English Heritage celebrates the romance of May

May, traditionally associated with lovers and new life, is just around the corner and the great outdoors beckons. If you’re looking for somewhere to take a special someone then the launch of English Heritage’s map of ‘Romantic England’ couldn’t be more timely. The map, available throughout May at english-heritage.org.uk/romance, details enchanting tales of love, romance and chivalry that have taken place at many of its sites and highlights some of the most romantic places to visit in England.

Joanda Appleby, national campaigns manager for English Heritage, said: “There are dozens of old English customs and traditions that mark May as the lovers’ month. We want our visitors to be inspired by the stories of our properties and rediscover a sense of old-fashioned romance. From the love letters sent to Elizabeth I on display at Kenilworth Castle, to the tragic Celtic myths of Tintagel Castle, these stories are far from the tedious texting and social networking of today’s relationships. We’re even hosting events at various locations around the country where kids can learn the ancient arts of chivalry for themselves.”

The map of ‘Romantic England’ features a host of stories connected to properties across the country – from secluded grounds perfect for picnics, to picturesque ruins, ideal for declarations of love. Tales range from the grand romances of past monarchs, to the English Heritage custodian who met her real life ‘knight in shining armour’ at a historical re-enactment, to cute and fluffy love between some of English Heritage’s resident animals.

The website offers visitors a chance to get into the traditional spirit of May and enjoy the stunning properties from a new and romantic angle – yet another reason to enjoy a day out worth talking about.

Take your loved one to these events and recapture a sense of heritage romance and chivalry…

A TIME OF CHIVALRY
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Sunday 4 & Monday 5 May, 11am – 5pm
March “once more unto the breach” in an exciting build up to the Battle of Agincourt. Galloping knights on horseback, foot soldiers and a dedicated team of archers join forces to fight for honour, glory and valour. Escape into this chivalrous time with Living History displays ranging from cookery to religious exhibits, from a busy market to falconry. Also be entertained by a puppet show, music, dance and storytelling .
Prices: Adults £8.00/ Concessions £5.30/ Children £3.50/ Family Ticket £19.50
English Heritage Members: Adults £2.00/ Concessions £1.00/ Children £1.00/ Family Ticket £5.00

THE GRAND MEDIEVAL JOUST
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Sunday 4 & Monday 5 May, 11am – 4pm
Enjoy the thrills and spills of medieval jousting as this genuine battle of skill returns by popular demand. Be entertained by fantastic falconry and wandering minstrels and let the kids find out if they’ve got what it takes to be a medieval knight!
Pre-booking recommended
Prices: Adults £10.00/ Concessions £8.00/ Children £5.00/ Family Ticket £25.00
English Heritage Members: Adults £5.00/ Concession £4.00/ Children £2.50/ Family Ticket £12.50

KNIGHT SCHOOL
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Saturday 24 - Friday 30 May, 11am – 5pm (4pm on Saturday)
What better way to learn the skills required of a medieval warrior than to get 'armoured up' for battle, have sword-fighting lessons and participate in a mock battle in defence of the Realm!
Prices: Adults £5.50/ Concession £4.40/ Children £2.80/ Family Ticket £13.80
English Heritage Members: Free

ELIZABETHAN WEEK
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Sunday 25 – Friday 30 May, 11am – 5pm
Enjoy a week of Elizabethan-style entertainment in preparation for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth I. Visitors will experience the music, games and riddles, and sword fighting that were the traditional entertainments of the time. See how life really was in Tudor times as Tudor folk take over the castle on the Sunday and Monday of the bank holiday weekend.
Prices: Adults £7.70/ Concessions £5.20/ Children £3.30/ Family Ticket £18.70/
English Heritage Members: Adults £2.00/ Concessions £1.00./ Children £1.00/ Family Ticket £5.00

KING HENRY’S JOUST
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Saturday 31 May & Sunday 1 June, 11am – 5pm
Prepare to return to the days of epic Tudor entertainment. King Henry VIII will make a grand arrival at the Castle for a weekend of royal jousting, music and falconry. Enjoy this spectacle of Tudor pageantry along with a chance to meet the young princess and future Queen Elizabeth, as well as the mighty King himself.
Pre-booking recommended
Prices: Adults £8.00/ Concession £5.30/ Children £3.50/ Family Ticket £19.50
English Heritage Members: Adults £2.00/ Concession £1.00/ Children £1.00/ Family Ticket £5.00