Photo: Rockingham Castle by Brian Coleman, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Rockingham Castle was built on the orders of William the Conqueror in the eleventh century, and stands above the Welland Valley in Northamptonshire with views across five counties.
It served for centuries as a royal retreat and administrative centre before passing into private hands under Henry VIII.
The Watson family have held it for over 450 years, and the castle has been their family home since the nineteenth century.
Charles Dickens was a frequent guest here and used it as the model for Chesney Wold in Bleak House.
Read more on WikipediaPlan your visit
Nearest station: Corby Rail Station (2.2 miles)
Open Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter to September, with Tuesday openings from June; check official website for current dates.
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