2024 Events Schedule
To book your ticket, please click the ‘Book Tickets’ button and choose the correct date on the calendar.
Not all events are included with the ‘1 Year Pass’. Please double check before booking.
Regrettably no dogs are allowed in the Castle or grounds, other than assistance dogs.
We also respectfully ask that you do not leave pets unattended in vehicles in the car park as there is limited shade in that area.
Strictly Come Dancing Costume Exhibition
Step into the Glamorous World of Dance at Berkeley Castle's BBC Strictly Come Dancing Costume Exhibition!
Every Sunday to Wednesday this autumn, immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of dance and dazzling costumes at Berkeley Castle's exclusive exhibition showcasing dresses from the iconic BBC Strictly Come Dancing.
Prepare to be captivated by the glitz, glamour, and sheer elegance that graced the dance floor on one of the world's most beloved dance shows.
Marvel at the intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship of the stunning costumes worn by your favorite Strictly Come Dancing celebrities and professional dancers. From sequins to feathers, every detail tells a story of the passion and dedication that goes into creating these glamorous outfits.
*The exhibition is included in the standard admission ticket.
Dragons & Wizards
Brand new to 2024, Dragons & Wizards at Berkeley Castle!
Guests can come face-to-face with a giant dragon this Halloween at Berkeley Castle! With a whole range of mythical activities throughout the day ensuring everyone has a legendary day out.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet baby dragons, and learn of their unique origin - before seeing if they have what it takes to tame the giant dragon (and perhaps even grab a photo).
Don't forget to top by Wizard School where younger guests will have the chance to play games with our visiting wizard as they give you a crash-training course on how to be the ultimate wizard and tame those dragons!
Event Timetable:
11am – Welcome with Baby Dragons
11.45am – Giant Dragon Meet & Greet
12.30am – Wizard School in the Great Hall
1.15pm – Giant Dragon Meet & Greet
2pm – Baby Dragons roaming
3pm – Wizard School in the Great Hall
3.45pm – Giant Dragon Meet & Greet
4.30pm – Goodbye with Baby Dragons
The Halloween event is included in your admission ticket.
Christmas Silver Bangle Workshop
Join us for a festive Christmas Silver Bangle Making Workshop at Berkeley Castle on Wednesday, 4th December at 7pm.
Held in the stunning Great Hall, this creative evening will guide you through crafting your own personalised silver bangle, perfect as a gift or a keepsake. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with seasonal refreshments provided.
All materials and tools are included, making it a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit while learning a new skill in a historic setting. Perfect for all skill levels!
£80pp
Christmas Stag Art Workshop
Join us for a fun and festive evening in the enchanting Great Hall at Berkeley Castle, where we’ll be painting a beautiful winter stag on faux slate!
No experience needed! With acrylic paint and step-by-step guidance, you'll create your very own masterpiece to take home. All materials are supplied, including a 30cm x 60cm faux slate canvas, plus we’ll provide refreshments to keep the festive spirit flowing!
It’s the perfect way to embrace the season’s creativity and enjoy a cozy, artistic evening with friends.
Date: Thursday 5th December - 7pm -9:30pm
Location: Berkeley Castle
£65pp
A Christmas Carol
‘‘I don’t know what to do! I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel… A merry Christmas to everybody!”
Get into the Christmas spirit with The Duke’s Theatre Company’s first indoor season: a nail-biting retelling of perhaps the most famous ghost story of all time, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. An industry leading company of five professional actors transport us to Victorian London in a new adaptation featuring original music, theatrical magic and beautiful lighting.
This new commission is authored by Jolyon Coy, (The Windsors, The Deep Blue Sea, Midsomer Murders) with direction by Katie Beard and Bobby Delaney (Zog and the Flying Doctors UK Tour, Annie West End, Spamalot West End, National Youth Theatre, The History Boys, The Baddies UK Tour).
Set in the stunning Great Hall at Berkeley Castle, this is a theatre production you won’t want to miss!
