptonshire and was once one of the largest and richest in the Kingdom.

Rockingham was a former market town, but the market has long since fallen into disuse, as has the fair, which for a long time was held on 25 September. As well as its Castle, Rockingham was for centuries also famous for its Forest.

How to get to Rockingham

By far the easiest way to reach Rockingham is to drive, heading towards signs for Corby, Northamptonshire. It takes around 40 minutes from Leicester, and 8 minutes from Corby centre.

Google map location: Easting: 487106 Northing: 289936 Latitude: 52.5 Longitude: -0.72

The closest train station to Rockingham is Corby, which is 3.8 miles from the village and would take around 9 minutes by taxi. There’s plenty of parking available roadside on Rockingham Road that runs through the centre of the village, also known as the A6003.

Where to Stay

There is no place more central in Rockingham than the Castle Farm house Bed & Breakfast. A cosy, characterful house with three stunning rooms to choose from including a suite, a twin room and double room, the host Claire welcomes you to this calm property. Beautifully appointed rooms, with interiors in keeping with the house and surroundings and a delicious cooked or continental breakfast, you won’t want to leave this tranquil spot.

Castle Farm House Bed & Breakfast Rockingham

Address: Main Street, Rockingham, Market Harborough LE16 8TG.
Tel. 07776 140200
Contact: Website
Like the recommendation? Book a stay at Castle Farm House Bed & Breakfast
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What to See & Do

Wonder through Rockingham Castle and Gardens

Rockingham Castle was built on the instructions of William the Conqueror following his invasion of Britain in 1066. Construction began shortly after the Battle of Hastings with work starting on the outer wooden defensive wall. Over the following years a number of buildings including the Great Hall were put up along with a stone replacement for the wooden walls. For 450 years the Castle would have undergone many changes and improvements until it was abandoned by Henry V11 in 1485.

The Castle and Estate were subsequently bought by the Watson family who restored and improved to create the Rockingham you see today. It is now the home of James Saunders Watson and his young family. Rockingham castle has now been the official residence of the Watson family for 450 years.

The gardens at Rockingham extend to about 18 acres and fall into two distinct garden types. The formal gardens surround the Castle and are in part laid out to reflect the foot print of the medieval Castle. The Elephant Hedge bisects the formal garden and is reputedly 400 years old.

Rockingham castle Gardens — image courtesy: creative commons

The second part of the garden is the Wild Garden, which extends across the valley to the east of the Castle. This valley is home to a remarkable collection of fascinating plants and trees. The plants that are of particular interest are labelled to assist identification. There is one full time gardener and two volunteers working under the Head Gardener, Richard Stribley.

Rockingham Castle Garden — image courtesy: creative commons

The castle grounds also houses Walker’s House Tea Room, serving a selection of lunches and afternoon teas. Produce is stocked and sourced from local farmers and suppliers where possible.

Address: Rockingham Castle Estate, Rockingham, Market Harborough LE16 8TH
Tel. 01536 770240
Contact: Website
How to Book: Entrance Fees, Concessions & Opening Times
Reviews: Read what people are saying about their visit

Take a Stroll around St Leonard’s Church

The church has roots dating back to 1095, has a nave and chancel with a memorial to the Watson family. It stands on the hill between the castle and Rockingham village and can be accessed by walking up Main street or from the castle grounds, if open.

Be-lavie Tip: You can see get some great views of the back of the castle wall from here.