Summer fun in Shakespeare Country

Celebrate a summer of fun-filled activities for all the family in Shakespeare Country. Whether you spend the day watching heroic Knights at Warwick and Kenilworth Castles, milking and creating cheese at Mary Arden’s Farm, learning about stage fighting and set building at the Royal Shakespeare Company, racing go-karts or learning how to Kayak, Shakespeare Country has something to offer everyone this summer.

Heart-pounding jousting returns to Warwick Castle every day of the summer holidays. Watch brave, heroic knights battle it out to the bitter end in their bid to woo the princesses. In addition, the world’s largest siege machine the Trebuchet will be firing twice a day. Meet beautiful princesses, cooks, bowmen, blacksmiths, rat catchers and plague victims. Watch the stunning Birds of Prey displays. Prepare for battle in Kingmaker, come face to face with the Castle’s darkest history in The Castle Dungeon, relive a Victorian Royal Weekend and marvel at the grandeur of the Great Hall and Georgian State Rooms.

There is plenty to see and do over the summer at the Shakespeare Houses. From all things "Tudor" at Mary Arden's Farm, hear accounts of the everyday troubles that occurred on the Farm or have a go at milking and see how they create cheese. Hall's Croft will be looking at "creating your own timber framed house" whilst Nash's House will be focusing on "Plays and Pastimes". Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage for activities based on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the enchanted woodland trail.

Join the Royal Shakespeare Company for its open day on Sunday 19 July from 9.30am – 7.30pm with workshops, discussions, tours and events for all ages. Learn how productions are made from casting to set-building, lighting to stage fighting and much more.

Highlights include ‘The Great Shakespeare Quiz’ and an opportunity to find out more about the ongoing transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The Julius Caesar Performance Day takes place on 29 August from 10am. The workshop, aimed at 16-25 year olds, is followed by a matinee performance and a post show discussion. Throughout the summer visit ‘The Dell’, the RSC’s outdoor performance area, located by the banks of the River Avon. Experience Shakespeare related shows by community groups, drama schools, colleges and universities from around the country.

Children can visit Kenilworth Castle to become Time Travellers from 27 July – 28 August. Travel back in time to learn the exciting skills of old. Become a Master of the Past by training to be a brave Knight, cracking the codes and secrets of legendary spies or digging for archaeological treasure.

‘Knights of the Middle Ages’ will take place from 30 – 31 August. Explore the evolution of knights from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. The Castle will be brought to life with over 100 folk from the Middle Ages with spectacular arena shows and have-a-go drills for children.

Enjoy the Battle Proms evening picnic concert at Blenheim Palace on 18 July which brings together sound, light and spectacle with a unique combination of superb classical music, 200 cannons, cavalry displays and impressive fireworks. From 7 – 9 August the Blenheim Palace Jousting Tournament takes place featuring “The Knights of Royal England”. Wander around the Classic Car and Motorcycle Show from 30 – 31 August featuring more than 200 classic cars and motorcycles. Every visitor to Blenheim Palace will have the opportunity to convert their day ticket to an annual pass – for free!

Drop in to Summerspace at Compton Verney art gallery from 18 July – 31 August and get creative. The arty activities in Summerspace are inspired by two summer exhibitions Surrealism and Contemporary Art and Constable Portraits. Through drawing and collage produce your very own framed Surrealist masterpiece. From 29 –31 August, try your own personal sleep pod and bring your dreams to life in the drop-in Dream Diaries workshop.

Enjoy Stratford and all it has to offer with a daily guided walk with Stratford Town Walk, ideal for all the family. Alternatively enjoy good storytelling with magical entertainment with the Stratford Town Ghost Walk every Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Enjoy an evening cruise along the beautiful river Avon with ghostly guide, 'Vincent' with the Stratford Ghost Cruise. Hear terrible tales, sinister stories and enjoy a little magical entertainment.

Learn how to Kayak at Leam Boat Centre with courses built around games and fun river trips. Canoe and kayak lessons are offered from age 6 - 14 approximately. A beginner’s course runs every week of the summer holidays with improvers and advanced courses available for more experienced paddlers.