Dates:
Tuesday 10th December - 7pm
Wednesday 11th December - 1pm
Wednesday 11th December - 7pm
Thursday 12th December - 1pm
Thursday 12th December - 7pm
Orchestral Christmas Concert - SOLD OUT
Orchestra Pro Anima and Robert Plane (clarinet)
The Berkeley Castle Orchestral Christmas Concert 2024 will take place on Sunday 15 December at 6pm with Reception from 5pm. Launched in 2002, this wonderful event has delighted audiences for over 20 years with its music, festive fare and wine and the magical atmosphere in this beautiful historic venue made seasonal with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. The music will again be a mix of works from the Baroque through to the 20th century, and Orchestra Pro Anima, directed from the violin by Michael Bochmann MBE, will be joined by celebrated clarinettist Robert Plane in the much-loved Mozart Clarinet Concerto. Tickets at £48 are on sale at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury on 01684 295074 or online at www.rosestheatre.org
The full programme is:
Vivaldi ‘Winter’ from The Four Seasons
Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A K622
Handel Pastoral Symphony from Messiah
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No 6 in B flat
Adolphe Adam O Holy Night
Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride
Castle Garden Mixed Media Class
There are endless possibilities with this mixed media class with local artist, Lorna Page.
Immerse yourself in nature and explore the castle garden, take in the atmosphere, listen to the sounds of nature, take some photos for inspiration and come back to the Kitchen Garden to create a masterpiece.
You will be given plenty of materials, textures and colour choice to make the artwork in your own style. We will use collage elements, painting, decoupage and other techniques to build up our garden on canvas. No drawing or painting skills will be needed!
Full tuition and all materials provided. The finished canvas size is 30 cm x 40 cm. No need for framing, your artwork will be finished ready to display.
Price £55 per person to include all materials, tuition and refreshments.
The Workshop is 9:30am - 12:30pm in The Kitchen Garden.
Age 12+ (12-16 year olds to be accompanied by an adult).
Please note:
Berkeley Castle will be closed so admission is not included.
There is a minimum number per workshop so if places are not filled, the workshop will not go ahead. Plenty of notice will be given and full refunds offered.
Twelfth Night (outdoor theatre)
“If music be the food of love”
A small band of players take many parts
In this tale of mistaken identity.
Unrequited love, drunken jollity,
Live music, yellow stockings and a fight
Make for the most entertaining of nights.
Join Jenny Wren Productions for some fun in the open-air, under “the glorious sun”.
Gates open at 5pm, performance starts at 6pm.
Strictly Exhibition Launch Party
Experience a night to remember at Berkeley Castle’s Strictly Come Dancing Costume Exhibition Launch Party!
Meet our fabulous VIP and Strictly veteran, Angela Rippon, and learn what it’s really like to be on the show.
With a glass of fizz in your hand, and a delicious canapé or two, enjoy an exclusive sneak preview of the costumes worn on the 2023 show.
Also joining us for our Launch event, is Strictly Come Dancing Costume Designer, Vicky Gill
Find out what it takes to design and create the incredible costumes you see on the BBC every week!
Date – Saturday 31st August
Time - 6pm – 9pm
Venue – Berkeley Castle
Dress code - Strictly Fabulous!
Ticket price - £60 per person
Your party ticket will include a free adult ticket to the Castle to use during our exhibition in September & October.
Angela Rippon | Prosecco & canapes | Live music | Strictly costumes
The Joust
We welcome The Knights of Nottingham back to the Castle this summer!
Knights and Horses combine for hard hitting Medieval Jousting displays, filled with sword swinging, gut punching thrills… anything can happen and often does with fantastic audience participation and comedy included.
Crowds may cheer for the White Knight or maybe boo at the Black Knight, either way they will certainly laugh along with our jovial friend Sir Frederick as his merry antics entertain both children and adults alike!
The Jousts will be at 12:30pm & 2:30pm.
Your Joust tickets include entrance into the Castle and gardens.
*Please note this event is not included with the 1 Year Pass tickets. For more information, visit our Gift Aid page.
Dinosaurs at the Castle
Enjoy a scarily fun day with our dinosaurs!
Come along to Berkeley Castle and meet Raptor and Rexy as they roaringly entertain from the safety of their arena. A fantastic day out for the whole family!
This event is included in your admission ticket.
The event timetable:
11.30am – Dinosaur appearance on Lower Lawn
12.30pm - Dinosaur appearance on Lower Lawn
2.30pm - Dinosaur appearance on Lower Lawn
3.30pm - Dinosaur appearance on Lower Lawn
There will be a dinosaur display on the Lower Lawn all day.
As You Like It (outdoor theatre)
Back for a fourth Summer Season, The Duke’s Theatre Co follow their acclaimed tours of Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night.
Kevin Bennett, (Shakespeare’s Globe, Stretford Festival, Ontario) directs this brand-new tour.
This As You Like It will live on in your memory “forever and a day”.
Family Magic Day
Immerse yourself in a day of wonder and magic as Berkeley Castle hosts a Family Magic Day.
Get ready for an extraordinary experience that combines entertainment, education, and enchantment for the whole family, including a singing octopus and a surfing sloth puppet!
