Elizabethan enjoyment at Kenilworth Castle

Visitors are invited to step back in time 441 years as they join in the revels, are enjoy displays of horsemanship and falconry and marvel at the apparent foolishness of Elizabeth’s court jester.

Kenilworth’s past will spring to life with the grand arrival of Elizabeth herself. Joined by a host of courtly characters, Elizabeth will arrive with all the fanfare befitting one of England’s greatest monarchs – before spending the day enjoying the party throughout the castle grounds.

The host is Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester – owner of Kenilworth Castle, one of the Queen’s favourites, and Master of the Horses to the Elizabethan Court. His expert horsemen will perform with daring displays of skill and equine mastery.

All eyes will turn to the skies, when Raphael Historic Falconry demonstrate breath-taking flying displays from hawks and falcons. Elizabeth herself will take to horseback to participate in a session of mounted falconry.

English Heritage’s jester extraordinaire Peterkin will be the party’s Lord of Misrule as he fills the weekend with jolly japes. Would-be pranksters can learn the tricks of the trade, and there will be some serious silliness, and a flame or two, in his ‘Fe-Fi-Fo-Fire’ show. Things will hot up even more with a look at the history of pyrotechnics – from ancient China to Elizabethan England – with the castle’s firework advisor.

An Elizabethan Day Out at Kenilworth Castle takes place from 11am to 5pm on Sunday May 29 and Monday May 30. Entry to the event and Castle are included in the ticket price of £32.70 for a family, £12.60 for adults, and £7.50 for children. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth