Fairy Day at Rockingham Castle 2026: A Magical Summer Day out
Rockingham Castle is throwing open its Wild Garden for Fairy Day on Sunday 26th July, and honestly, it sounds like exactly the kind of magic that gets little ones (and let’s be honest, quite a few grown-ups) really excited.
What is Fairy Day at Rockingham Castle?
Fairy Day takes place on Sunday 26th July, running from 11am to 4pm. The idea is simple but really sweet — families head into Rockingham’s Wild Garden to seek out tiny hidden fairy doors and discover which fairies, pixies or elves live behind each one.
Between 11am and 3pm, you might also spot the Rockingham Woodland Fairies wandering the gardens and grounds themselves. They’re there to stop for a chat and a photo, which is always a nice touch for little ones who love a bit of real fairy magic.
Once you’ve explored outside, the adventure continues inside the Castle with the Toadstool Trail, where children follow clues to solve a mystery magical word.
Fairy Fancy Dress Encouraged
Tutus, tiaras, fairy wings and magic wands are all very welcome — the Rockingham fairies love to see families dressed up. Just one practical tip from me: sturdy outdoor footwear is a good shout. The Wild Garden has areas of uneven ground and can get muddy and slippery after rain, so wellies under a tutu is a very acceptable combination. Worth checking the forecast before you decide on the day’s outfit.
If you fancy refuelling along the way, Walkers House Tearoom will be serving cakes, sweet treats and light lunches throughout the day.
Opening Times
- Grounds open at 11am
- Castle opens at 11:30am
- Last entry into the Castle is 3pm
- Grounds close at 4pm
A quick note if you’re a Historic Houses member or usually use the Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 offer — neither applies on this date.
Ticket Prices
As part of the Great British Summer Savings Scheme, ticket prices between 25th June and 1st September have been reduced to reflect a government VAT cut for the period. Here’s what you’ll pay:
| House and Gardens | Gardens Only | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | £16.85 | £10.95 |
| Senior (65+) | £15.50 | £10.50 |
| Student (valid card) | £15.50 | £10.50 |
| Child (4–15) | £10.05 | £5.50 |
| Child (0–3) | Free | Free |
| Family | £43.70 | £27.60 |
Pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment — you can book your Fairy Day tickets here.
If you love finding out about lovely local events like this before everyone else, my weekly newsletter is the easiest way to keep track of what’s on across Northamptonshire. And if you’re planning a full summer of family days out, my free Rainy Day Ideas Pack is worth grabbing for the days when the weather doesn’t play ball.
The details in this guide are correct at the time of publication, based on information from Rockingham Castle’s own website. As always, changes can happen at short notice, so it’s worth double-checking directly with the venue before you travel.
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