The highlight of the day is the "Great Green Planet Show," a magical exploration into the world of environmental responsibility. Discover the secrets of combating plastic pollution, habitat loss, and the importance of recycling—all presented in a captivating and family-friendly magic show!
The event timetable:
The shows will be in the Great Hall.
11.30am - The Great Green Planet Show
1.00pm - The Mainly Magic Show
3.00pm - The Great Green Planet Show
Each show lasts approx. 30-40 minutes.
Henry VIII on Tour
We are honoured by the presence of his majesty, King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn as they visit the castle on their royal progress.
With them the ‘household musicians’ playing at the King’s command while the royal party dance and make merry in the Great Hall.
Join us for a Tudor-ific time at Berkeley Castle this summer!
This event is in collaboration with the ‘Henry on Tour’ project, researching King Henry’s VIII’s progresses around the country - https://henryontour.uk/
If you are a current Historic Royal Palaces member, you will receive a 10% discount on standard admission. Simply present your card on site on the day to claim the discount.
This event is included in your standard admission ticket.
Summer holiday activities
ARCHERY
Every Monday (29th July - 19th August)
Enjoy a spot of Archery at the Castle. Hone your skills, and see if you can beat your parents!
Archery is included in your admission ticket.
THE MERRY MINSTRELS
Every Tuesday (30th July - 27th August)
Enjoy a wonderful morning of Tudor Dancing in the Great Hall, followed by story-telling in the afternoon. The sessions are led by our fabulous Merry Minstrels!
The Merry Minstrel days are included in your admission ticket.
ZOOLAB
Every Wednesday (7th - 28th August)
The Tudor Zoolab is back at the Castle, with 4 workshops each day showing a variety of different animals and detailing the weird and wonderful medicinal beliefs and practices used in the Tudor times. The workshops will be held in the Beer Cellar.
ZooLab is included in your admission ticket.
Falconry
A wonderful day of falconry displays at the Castle.
Head toward the lower lawns to witness amazing falconry displays against the magnificent backdrop of the Castle, meet the medieval falconer to discover more about his impressive birds of prey.
The displays will be at 12pm & 3pm on the Lower Lawn.
Falconry is included in your admission ticket.
Jewellery Making Workshop
Enjoy a fabulous jewellery making workshop in our wonderful new Kitchen Garden with local artist, Sarah Davies.
During the workshop you will have the chance to design and make your own simple silver ring. You will be guided step by step through each stage as well as having the freedom to make your ring unique to you.
We will use a range of traditional silversmithing techniques and tools, from cutting to soldering, texturing, sanding and polishing to create a unique ring that you can cherish forever. This class is suitable for complete beginners and those with jewellery making knowledge.
Aprons will be-supplied to protect your clothes as well as safety glasses when needed. Please bring glasses if you need them for reading or close up work. If you have long hair please bring a hairband to tie your hair up.
10:00am - 1:00pm
£75pp to include all materials, tuition and refreshments.
Please note:
Berkeley Castle will be closed so admission is not included.
There is a minimum number per workshop so if places are not filled, the workshop will not go ahead. Plenty of notice will be given and full refunds offered.
Dinosaur Day
Dinosaurs are back at Berkeley Castle this Fathers’ Day!
Enjoy a roarsomly fun day with the special men in your life as you meet our wonderful rangers and dinosaurs.
There will be appearances from a Ranger Riding a Dinosaur throughout the day, and you will be able to get up close & personal to adorable baby dinosaurs too!
Your Dinosaur tickets include entrance into the Castle and gardens.
*Please note this event is not included with the 1 Year Pass tickets. For more information, visit our Gift Aid page.
Knight School
Learn the ancient skill of sword fighting as accomplished warriors Dressed to Kill descend upon the Castle to impart their expert knowledge.
Watch the Warrior Show at 1:30pm on the Lower Lawns each day and the display of incredible, authentic steel armor masterfully crafted by Dressed to Kill.
Knights School will take place at 12.30pm & 2.30pm.
Perfect for ages 5 - 12 years old.
Entry to Knight School is not included in general admission. Places cost £8.00 and are limited in number.
To book a place at Knight School, simply choose a ticket type (child, family etc.), choose the correct date & arrival time (28th - 29th May) and you will then see a pop up where you can book your Knight School places.
Adults must purchase an admission ticket to accompany their child.
The Merry Monarch
Enjoy a fabulous living history weekend at Berkeley Castle!
It is 1673 and "The Merry Monarch" King Charles II is visiting Berkeley Castle.
