Jousts, Circus Skills And Seaside Fun Coming To Isle Of Wight Heritage Sites This Summer

Families are being invited to enjoy a "Great British Summer" at two of the Isle of Wight's best-known historic attractions during the school holidays.

From 18 July to 6 September, English Heritage will be hosting a programme of family-friendly activities at Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle, inspired by traditional British seaside holidays.

Visitors can enjoy fairground games, circus skills, puppet shows and ice cream, while children can collect stamps in a souvenir passport as they explore the historic sites.

At Osborne House, families can discover Queen Victoria's former royal residence, its gardens, Swiss Cottage and private beach, while Carisbrooke Castle offers panoramic Island views, the chance to meet its famous donkeys and learn about King Charles I's attempted escape.

One of the highlights of the summer will be the return of the Legendary Joust at Carisbrooke Castle from 11 to 13 August, with four knights competing in medieval tournaments featuring jousting, horsemanship and combat.

English Heritage is also encouraging visitors to revive the tradition of sending postcards by offering free limited-edition designs by renowned children's illustrators Sir Quentin Blake and Nick Sharratt at postcard-writing stations while stocks last.

The charity is also offering 25% off annual memberships until 31 August, as well as reduced VAT on family day tickets until 1 September and a free children's lunch bag with qualifying café purchases during July and August.