Forthcoming events in 

Annual Spring Bulb Pageant

Enjoy the first of our Spring Bulb offerings as our Gardens open for the first time this year.

See spectacular Snowdrops in our Walled and Wild Gardens every Sunday through February.

During March our Snowdrops make way for a delightful display of Heritage Daffodils.

Gardens open Sundays only 12th February to 8th April (11am to 4pm).

Mothering Sunday

Doddington is the perfect place to treat your mum on Mothering Sunday!

Dogs around Doddington

Sponsored dog walk in aid of St Peter's Church, Doddington and the Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust. Dogs away 9.30am prompt. 01522 698698 to register.

Getting the Best out of your Herb Garden RHS event

Join our resident Cutting Garden Florist, Rachel Petheram and Head Gardener, Jon Lawrence for a look at Doddington's Herb Garden. Expert tips on growing both medicinal and culinary herbs and how to succesfully plan your space no matter how small. Tea/coffee and cake included.

To book a delicious lunch in our Restaurant afterwards please call 01522 812505.

10am to 12.30pm. Meet in the Farm Shop. £15pp (RHS member) £18pp (non-member)

For more information or to book, please call RHS direct on 0845 6121253 (weekdays 9am to 5pm)

How to Grow a Cut Flower Garden

Join Rachel Petheram, our resident Cutting Garden Florist, as she talks you through planning, growing and harvesting your own flowers.  Tea/coffee and lunch in our restaurant are included and you get a starter kit of flowers and foliage to take home.

10am to 4pm. £40pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

Course also running on 19th September 2012

For more information or to book either session, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.

Easter Egg Hunt, Children’s and family fun quiz

Wonderful family fun for the Easter Weekend. Children's Easter Egg Hunt (tokens in exchange for eggs), Wentworth the Gallant guardian of Rockingham Castle's Quiz, children's quiz and family quiz.

12 noon – 5pm

Event & Castle: Adults £9, Senior Citizen £8, Children £5& Family ticket (2+2) £23.

Easter Weekend Craft Fair

Enjoy a delightful selection of local and regional crafts. Easter Sunday and Monday in the Coach House. 10am to 4pm

How to Grow Dahlias

Learn from the best when it comes to growing the perfect Dahlia with Doddington's resident Cutting Garden Florist Rachel Petheram. Tea and Coffee included.

10.30am to 12noon. £10pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

For more information or to book, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.

How to Make a Hand-Tied Bouquet

A comprehensive guide to making the perfect hand-tied bunch, from flower selection right through to tying the final bow. Tea/coffee and lunch in our Restaurant is included plus you get to take your creation home.

10am to 2.30pm. £65pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

Course also running on 20th June & 25th September 2012 

For more information or to book a place on any of the sessions, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.

Willow Weaving - a chicken, an obelisk or a sphere

You choose what you create - a chicken, an obelisk or a sphere. Course led by Rachel Petheram, our resident Cutting Garden Florist and Willow Weaver Alison Walling. Materials, tea/coffee and lunch in our Restaurant provided plus your beautiful creation to take home.

10.30am to 4.30pm. Meet in the Kitchen Garden. £70pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

For more information or to book, please call Rachel direct on 01400 272 344.

Flower Power Plant Fair

Last year's very popular Flower Power Plant Fair returns to Doddington again this year. Located on the East Lawns and selling an extensive selection of high quality plants from the unusual and sought-after to our old favourites, the specialist growers will be available to answer any questions to green-fingered among you may have. A wide range of plants for sale including alpines, shrubs, climbers, vegetables, specialist ferns, cacti & succulents and fab herbaceous perennials. Plus a range of accessory stands selling plant supports, lovely pots and much more. Admission fee includes entry to 5 acres of romantic walled and wild gardens and a preview of early Irises in the parterres of the West Garden, a prelude to our fabulous Iris Week (27th May - 4th June). Gardens featured in the March 2012 Gardens Illustrated.

Fair and Gardens open 11am to 4pm. £4pp include Garden admission.

Music and Dinner with Henry Priestman

Join Henry Priestman, frontman of  'The Yachts' & 'The Christians' for an evening of live music and delicious dining.

For further information please see www.doddingtonhall.com

Iris Week

By late May the Irises in Doddington Hall’s walled West Garden are at their peak giving a stunning display. Aside from looking exceptionally pretty, the Irises are fascinating as they have been nurtured with a rather unconventional but undoubtedly successful cultivation method.