Join in with this Royal occasion with a 6 horse display, music, maypole dancing, and the chance to talk to King Charles himself!
This event is included in your admission ticket.
Merry Monarch Timetable
11:00 Castle opens
11:30 Maypole Dancing
12:30 Arrival of the King on horseback followed by Equestrian display
13:00 Meet The King in the Great Hall
13:30 Music in the Great Hall
14:30 Maypole dancing
15:30 Equestrian Display followed by Departure of the King on Horseback
16:00 Maypole Dancing
17:00 Castle closes
The Joust
We welcome The Knights of Nottingham back to the Castle this spring!
Knights and Horses combine for hard hitting Medieval Jousting displays, filled with sword swinging, gut punching thrills… anything can happen and often does with fantastic audience participation and comedy included.
Crowds may cheer for the White Knight or maybe boo at the Black Knight, either way they will certainly laugh along with our jovial friend Sir Frederick as his merry antics entertain both children and adults alike!
The Jousts will be at 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
Your Joust tickets include entrance into the Castle and gardens.
*Please note this event is not included with the 1 Year Pass tickets. For more information, visit our Gift Aid page.
The Gorgeous Georgians
The year is 1797 and Berkeley Castle is the place to be!
Step back in time and experience the charm of the Georgian era at Berkeley Castle! Immerse yourself in a day filled with history, elegance, and delightful festivities.
The Berkeley’s are very popular hosts so there is no telling who else might be there, but perhaps we will be graced by the presence of a Prince! Is there a Dr in the House? What is the latest scandal? What are the latest discoveries?
Enjoy a fabulous Georgian day out with dancing, gossip and merriment.
This event is included in your standard admission ticket.
Easter Bunny Hunt
Enjoy a lovely Easter Bunny Hunt around the gardens at Berkeley Castle.
The baby bunnies are hiding from Mrs Rabbit, and she needs your help to find them! Collect all the bunnies’ names and win a delicious chocolate egg*.
You could also be in with a chance to win a free lunch for 2 adults and 2 children in our brand new Kitchen Garden!**
The Easter Bunny Hunt costs £1 per child in addition to the admission ticket, to be paid at the Ticket Office on arrival.
*Alternative prizes are available.
**Meal up to the value of £60. The prize winner will be chosen at random and contacted after the event.
The Magic Flute
The Merry Opera Company performing The Magic Flute
A young man finds himself in a strange and bizarre world peopled by bird-men, monsters, magic beings, mad scientists and even madder monarchs. Armed only with the power of Music, our hero sets out on a quest to save a beautiful princess from Evil - but then everything turns upside down all over again.
Merry Opera's production of the world's most beloved opera features a multi-talented virtuoso cast of only seven people taking on multiple roles, making this the biggest smallest mega-show you've ever seen and heard. Mozart's fantasy opera of love, hope and transformation is the perfect merry opera with all the glorious music, comedy, drama, wisdom and the purest joy that any heart could desire. It might even contain the secret to living your best life! Merry Opera's new production of Magic Flute is for YOU and all the people you love.
Event Details
Tickets include Fizz and Canapés in the Long Drawing Room
Doors Open at 6:15pm
From 7:00PM to 9:30pm
Price: £65.00 pp
The Big Sleep
Bed down for one night at this iconic Gloucestershire castle to help save lives. Charity Alabaré are bringing their flagship BIG Sleep to a new location, to change the lives of homeless and vulnerable veterans needing our care.
What is involved: We are asking you to raise sponsorship and sleep out for one night, and in doing so stop veterans having no choice but to sleep rough every night.
You will join other participants and sleep outside for the night at this historic Gloucestershire venue. There will be an opportunity to hear from veterans who have benefitted from Alabaré’s help and to learn more about the support you are making possible.
The venue: Berkeley Castle.
How we help veterans: By providing a pathway of support, homes and training to meet the individual needs of each veteran in need of our help.
Christmas Concert in the Great Hall
Sunday 10 December 2023 at 6pm (Reception from 5pm)
Orchestra Pro Anima directed from the violin by Michael Bochmann MBE
with soloists Ruth Watson (oboe) and Peter Adams (cello)
The programme includes Vaughan Williams’ famous ‘The Lark Ascending’, the wonderful Bach Oboe and Violin Concerto, two Baroque Christmas concertos and ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ by Morricone.
This popular annual event continues to bring its seasonal magic to delighted audiences. The concert in the magnificent Great Hall will be preceded by a reception from 5pm in the elegant Long Drawing Room with its wall mirrors, gilt furniture and beautiful portraits: here you can enjoy fine wine, mince pies and much other festive fare. The Christmas trees and twinkling lights create a truly special atmosphere at this marvellous historic venue.
