Watch in awe as The Knights of Royal England battle for bravery and honour at the 2025 Summer Jousting Tournament in the historic setting of Hever Castle & Gardens from 12th July to 31st August (selected dates – see website for full details).
Be enthralled by exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal box for the finest in jousting and medieval entertainment. Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Royal Foot Soldiers in a procession to the Jousting arena as you prepare to see the mighty clash of lances and cheer for your champion.
Step back in time to a glorious past and watch the jousting tournament unfold in medieval style with a warm up, introductions, fanfares and professional commentary. Enjoy the thrill of spectacular action in the arena with galloping horses and music throughout the show.
Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat, the valiant knights will compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion. Bring a blanket to watch the tournament from the two acre field or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands (£2 per seat). Choose which knights to support – the Red Knight or the Blue Knight – and cheer them to glory.
About The Knights of Royal England
“In medieval times a jousting tournament may have taken around three days and been quite a slow and laborious affair, with our re-creation of the tournament at Hever Castle we try and condense all the highlights, all the thrills and spills into our 75 minute tournament with an emphasis on the action,” commented Jeremy Richardson of The Knights of Royal England
The Spanish horses are part of The Knights of Royal England family, all trained for jousting and film work. Working hard in the summer, they get the winters off to go for rides in the woods. Jeremy added: “The horses we use are the same breed used for jousting in medieval times so they have a natural aptitude for jousting, they are very brave, forward going and have great trust in their rider which makes them fearless in battle.”
As well as the horses there are around six or seven knights who are part of the Knights of Royal England riding at weekends alongside their full-time jobs. They are all competent riders but go through rigorous safety training. The Knights of Royal England not only perform at Hever Castle but travel all over Britain and Europe including to the Middle East and to islands off the coast of Denmark and to Sweden.
About Hever Castle
Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. The castle is also set within 125 acres of glorious grounds.
For visitors looking to take time out from the buzz of the event, Hever Castle’s gardens and grounds provide a peaceful setting to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the fresh air with a walk or picnic.
Children can enjoy the adventure playgrounds, Yew Maze and Water Maze for exploration and family fun in the beautiful grounds. Test the skills you have seen on family and friends by buying mock shields, swords and armoury and finish your day off with a refreshing ice cream or cold drink.
Jousting tournaments take place at Hever Castle on various weekends and additional dates during the summer holidays as follows: 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 25 – 27 July, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 22 – 25 (bank holiday weekend), 30 & 31 August.
Key Information:
2025 Summer Jousting Tournament Event Dates:
July: 12-13, 19-20, 25, 26-27
August: 9-10, 16-17, 22-25 (bank holiday weekend), 30-31
Time: Jousting Event Field opens 13:00, Horses arrive to the Castle Forecourt 13:30, Tournament 14:15 – 15:30 (approx.). Castle grounds 10:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30)
Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent
Tickets: Pre-book online to save
(All photos kindly provided by Hever Castle & Gardens / Oliver Dixon Photography)
