Monday 11 July 2011

Action Packed Summer Holidays At Bodiam Castle, Kent

Bodiam Castle's annual 'Summer Fun' event will take place between 23 July and 29 August 2011, offering a host of innovative activities to keep little fingers busy during the long summer holidays.

Every day, visitors of all ages will have the exciting opportunity to join in a variety of special Have-a-Go workshops hosted by Hands on History. Everyone can learn archery techniques and test their skills with a longbow, mini crossbow and paintball cannon. Date: Daily 23 July - 5 August, 11-21 August, 27 August - 4 September at various times. Price: Archery = £5 for 12 Arrows or £3 for 6 Arrows. Paint Ball Cannon = £2.50 for 12 shots. Mini Cross Bow= £1 for 10 shots.

At 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm each day visitors will also be able to witness the firing of Bodiam Castle's life size, replica trebuchet, a fierce catapult used in medieval castle sieges. Price: included with normal castle admission.

On Medieval Mondays visitors of all ages can dress to impress with the castle's authentic collection of replica armour and costumes. Transform into a knight in shining armour, a medieval princess, a powerful Lord or even an entertaining court jester. Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August 11am-4pm. Price: £2 per person plus normal castle admission.

On 3 August don't miss the castle's annual Family Fun day when the whole family can enjoy a memorable day out together. Between 11am and 4pm the castle grounds will be packed full of entertaining activities for families to enjoy including face painting, arts and crafts, tractor rides, an exciting traditional fun fair and much more. Date: 3 August. Price: included with normal castle admission plus small charge for some activities.

The castle will also be hosting their famous Knight and Princess Academy, which is suitable for all budding knights and princesses over the age of four. The academy brings children's dreams to life as they train to be a real knight in shining armour or a medieval princess.

The 45 minute session allows children to dress in authentic costumes and take part in a special craft activity, before their graduation ceremony, when they will be rewarded with a personalised certificate and a special gift as proof of their new-found qualification. Dates: 9, 10, 17, 18 and 19 August at 11:15, 12:15, 13:30 and 14:30. Price: £5 per child, no castle admission necessary.

Booking can be made by calling 01580 830196. Please do book early to avoid disappointment.

Between the 20 and 21 August there will be the exciting chance for visitors of all ages to join in the 'Dressing for Battle' event. Between 10.30am and 5pm each day visitors can discover how a knight dressed for battle and before trying on the variety of armour themselves. No additional charge but normal castle admission applies.

Before the holidays draw to a close families have the opportunity to take part in the castle's Great Treasure Challenge and join the quest to search for the castle's hidden treasure chest. The castle is brought to life by members of the Bodiam Household, who, dressed in authentic costume, may hide vital clues to the chest's whereabouts. Families have to solve the mystery to track down the treasure and claim their prize! Date: 23-25 August - 11am - 4pm. Price: £2 per person plus normal castle admission.

As well as the activities visitors can explore the castle ruins, including the battlements and towers or browse the shop, which offers a range of gifts and produce, including Bodiam wine and local honey. The Wharf tea-room serves a variety of delicious seasonal treats such as light lunches, whilst Ice-creams, snacks and drinks can be purchased from the castle kiosk (seasonal).

Bodiam Castle Gift Aid Admission: (Standard Admission prices in brackets): adult £6.80 (£6.10), child £3.40 (£3.05), family £18 (£16.20), family (one adult) £11.20 (£10.10).

For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle or give them a call on 01580 830196.

FACTFILE:
Bodiam Castle has been in the expert and loving care of the National Trust since 1926, it is three miles off the main A21at Hurst Green, midway between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells.

There is a reduced rate of £5.80 and £2.90 for adults and children arriving by bicycle, public transport or the Kent & East Sussex Railway (stations at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam)

(EDITOR: That's Holiday will include news from other National Trust properties throughout the summer)

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