This summer, Pendennis Castle in Falmouth is hosting an action-packed schedule of events for the whole family to enjoy. The legendary Joust and Knights' Tournament will take place alongside English Heritage's Pirates event.

Legendary Joust

The Legendary Joust will kick things off, a firm favourite of the Cornish town's summer events, the Joust is an exhilarating spectacle of speed and courage. Four legendary riders will charge at each other with lances in the grounds of the castle, all in the hope of securing the support of the crowd.

• Tuesday 1 – Thursday 3 August 2023, 10am-5pm
• Book in advance at english-heritage.org.uk for the best prices.

Knights Tournament

Continuing to transport visitors back to medieval times, the Knights' Tournament will see four rival knights don their armour and battle for glory, ably assisted along the way by their trusty squires.

After four gruelling rounds to test each knight's strength and skill, the winner will be crowned in a Grand Melee final. The full tournament experience will be brought to life with a living history encampment in the castle grounds where the knights' supporters will welcome visitors to see what life would have been like on the move for medieval soldiers.

• Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 August and Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 August 2023, 10 am – 5 pm
• Book in advance at english-heritage.org.uk for the best prices.

Pirates

The event takes place at the same time as the Tall Ships Races 2023 in Falmouth, for which Pendennis Castle offers the perfect vantage point. Visitors will watch the pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to them tell their tales of booty, bounty, and barnacles. The high seas adventures will continue throughout the castle with demonstrations and hands-on activities for any scallywag or salty sea dog to enjoy.

• Tuesday 15 – Thursday 17 August 2023, 10am-5pm
• Book in advance at english-heritage.org.uk for the best prices.

Ella Harrison, Event Manager at English Heritage said: "Every year we love seeing how our visitors immerse themselves in our events. Families pick their favourite knight or pirate they want to win in a contest and all ages have a go at our activities too.

"It's a fantastic atmosphere and a really engaging way for us to tell some of history's richest stories at Pendennis Castle. We're especially excited to coincide with the celebrations for Falmouth Week and The Tall Ships Races over the summer too."

In addition to the entertainment at the events, there is so much more to explore at Pendennis Castle to enjoy a great value day out. One of Henry VIII's finest seaside fortresses, it boasts a keep with panoramic views out to sea, a collection of historic weaponry, and an exhibition of wartime tales.

 For more information: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle/events/.