Enjoy our famous Irises daily between Sunday 27th May to Monday 5th June.

The Gardens will be open daily during Iris Week from 11am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm) so you can enjoy our wonderful Irises as featured by BBC Gardeners’ World. On Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays the House will also be open. Admission applies.

Willow Weaving, a Sheep in a day

Design and create your very own hand-made, random weave Willow Sheep. Wow your friends at home as it takes pride of place on your lawn. Materials, tea/coffee and lunch in our Restaurant provided plus take your creation with you.

10am to 4.30pm. £75pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

Course also running on the 18th October 2012

For more information or to book either session, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.

Cooking in the Kitchen Garden

With Amy Claridge. Amy's fun demos feature simple-to-cook dishes which showcase the wonderful Kitchen Garden produce. Free Event. No need to book just pop along to the Kitchen Garden for an 11am start.

Jousting & Medieval Living History Village

The Knights of Nottingham & the Oxford Household make a triumphant return to Rockingham Castle.  The Knights of Nottingham perform a thrilling display of horsemanship and jousting from days gone by.    The Black Knight has come to do battle and he intends to win at any cost.  The Oxford Household provides a fascinating medieval living history village demonstrating skill-at-arms and trades from life in earlier times.  Music & story telling for children and adults.  12 noon – 5pm

Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults £10.50, Senior Citizens £9.50, Children £7 & Family ticket (2+2) £28.

Event only: Adults £9, Senior Citizens £8, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £23.

Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Concours & Rally

Rockingham Castle Park

Steam, Transport & Family Show

Rockingham Castle Park

Getting the Best out of your Irises

Join our Head Gardener, Jon Lawrence and Rachel Petheram, our resident Cutting Garden Florist, as they explain the secrets behind the famous Iris display at Doddington. Using an illustrated talk and including an insight into their successful pruning and cutting techniques they will give you the chance to try their propagation methods for yourself and there willl be ample free Iris Rhizomes cuttings to take home. Tea/coffee included.

To book a delicious lunch in our Restaurant afterwards please call 01522 812505.

10am to 12.30pm. Meet in the cafe. £15pp (RHS member) £18pp (non-member)

For more information or to book, please call RHS direct on 0845 6121253 (weekdays 9am to 5pm)

Cooking in the Kitchen Garden

With Amy Claridge. Amy's fun demos feature simple-to-cook dishes which showcase the wonderful Kitchen Garden produce. Free Event. No need to book just pop along to the Kitchen Garden for an 11am start.

Sculpture at Doddington

Over 250 pieces from national and international sculptors exhibited throughout the Gardens. Open daily 11am - 5pm. Admission £5, Children £2.75

For further information please see www.doddingtonhall.com

Jaguar Drivers Club

Rockingham Castle Park

If you like cars - and especially Jaguars, the Jaguar Drivers’ Club National Day is the show to visit. With almost every model present and commentary throughout the day, there is something for everyone. A special trader’s marquee, new cars and spares for that classic Jaguar, and craft stalls complete the day.
Gates open at 10am.
For further information & admission prices, please contact JDC head office on 01582 419332 or the Club web site www.jaguardriver.co.uk   

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.

Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival

Vikings of Middle England

The Vikings return!  Be prepared for Battles, Horses, Pageant, Living History Camp and much more.  The Vikings Of Middle England are most famous for their realistic, exciting and entertaining battle displays.  The thunderous clash of steel rings out as opposing forces meet. Off the battlefield life in the tented encampment goes on with tradesmen displaying their skills, making weapons, coins and wood turning. 

12 noon to 5pm

Combined event & Castle ticket: Adults £10.50, Senior Citizens £9.50, Children £7 & Family ticket (2+2) £28. Event only: Adults £9, Senior Citizens £8, Children £5 & Family ticket (2+2) £23.

Cooking in the Kitchen Garden

With Amy Claridge. Amy's fun demos feature simple-to-cook dishes which showcase the wonderful Kitchen Garden produce. Free Event. No need to book just pop along to the Kitchen Garden for an 11am start.

Getting the Best from your Roses

Join our Head Gardener, Jon Lawrence and Rachel Petheram, our resident Cutting Garden Florist, as they explain the secrets behind the famous Rose display at Doddington. Using an illustrated talk and including an insight into their successful pruning and cutting techniques they will give you the chance to try their propagation methods for yourself and there willl be ample free Rose cuttings to take home. Tea/coffee included.

