Corfe Castle Family Fun

Corfe Castle in Dorset will be brought to life throughout 2013 with its biggest ever National Trust programme of events.

Historical re-enactments from April to September take the castle back to different periods in its 1,000-year history.

There will be Medieval Archery in April, Saxons and Vikings in May, Medieval Falconry in June, Summer Festivals in July, a Medieval Village in August, and the English Civil War in September.

Medieval Jousting and Horseback Falconry will take place for the first time in June this year, as well as the already very popular programme of open air theatre and cinema.

Following their successful debuts last year, returning events include the Food & Drink Festival (06-07 July) and the Medieval Banquet (20 July).

Full programme follows:

Easter Egg Trail
Fri 29 March – Mon 01 April
It will be fun for the whole family as you take part in an egg-citing hunt for tokens around the castle to claim a chocolate prize. Supported by Cadbury.

Medieval Archery: The Grand Muster
Tue 02 – Sun 14 April
The Wolfshead Bowmen and other archers come to Corfe Castle and bring the past to life. A medieval encampment, demonstrations of combat with swords, skilled archery displays, talks on the longbow and have-a-go sessions.

Medieval Archery Academy
Sat 20 – Sun 21 April
Sat 27 – Sun 28 April
An opportunity to take part in have-a-go sessions with one-to-one tuition on the skill of combat with bows and arrows in this new event for 2013.

Saxons & Vikings: Siege of Wareham
Sat 04 – Mon 06 May
We invite you to come and witness re-enactments and battles, visit the Saxon village, and talk to the craftspeople. Last year’s new improved Kings Court returns in 2013. Beware the cries of ‘Odin’ across the Isle of Purbeck.

There will also be a range of Summer Festivals throughout July:

Food & Drink Festival
Sat 06 – Sun 07 July
Come and sample the best food and drink from a wide range of local producers. Some of the finest locally produced food and drink in the area will be showcased at Corfe Castle. There will also be cookery demonstrations, new for 2013.

The Festival of British Archaeology
Sat 13 – Sun 28 July
Join us as we take part in The Festival of British Archaeology. Family trail every day, with our main living history displays and hands on activities, including new additions for 2013, on Sat 13 – Sun 14, Sat 20 – 21 and Thurs 25 – Sun 28.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle