What's On

Legendary Summer 2024

Experience the thrill at one of our blockbuster historical events taking place across the country this summer.

Witness live-action clashes of brave Roman soldiers, gallant medieval knights, jousters and swashbuckling pirates who sailed the English seas. It's a summer of legends with something for everyone at our historic places around the country.

We are delighted to be working with Subaru, who are proudly supporting our Legendary Event series.

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Use the search bar or map below to find a legendary summer event near you.

Legendary Jousts

Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost.

With tournaments happening across the country, including our authentic 13th-century jousts, inspired by the brutal early days of this sport. Choose your champion and cheer them on to victory – or console them in defeat.

Selected dates between 20 Jul - 15 Sept 2024 

Legendary Joust at Pendennis Castle

Our fearless fighters and their magnificent horses will charge at full speed towards their opponent in an unforgettable display of chivalry and sheer courage. Choose your champion and experience this extraordinary medieval sport on the site of Henry VIII's seaside fortress.

Selected dates between 30 Jul - 15 Aug 2024

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Knights' Tournaments

Go back in time and get closer to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at our Knights’ Tournaments.

Between the battles and contests, you can experience the atmosphere of these legendary events as you wander through medieval encampments. Meet the characters from the past as they show you how to repair weapons, cook over an open fire and prepare for battle.

Selected dates between 20 Jul - 15 Sept 2024

Knights' Tournament at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

Go back in time and get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at Kenilworth Castle's Knights’ Tournament.

Four armoured knights and their squires will clash in four gruelling rounds, and you’ll be transported back to the 15th century as you experience the pageantry, excitement and action in the grounds where Queen Elizabeth I once walked.

24 - 26 Aug 2024 

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Clash of Knights

Experience the thrill of the fight as you watch teams of knights battle it out for victory armed only with clubs and shields at our Clash of Knights events.

Between the breathtaking bouts, you can soak up the gentler atmosphere in the medieval encampment. Smell food cooking over an open fire, see colourful banners flutter in the wind and listen to musicians playing tunes from the Middle Age

24th - 26 Aug 2024 

Pirates!

Ahoy, me hearties! Set sail this summer and get ready for a spectacular adventure on the high seas. Witness some of history’s most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to them tell their tales of booty, bounty and barnacles.

With shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’ll be plenty of piratical fun for the whole family - whether you’re a scallywag, a salty sea dog or a lily-livered landlubber. 

Selected dates between 30 Jul - 4 Aug 2024

Romans

Discover how the Romans lived! Head to the Roman encampment to see the fort brought back to life and hear first hand from a local centurion to find out what life was really like for Roman people, from their famous soldiers to the family life, encounter living history in an extraordinary way.

With some of the most signficant Roman sites in our care, there's no better place to step back in time and experience the lives of those that led one of the earliest invasions of England. 

Selected dates between 3 - 18 Aug 2024

Medieval Life

Step back in time to medieval England and learn what life was like for ordinary people. Meet characters from the past and hear tales from centuries ago while taking parts in hands-on activites, from jester workshops, have-a-go archery, storytelling, squire training and lessons in courtly etiquette.

Selected dates between 20 Jul - 1 Sept 2024

Medieval Life at Beeston Castle

See Beeston Castle’s medieval history brought to life as we step back in time!

Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of a medieval encampment as food is cooked on open fires, and the past is brought to life as medieval folk go about their daily lives.

Meet Tom Fool, the castle jester, who will be on hand throughout the day to entertain the whole family and listen to musicians playing tunes from the 13th century.

27 Jul - 28 Jul 2024

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Providing the horsepower

English Heritage is delighted to be partnering with Subaru UK, the sole distributor of Subaru vehicles in the UK and Europe.

Subaru will be supporting our Legendary Events programme in 2024, and will be showcasing their electric and hybrid vehicles at a number of our events throughout the Summer. By partnering with English Heritage, Subaru are helping to support our wider charitable work – protecting sites across the country for future generations to enjoy.

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