English Heritage holds bank holiday events extravaganza

English Heritage has put together fantastic events for the May Bank Holiday with days out worth talking about for the entire family.

Take a trip to an era of choice from a refined Royal Victorian Visit at Audley End, to an authentic Medieval experience at Kenilworth Castle, to a raucous action-fest with Romans, Tudors, Napoleonic and World War II soldiers at the Living History Spectacular at Dover Castle. Visitors can even experience genuine knights at combat at special Jousting events.

Nicole Dobbin, Events Marketing Manager for English Heritage, says: “We have something for everyone over the May Bank Holiday and half term school break. See history unfold at some of the most interesting historic properties England has to offer. With much to entertain adults and children alike at all of the events, from have-a-go Elizabethan dancing, to junior jousting, make sure these dates are in your diary.”

Immerse yourself in medieval life at the Medieval Living Village at Kenilworth Castle (Sun 27 May – Sun 3 June). The sights, sounds and smells of a real medieval encampment are brought to life by a host of colourful characters who will be living at the site for this special week. Watch the potter, blacksmith, fletcher, shoemaker and rat catcher at work. Wander through the market stalls and houses to the sounds of medieval music or simply relax over a draft of real ale in the village tavern – specially constricted for this event.

If you’re looking for an event with a civilised air then Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would be delighted to have you attend their Royal Victorian Visit at Audley End House and Gardens (Sun 27 – Mon 28 May). Join the memorable royal couple for an enjoyable and charming day in the 1850’s. The half term Victorian season at Audley End continues with Victorian Dance displays (Wed 30 May), where visitors can even try their hand at some of Queen Victoria’s favourite dances.

Then step back in time and join Tomas and Hester for a humorous look at Victorian Toys and Inventions (Thurs 31 May & Fri 1 June) – a great chance to find out which popular Victorian toys continue to entertain children today. Half term is rounded off in style with an insight into life on a Victorian country estate at the Victorian Falconry event at Audley End, Essex (Sat 2 & Sun 3 June).

Don’t miss The Grand Joust at Pendennis Castle (Wed 30 – Thurs 31 May). Cheer on your favourite knight and his trusty steed as our competitors take part in real mounted combat, archery and mounted skill at arms. Be entertained by the castle’s very own jester as well as wandering minstrels and falconry displays.

What better way to spend the Bank Holiday than at Dover Castle’s Living History Spectacular (Sat 26 – Mon 28 May). Come face to face with Romans, Tudor peasants, Napoleonic and World War II soldiers in a history extravaganza at the castle. Discover how they lived, worked and defended the castle through the ages. Soak up the atmosphere of the authentic medieval market bustling with merchants selling their wares and craftsmen casting pilgrim badges and fletching arrows.

Rub shoulders with Tudor peasants and travelling folk, and enjoy an audience with King Henry VIII in the Great Keep. See Napoleonic soldiers marching the battlements and let the children join in with the Roman drill as you find out what it is really like to be a Roman stationed in Britain in the 1st century. Meet World War II soldiers and their troop encampments complete with hospital unit and discover Dover Castle’s strategic role during 1939 – 1945. Bring along all the family and enjoy a jammed-packed history extravaganza! The event season at Dover Castle is supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance*.

This is a selection of highlights from English Heritage’s outstanding selection of May events. For full event listings, visit English-heritage.org.uk/events.