Welcome!

to

Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire

21st & 22nd July 2012

11am - 5pm

While the capital braces itself for the London 2012 Olympics escape back in time to the Sports and Entertainments that amused Medieval England.

If jousting isn't the most spectacular sport in all history then I'll eat my helmet. The ground shakes as ¾ ton of armoured horse and rider leaps forward, charging towards their opposition. The knight balances the long, wooden lance couched under his arm. He aims it directly at the rider thundering towards him, attempting to shatter the lance, and perhaps even unseat his opponent from his mount.

This is not just dangerous, it is, literally, death-defying. Nor are these knights simple, poor souls risking their necks to earn a living; these are the leaders of the country, the Lords, the Landed Gentry and the Royal Family. Can you imagine such a thing? Surely there has never been anything quite like the Joust!

And while the rich amuse themselves hunting from horseback and flying falcons, the commoners excel at archery and indulge in the often banned sport of football (not at all like today's game, more of a brawl-with-a-ball).

All this can be witnessed at Berkeley Skirmish 2012, and more! The full riotous pageant of medieval life will be there; its sights, its sounds, its smells. Try your hand with a sword, or at archery. Speak with craftsmen who make everything from armour to the pots; the pots that are being used to cook the food which you can smell being prepared in the military encampments. Hear the ground shake to the roar of cannons, and brace yourself against the shouts of an army.

All this for just £12 for Adults, £7 Children (under 14 yrs), Free for Children under 5 yrs
and only £32 for a Family (2 adults & 2 children).
Or save money by booking your tickets in advance.

Unfortunately, for 2012, entry into the Castle could not be included in the ticket price.