A SPECTACULAR jousting tournament is coming to a Dorset castle this weekend.

Hear the thunder of hooves and clash of steel on steel when Knights from all corners of England fight for their honour at Sherborne Castle on Saturday and Sunday.

The knights on horseback will be travelling at speeds of up to 30mph and two teams will do battle with each other.

Hand to hand skills will also be on display using mediaeval weapons: swords, shields, ball and chain, war hammer, mace and quarter staves…..and woe betide any out of favour squire or knight, as they face being dragged around the arena behind a galloping horse or being put on the ‘tilt rail’ to fall prey to Knights with their lances!

Lucky children are invited to wear will be invited into the main ring by the local Lord to try their hand with some real battle weapons.

Youngsters are invited to wear Knight, King, Queen or Princess outfits or can buy children’s outfits and armoury on site.

There will also be an action packed mediaeval activity tent, where you can ‘make & take’, have a go at table top catapults and castle sieges.

The castle, which has been owned by the Digby family since 1617, will be open to the public. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, this historic house reflects a glorious variety of decorative styles from more than 400 years of English History.

The gardens feature landscaping from Capability Brown, whose tercentenary was marked last year.

A new exhibition at Sherborn Castle charts his impact and legacy on the garden of 42 acres, which has beautifully kept lawns and flower beds with a lake and an abundance of majestic specimen trees.

Parking is free and tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children aged between five and 15, while youngsters under five go free. Family tickets (two adults and two fee-paying children) costs £25.

There's a 10 per cent reduction for advance tickets. Call 01935 813182 or buy from Sherborne and Dorchester TIC offices.

See sherbornecastle.com for more information.

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