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CASTLES -
Children love castles and we are lucky enough to have such a heritage of great castles to explore in our country. So how about planning a day at a castle and your children – and you – can release their inner knight in shining armor or princess for the day. Here are a few ideas but there are many more – some with special attractions this half term – on the What’s On database on the top left of this page.
| Northern England |
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| Cumbria |
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28th May - 1st June 2011 - Festival of Fools
Five days of madness and mayhem as jesters, street entertainers and various colourful characters surround the Castle with much Tomfoolery! Enjoy the Foolish Fair with side shows, bouncy castle, the Foolish Flyer Zip Wire, face painting and daily circus workshops for children of all ages. Plus the World Owl Trust will be holding a quiz and caption competition and have owl art on display. The Festival culminates with the International Jesters Tournament held on the final day when the Fool of Muncaster 2011 will be crowned by current Australian Fool, Mr Spin, from a cast of foolish competitors!
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, CA18 1RQ
01229 717614
www.muncaster.co.uk
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| Northumberland |
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29th May 2011 - Dragon Walk About
Watch an enormous 10ft high animatronic dragon with moving wings, blinking eyes and smoke bellowing from its nostrils as it roars into Alnwick Castle. The dragon is led by a Goblin Queen and her musical entourage. Can you help them in their quest? The fantastic dragon was made at Elstree Studios and you really will believe in dragons after seeing this! Three 30 minute sessions during the day, telephone to check times.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
01665 510777
www.alnwickcastle.com
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| North Yorkshire |
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30th May - 3rd June 2011 - Magical Mayhem at Bolton Castle
Experience a day at Bolton Castle School of Magic! Try your hand at some wizarding sports, make your own witch or wizard hat, mix up some magical potions, or try potion writing, watch the school owls practice their flying display, help with the magical creatures at feeding time, and have a go at the Wizarding quiz! And if you dress up in costume you will get in free! Event runs from 11am to 5pm.
Bolton Castle, Leyburn, DL8 4ET
01969 623981
www.boltoncastle.co.uk
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| Central England |
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| Derbyshire |
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29th & 30th May 2011 - A Grand Medieval Joust
Experience the pageantry of a magnificent medieval joust where fighting knights do battle in a live action show. Revel in the drama of clashing knights on horseback and cheer on your favourite. Be entertained by the court jester for plenty of laughs too; plus medieval games to play and a knights training school for children. This full day out gives an great insight into life at the palace during the medieval period with music, dance, falconry displays and more. 11am-5pm.
Bolsover Castle, Bolsover, S44 6PR
01246 822844
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Lincolnshire |
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4th & 5th June 2011 - Living History Weekend
Re-enactors from the Friends of Lincoln Castle will be bringing the sights, smells and sounds of medieval every day life to the Castle grounds. You will also be able to experience what life was like in a Victorian Prison and there will be a falconry display. Normal admission charges apply.
Lincoln Castle, Lincoln, LN1 3AA
01522 511068
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk
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| Oxfordshire |
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Oxford Castle
Have a great family day out, the costumed character guides will reveal the site’s colourful past as you climb the Saxon St George’s Tower and enjoy its stunning 360° views over Oxford, descend to the dark atmosphere of the 900 year old underground crypt, experience the austere confines of the 18th-century Debtors Tower and prison D-Wing, face the prison regime with hands on displays.
www.oxfordcastle.com
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| Staffordshire |
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28th - 30th May 2011 - Operation Tutbury Castle
A festival of nostalgia with sights, sounds and smells of the1940s re-enactment, ENSA Show, battle skirmish, military stalls, Living History Groups, evacuees, displays and dioramas, ‘Road Run’, Baby Boot Camp and much more. 10am-4pm, children under 5 have free entry.
Tutbury Castle, Tutbury, DE13 9JF
01283 812129
www.tutburycastle.com
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| Warwickshire |
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Warwick Castle
Experience an award winning day out at Britain’s Ultimate Castle. You will be immersed in over 1000 years of jaw-dropping history, come rain or shine. Here ancient myths and spell binding tales will set your imagination alight and your hair on end. Witness castle life for yourself from mediaeval battle to the splendour of the Georgian State Rooms. Meet Henry VIII and his wives, witness a State Banquet with the Queen and re-live the preparations for battle in Kingmaker.
Castle Lane, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
0871 222 6688
www.warwick-castle.com |
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| East of England |
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| East Anglia |
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Framlingham Castle
The castle was once the refuge of Mary Tudor before she became Queen in 1553 and visitors can explore over 800 years of life in the ‘From Powerhouse to Poorhouse’ exhibition. There are themed trails and a lively audio tour. Explore the Mere and the wall-walk with its wonderful views over the surrounding landscape. Younger audiences will enjoy a variety of themed games and interactive fun. Look out for great children's events, held regularly.
Church Street, Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9BP
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Southern England |
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| Cornwall |
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30th May – 4th June 2011 – Time Travellers Go… Seafaring at Pendennis Castle
Anchors aweigh! Set sail on a nautical adventure as you learn the ropes of seafaring, 1800s style. Prepare for naval battle, enjoy plenty of hands-on activities and find out about life on the open seas in days gone by. (All children are welcome to join in the Time Travellers Go… events. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non member, to help us fund this entertainment activity.)