Take part in the National Karting Association Championship 2009 at Mr Karting. Qualifying runs until the end of August and is open to anyone over 8 years old. Children can attend Junior Race School on 18 July, 1 August, 15 August and 29 August. Pre-booking is essential and start time is 9:15am - 12.00. The Junior Open Grand prix will be held on 2 August and 6 September at 9:15am and is open to children aged 10 and above.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Mini at the Heritage Motor Centre. Mini Madness family activities take place every Thursday from 11am - 3pm during the summer holidays. Wander round the Classic & Vintage Commercial Show from 13 – 14 June featuring historical commercial vehicles. The Banbury Run takes place on 21 June with club stands, auto jumble, special interest displays and the largest gathering of vintage motorcycles in the world.

Supercar Sunday featuring Superbikes takes place on 28 June with the opportunity to view some of the finest supercars. Gaydon Mini Festival takes place from 4 – 5 July to celebrate the Mini's 50th birthday featuring a Mini trade village, Mini Heritage Run and Mini stunt driving displays. Enjoy a selection of talks and features based around the themes on display in the Mini exhibition at Gaydon Mini fortnight from 3 – 16 August.

Join Hatton Country World for their ‘Summer Spectacular’ from 18 July – 6 September. Children can let off steam with traditional sports day competitions then head down to the maze to find their way out with a competition. Meet a Roman Soldier at the Roman Museum in Alcester on Saturday 11 July or attend Roman Summer School with events and games for families from 27 – 29 July.

Take part in a Bug Hunt and explore the wildlife at Hill Close Gardens in Warwick on Friday 31 July. On Wednesday 5 August children can attend a Pirate event and make their own pirate kit. On 15 & 16 September meet characters in Victorian dress, play croquet and other Victorian games at a Victorian Weekend. On 26 August younger children can bring their own bears and enjoy a Teddy Bears Picnic.

Visit Coughton Court on 24 July for a performance of The Wind in the Willows in full English style on the back lawn of this majestic property. Discover bats with a guided twilight walk on 1 August from 8pm – 11pm and witness them emerging from their summer roosts deep within the eaves of the court. On 1 & 2 August step back to 1509 and celebrate Henry VIII accession with Tudor music, dancing, drama and true spectacle. Dine al fresco on the beautiful back lawns and enjoy a traditional performance by 'The Lord Chamberlain's Men' on 22 August. This classic and popular comedy will be performed against the dramatic backdrop of the magnificent historic mansion.

Learn how to improve your digital photography at Mill Dene Garden near Moreton in Marsh. Plant and garden photography courses by Graham Light will take place on 18 May, 18 & 22 June, 27 July, 24 August and 21 September from 10 – 4pm. Learn skills such as composition, lighting, macro, close up photography and understanding colour.

‘Stormy Sam’, the mascot of the Royal National Lifeboats Institution will make a star appearance on 14 June from 2 – 5.30pm. Enjoy tours of the garden, teas, cakes and plants to buy. The Midsummer Jazz on Midsummer’s Day takes place on 21 June featuring Peter Gill and his Jazz group. Enjoy listening to the music with a picnic lunch and wine bar.

Enjoy an Aga Cookery Masterclass at Upton House on 27 & 28 June. See the kitchen in action with tips and demonstrations by Aga Doctor, Richard Maggs. Celebrate Upton’s 1930s House Party and newly restored squash court on Saturday 4 July. Bring a picnic and enjoy Jazz with the Max Collie Band as the sun sets on Saturday 4 July at 7.30pm. Take part in a garden tour on National Garden Scheme Day on Saturday 18 July.

Richard Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz will perform on Saturday 1 August at 7.30pm. Children can enjoy activities including games, trails and crafts on 5, 12, 19 & 26 August from 1 - 4pm. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a 1930s millionaire at the Millionaires House Party on 8 & 9 August. Take part in a traditional treasure hunt, learn to dance and enjoy the sounds of the period as live music is performed on the terrace.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website - shakespeare-country.co.uk.