For the perfect way to entertain your little history hunters this summer holiday, look no further than Stokesay Castle in Shropshire.
Take the whole family to the English Heritage run Castle for a summer packed with time-travelling adventures to inspire young minds. They can let their imaginations run wild as they hone their knightly skills, learn to curtsey like a medieval princess, and discover what life was like in a castle under siege – all at a real medieval manor house.
Throughout the summer holidays there is a packed programme of events which will see Stokesay’s past come to life in the grounds. Over the weekend of the 8 & 9 August visitors will be swept back to the 17th century – with Life & Times: Civil War Stokesay. Join Stokesay’s inhabitants to find out how they lived during this threatening time and discover stories of a country at war as one of the most unsettled periods of England’s story is brought to life.
From the Civil War travel further back in time to the War of the Roses with The Medieval Castle. Over the last weekend of August visitors will be transported back to the 15th century as the War of the Roses takes hold throughout the land. The medieval townsfolk of Stokesay will be setting up camp in the castle grounds –giving a unique look into life at the time. With tales of days gone by told to the backdrop of the country’s best preserved medieval hall, this will be a great way to travel back to one of England’s most exciting eras.
There will also be a different time travelling adventure for kids to enjoy every Thursday and Friday throughout August. Designed especially for children these events are the perfect way for your little history hunters to get hands on with the past throughout the holidays.
First up on 6 & 7 August is the Siege Challenge for Kids. Junior warriors will discover how to defend a castle under siege, as they build their very own mini trebuchet and knock out opponents in a fun filled challenge. Suspected rotters and dastardly deeds will come under the spotlight in Trial & Punishment at Stokesay on 13 & 14 August. This light-hearted look at justice from yesteryear will put you at the heart of the action as you help the judge to make his verdict. Are they guilty or not-guilty? Young jurors decide!
Be transformed into courtly Lord or Ladies on 20 & 21 August when you sign up to the Knights and Princesses Academy. With tips on everything from curtsies to combat this will be the perfect way to start your own fairy-tale adventure. On 27 & 28 August prepare for uprising, battles and conflict in Stokesay’s Royals and Rebels event. Prepare for battle and choose your side as you discover characters from days gone by. Plenty of hands-on activities and games make these events a great way to step into Shropshire’s past.
After a day of truly historic adventures, the whole family will love exploring the Castle’s picturesque grounds and immaculately preserved medieval great hall. An audio tour will help you imagine Stokesay as the centre of medieval life, and children will enjoy climbing to the top of the south tower. The cottage garden and moat walk are also the perfect place for the whole family to let off some steam and play king of the castle. The beautiful manor house, a tearoom serving warming seasonal dishes and the Castle shop for unique gifts make Stokesay an ideal day out for all the family.
Event details:
SIEGE CHALLENGE FOR KIDS
Thursday 6-Friday 7 August, 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £6.60 /Child £4.00 /Concession £6.00 /Family £17.20 / Members: FREE
All children are welcome to take part in this event. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every member and non-member child to help us fund this entertainment activity.
LIFE & TIMES; CIVIL WAR STOKESAY
Saturday 8-Sunday 9 August, 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £7.90 /Child £4.80 /Concession £7.20 /Family £20.60 / Members: FREE
TRIAL & PUNISHMENT
Thursday 13-Friday 14 August, 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £6.60 /Child £4.00 /Concession £6.00 /Family £17.20 / Members: FREE
All children are welcome to take part in this event. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every member and non-member child to help us fund this entertainment activity.
KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES
Thursday 20-Friday 21 August, 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £6.60 /Child £4.00 /Concession £6.00 /Family £17.20 / Members: FREE
All children are welcome to take part in this event. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every member and non-member child to help us fund this entertainment activity.
ROYALS & REBELS
Thursday 27-Friday 28 August, 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £6.60 /Child £4.00 /Concession £6.00 /Family £17.20 / Members: FREE
All children are welcome to take part in this event. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every member and non-member child to help us fund this entertainment activity.
THE MEDIEVAL CASTLE
Sunday 30-Monday 31 August, 11am-5pm. Tickets: Adult £7.90 /Child £4.80 /Concession £7.20 /Family £20.60
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