To book a delicious lunch in our Restaurant afterwards please call 01522 812505.

10am to 12.30pm. Meet in the cafe. £15pp (RHS member) £18pp (non-member)

For more information or to book, please call RHS direct on 0845 6121253 (weekdays 9am to 5pm)

Sweet Pea Morning

Are you a Sweet Pea fan? Rachel Petheram, our resident Cutting Garden Florist, shares her tips and advice on how to grow a good crop of these beautiful Kitchen Garden, Summer flowers. Tea/coffee included.

10am to 12pm. £10pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

For more information or to book, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.

Rockingham Castle Country Fair

This year’s show is promising to be even better than ever – with the magnificent and increasingly rare Suffolk Punch Heavy Horses, Birds of Prey Flying Displays, Terrier Racing, Re-enactments, Goat Display with milking and other hands-on activities, Miniature Ponies, Arts, Crafts, Gift, Food and Drink. Marquees as well as cookery demonstrations from the Events Show Kitchen. 

Entry: £6 (adults), £5 (concessions), £3 children, Family (2 adults 2 children) £15

Under 5s free and free car parking

 Open 10am – 5pm

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/rockingham admin@oakleighfairs.co.uk  0800 141 2823

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.

Cook's Tour of the Kitchen Garden RHS Event

Join Resident Cooking Demonstrator, Amy Claridge for a culinary stroll around our productive Kitchen Garden. Stopping to discuss what is growing and what exciting ways the plants can be used in cooking, Amy will lead you through areas otherwise out of bounds. Participants can help to select and collect produce and enjoy tasters cooked on the spot and take away a copy of Amy's book, 'Cooking in the Kitchen Garden at Doddington'.

To book a delicious lunch in our Restaurant afterwards please call 01522 812505.

9.30am to 12.30pm. Meet in the Kitchen Garden. £16pp (RHS member), £20 (non-member).

For more information or to book, please call RHS direct on 0845 6121253 (weekdays 9am to 5pm).

Growing for Success - Guest Speaker Anna Pavord

Evening talk in the Long Gallery with Anna Pavord on seasonal favourites Potagers, Pumpkins and Pears.

To book please call RHS direct on 0845 6121253 (weekdays 9am-5pm)

More information to follow closer to the time.

Craft Fair

Join us for our Annual Craft Fair held in our beautiful Coach House. Held over three days the fair will be brimming with stalls showcasing local and regional crafts. Every crafter is hand-picked so we can offer you a fabulous choice.

Free entry (10am to 4pm)

Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle

The Castle Courtyard decorated with illuminated trees offers a warm welcome to visitors.  It’s Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas.  The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas lunch.  Guided tours in period costume take place throughout the day.  Christmas shopping with a difference with the Gift Shop offering an exciting range of gifts for friends & family.  The Castle restaurant is open for lunch, tea & supper or just a cup of something hot and a mince pie.

11am – 8pm daily

Castle tour:  Adults £7 Children £2.50 (5-16yrs). Under 5’s free.  Car parking £2.50

Information & group bookings 01536 770240

Christmas at Doddington - Bring the Garden In

See the family's huge Christmas Tree and inspirational home-grown decorations festooning the Hall. Choose your very own fresh, home-grown Christmas Tree, visit our magical 'Bauble Barn', India Jane at Doddington Hall Interiors store & our beautiful Farm Shop, all brimming with inspirational gift ideas and fabulous Christmas produce.

Hall open WEEKENDS 10am to 4pm 19th November - 14th December. Shops, Cafe & Restaurant and Trees open daily 9am to 6pm, Sundays from 10am. 

Willow Weaving - Christmas Decorations

Design and create your very own Willow Christmas Decorations to dress your home this year with our resident Cutting Garden Florist, Rachel Petheram. Materials, tea/coffee and lunch in our Restaurant are included plus your creation to take home.

10am to 4pm. £65pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

Course also running on 4th December 2012 

For more information or to book either session, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.

How to Make a Christmas Wreath

Our resident Cutting Garden Florist, Rachel Petheram, guides you through the creation of your very own Christmas Wreath to give your front door that unique festive twist. Materials, tea/coffee and lunch in our Restaurant included and you can take your wreath home.

10am to 4pm. £70pp. Pre-booking essential but payment is on the day.

Course also running 14th December 2012.

For more information or to book either session, please call Rachel Petheram direct on 01400 272 344.