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
01326 316594
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Devon |
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29th & 30th May 2011 – Pirates Invade!
Arr me hearties! Pirates are invading Dartmouth Castle! Come visit if you dare and meet the crew of the famous pirate ship' La Grande Derrier' including Captain Mad Dog Tregorran, Bluderbus Sal, Kipper the Cabin Boy and other characters far too horrible to mention here! Marvel at demonstrations of musketry, cutlass, pistol and cannon and then take a closer look at the pirate weaponry on display. Listen to far-fetched and fantastical pirate tales, watch map making in action and even see what a pirate eats for his supper! This be not for the lily-livered! 11am-5pm.
Dartmouth Castle, Castle Road, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0JN
01802 833588
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Dorset |
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29th & 30th May 2011 – Time Travellers Go… Pirate Academy at Portland Castle
Arr me hearties! Pirates, privateers, buccaneers and smugglers all be welcome to join our Time Traveller crew for dressin' up fun an' darin' pirate tales. Then join our pirate school to see if ye have what it takes to roam the seven seas. Yo-ho-ho… this be not for the lily-livered! (All children are welcome to join in the Time Travellers Go… events. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child, member and non-member, to help fund this entertainment activity.) 10am-5pm.
Portland Castle, Liberty Road, Castletown, Isle of Portland, Dorset, DT5 1AZ
01305 820539
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Gloucestershire |
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Berkeley Castle
Spot arrow slits and murder holes, peer down to the cell where Edward II was murdered and admire the Norman keep and Great Hall. This ancient fortress home has lots to interest children. In the old walled kitchen garden is a Butterfly House.
Castle open 3 Apr-30 Oct (Butterfly House, 22 Apr-29 Sept), days vary – please see website for details.
Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9PJ,
01453 810332
www.berkeley-castle.com
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| Hampshire |
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5th June 2011 – Visitors from the year 1642! at Southsea Castle
Members of Gosport Living History Society will be visiting the Castle with their accurate depictions of the everyday lives of ordinary people in the year 1642, just before the start of the English Civil War. During normal opening hours. Free admission.
Southsea Castle, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 3PA
023 9282 7261
www.southseacastle.co.uk
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| Kent |
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Dover Castle
High above the white cliffs, children will love the Secret Wartime Tunnels where Vice Admiral Ramsay masterminded the evacuation of Dunkirk, as well as the Great Tower which has been transformed into a medieval palace. After that you can walk along the battlements to the ancient Roman Lighthouse. Look out for family friendly events which are regularly held.
Dover CT16 1HU
01304 211067
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Surrey |
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Guildford Castle
Head up to the top of the Great Tower for a 360 degree, panoramic view of Guildford and the beautiful surrounding countryside. The Tower contains a model of the original castle and interpretation panels trace its history to the present day. The gardens are lovely to have a picnic in and are open all year round.
Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3TU
01483 444750
www.guildford.gov.uk/GuildfordCastle
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| Sussex |
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Hastings Castle
Enjoy a family day out at Britain's first Norman castle and learn about life under siege. Although a ruin, parts of the walls and gatehouse remain, with mysterious dungeons. The ‘1066 Story’ is told through an audio-visual show.
Castle Hill Road, Hastings TN34 3RD
www.discoverhastings.co.uk
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| Wiltshire |
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Old Wardour Castle
A picture-book setting with lots of scope for pretend play. Listen to the complimentary audio tour, discover fascinating history and climb turrets. Parts of the film ‘Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves’ were filmed at Old Wardour.
Open Apr-Oct, daily from 10am, closing times vary; Nov-Mar, see website for details.
Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6RR,
01747 870487
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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| Windsor |
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Windsor Castle
The whole family will enjoy a trip to one of the official residences of The Queen, her favourite weekend home . Visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, The Gallery and St George’s Chapel. Family activity trails. There are changing exhibitions to see, don't miss this years celebrating Prince Philips 90th birthday.
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/
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| Wales |
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CAERPHILLY
Caerphilly Castle
Surrounded by water, this is a medieval fortress to capture the imagination of any child. There are passages to explore, a leaning tower and replica siege weapons. Try and visit on a special event day when the siege engines are actually fired!
Open Mar-Oct, daily, 9.30am-5pm (6pm Jul-Aug); Nov-Feb, Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun, 11am-4pm.
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly CF83 1JD,
029 2088 3143
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
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GWYNEDD
Harlech Castle
Imagine what life was like as a medieval knight when you climb the towers of this magnificent castle built by Edward I. Appreciate the castle’s stunning setting and discover its past including the longest siege in British history. Special events bring this past to life.
Open Mar-Oct, daily, 9.30am-5pm (6pm Jul-Aug); Nov-Feb, Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun, 11am-4pm.
Harlech Castle, Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2YH,
01766 780552
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
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ISLE OF ANGLESEY
Beaumaris Castle
One of the finest castles built by Edward I, Beaumaris overlooks the Menai Strait. Learn why Beaumaris is considered a masterpiece, see the castle dock and search for arrow slits, murder holes and portcullis slots as you explore.
Open Mar-Oct, daily, 9.30am-5pm (6pm Jul-Aug); Nov-Feb, Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun, 11am-4pm.
Beaumaris Castle, Castle Street, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey LL58 8AP, 01248 810361
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
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