By Judith Schrut email
As Meghan, new Duchess of Sussex and American in Britain royal, settles into married life with Prince Harry at Kensington Palace, isn’t it high time to enjoy a royal venue of your own this summer?
Whether you’re new to the UK or have been here since the Queen’s Coronation, visiting castles, historic houses and stately homes is an unmissable and uniquely British experience. From perfectly restored fairytale fortresses to crumbling medieval wrecks where much is left to the imagination, these are attractions you definitely can’t get stateside.
For the ultimate royal day out we heartily recommend a visit to Sussex’s Herstmonceux Castle for the annual England’s Medieval Festival. Step back in time and experience its living history village, battle re-enactments, jousting, falconry displays and mud wrestling. It’s a safe bet your kids will never forget the thrill of seeing knights duelling on horseback. Have a go at arrowmaking, blacksmith forging, axe throwing or archery. There’s also real ale, medieval munchies and plenty of timely music. And did we mention the moonlit cinema playing medieval themed-classics on a giant screen?
A particularly brilliant castle for families is Hever Castle in Kent. Over 700 years old and pure storybook, Hever is the historic home of the Boleyn family and reputed to be where King Henry VIII courted the second of his six ill-fated wives, Anne Boleyn. It has every enchantment you’d expect in a perfect palace: turrets and battlements, a double moat, knights in armour, weapons and instruments of torture on display, majestic gardens and a splashing water maze. Hever holds a popular summer programme of events including musical theatre, comedy nights, jousting tournaments and Knights and Princesses School.
Blenheim Palace’s Great Court is the stunning setting for Nocturne Live concerts. A starry lineup includes Elvis Costello, Gary Barlow and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Blenheim has a long and noble history, most famously as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and his illustrious ancestors, and is renowned for its gilded state rooms, water terraces and gorgeous landscaping.
In early September, old and new world traditions will unite in the opulent surrounds of Stanford Hall stately home for the first Long Road Country, Americana and Roots Festival. Stanford Hall has housed the Cave family since the 15th century, and this year will play host to Lee Ann Womack, Angaleena Presley, The Shires, Bob Harris, the BBC Introducing Stage and dozens more country, bluegrass and folk performers from the US and UK.
Further information:
Nocturne Live, Blenheim Palace, 14-17 June 2018, nocturnelive.com
Herstmonceux Castle/Medieval Festival, Sussex, 25-27 August 2018, englandsmedievalfestival.com
The Long Road Festival, Stanford Hall, Leicestershire, 7-9 September 2018, thelongroad.com
Image: Jousting Knights at Hever Castle