See History Come To Life At Osborne And Carisbrooke Castle This Summer

This summer will see the grounds of Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House come alive with characters from history.

This will include mighty knights, dastardly pirates and the regal Queen Victoria herself.

Returning to Carisbrooke Castle will be family favourites from English Heritage’s events calendar: the Knights’ Tournament, Legendary Joust and Pirates!

Osborne will also be hosting a brand-new event for 2024, All the Queen’s Horses, where visitors can enjoy a spectacular day out at the races.

Between 30 July and 1 August, Pirates! will descend upon Carisbrooke Castle. Visitors will be able to interact with historical pirates while they demonstrate what it took to survive on the high seas, before watching them fight it out with the militia close quarters.

Children can learn the ropes in pirate school and join in singing to sea shanties.

Going back further in time to the 15th century, the castle will host an epic Knights’ Tournament between 6 and 8 August. Supported by their trusty squires, four knights will step up to test their strength and skill in different disciplines, before battling it out in a Grand Melee final.

Visitors can watch the knights as they arm themselves for each round, awe at the antics of the castle jester, and listen to medieval music.

Sporting action from the Middle Ages returns to Carisbrooke Castle the following week in the Legendary Joust, 13 – 15 August. Fearless knights and their magnificent horses will charge at each other in the hope of becoming the day’s champion.

Each knight will represent a mythical or legendary character, such as Sir Lancelot. In between jousting contests there will be plenty to see at the living history encampment on site.

English Heritage is inviting visitors to enjoy a day at the races at Osborne this summer, joining Queen Victoria and her horses. 

All the Queen’s Horses is a brand-new event for 2024, taking place between 20 – 22 August. Attendees will be able to place their bets on their favourite horse and watch displays of exceptional horsemanship.

Alongside this will be storytelling, performances, and music for everyone to enjoy.

 Lastly, it wouldn’t be a summer at Osborne without the return of its annual Punch & Judy show on the estate’s beach.

Running on select days between 20 July until 1 September, the performance will see Mr Punch and his mischievous friends entertain children with lively antics. It’s the perfect, nostalgic accompaniment to ice cream and a dip in the Solent.

Timothy Benfield, Events Manager at English Heritage commented:

“We’ve got a huge variety of events drawing inspiration from history for all ages to enjoy on the Isle of Wight.

"While we know how popular our knights fighting and jousting are with visitors to Carisbrooke Castle year after year, we’re particularly excited to reveal our new All the Queen’s Horses event at Osborne.

"With such a beautiful setting and there being so much to do at Osborne, it’ll be an amazing day out to round off your summer holidays.”

English Heritage members and non-members can save 15% of the price of their tickets by booking online in advance.

Further information on these events can be found online.