The highly acclaimed violinist Michael Bochmann has directed this annual concert throughout its 20-year history and the members of the Orchestra, whose musicianship and warmth of presentation have been much heralded, have played together over such a long period that they have developed a real affinity with one another, forged over time. Their varied programme comprises music ranging from the Baroque Period up to the latter part of the 20th Century.
Tickets: £45 (including Reception with wine, mince pies and other festive fare and further refreshments in the interval).
Festive Painting Workshops
Join local artist, Lorna, for a festive evening of creativity and relaxation in the beautiful Great Hall at Berkeley Castle. The Christmas tree will be twinkling, festive music will be playing, and the fire will be lit - the perfect start to your Christmas celebrations.
Join local artist, Lorna, for a festive evening of creativity and relaxation in the beautiful Great Hall at Berkeley Castle. The Christmas tree will be twinkling, festive music will be playing, and the fire will be lit - the perfect start to your Christmas celebrations.
In this workshop, you will be painting on faux slate, applying silver leaf, and using acrylic paint to create an owl flying in a wintery scene. This class is suitable for all abilities. No need for any drawing skills as the image will be pre-prepared on the slate so you can just enjoy the gilding and painting!
£65.00pp
Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th December 7pm - 10pm
Full tuition and all materials provided. Finished size 60cm x 30cm.
Festive treats are also included.
Ghostly Tales with the Monstrous Minstrels
Spooky Storytelling & Terrifying Tudor Dancing
Enjoy a scarily good day with our Monstrous Minstrels on Tuesday 24th October & Tuesday 31st October.
Ghoul School
Back for another year!
Fabled Feast brings us ‘Ghoul School’! An interactive, self-led audio extravaganza that will teach your young thrill seekers all they need to know to become perfect little monsters.
Along the way, they will encounter a spooky array of teachers who’ll impart their delights, frights, and vampire bites.
Face painting will be available on Sunday 22nd & Sunday 29th October (£4 per child)
Tickets cost £2 per child, in addition to the admission ticket.
To book tickets, you must first book an admission ticket for the date of your choice. You will then see a pop-up, which will allow you to add Ghoul School tickets to your basket.
Nicholas Nickleby
Enjoy an evening of outdoor theatre in the beautiful grounds of Berkeley Castle
Left destitute on the death of their father, the Nickleby family are forced to give up a life of contentment in the countryside. The ensuing adventures take Nicholas all over, from Devon to Dotheboys Hall in Yorkshire, via a chance encounter with a troupe of strolling players. This is a tale of twists and turns, ups and downs, cruelty and hardship, but also friendship, kindness and love.
Will Uncle Ralph get his comeuppance? Will there be romance along the way? Will Smike remember all his lines?
Find out, by catching Jenny Wren Productions at a beautiful open-air venue near you, hot off the heels of their national tour of Little Women and last summer’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.”
In the open-air – please bring a blanket or chair.
The Joust!
Brand new to Berkeley Castle in 2023, we welcome The Knights of Nottingham!
Knights and Horses combine for hard hitting Medieval Jousting displays, filled with sword swinging, gut punching thrills… anything can happen and often does with fantastic audience participation and comedy included.
Crowds may cheer for the White Knight or maybe boo at the Black Knight, either way they will certainly laugh along with our jovial friend sir Frederick as his merry antics entertain both children and adults alike!
The Jousting performances will be at 12.30pm & 2.30pm on the Lower Lawn.
There is a small additional charge of £1 per person over the bank holiday weekend.
Please note: 1 Year Pass tickets are not valid for this event. For more information regarding your 1 year Pass, please click here.
Falconry
A wonderful day of falconry displays at the Castle.
Head toward the lower lawns to witness magnificent falconry displays against the magnificent backdrop of the Castle, meet the medieval falconer to discover more about his impressive birds of prey.
The Falconry displays will be at 12pm & 3pm on the Lower Lawn.
Warrior Day
Our much-loved warriors from Dressed to Kill descend once again upon the Castle to impart their expert sword fighting skills.
Learn how knights were trained in the 15th century and watch breath-taking sword fighting shows. See up-close the display of incredible, authentic steel armour masterfully crafted by Dressed to Kill themselves.
The Warrior shows will be at 12.30pm & 2.30pm on the Lower Lawn.
The Duke's Theatre Company - Twelfth Night
Back for another year, The Duke’s Theatre Company present A Twelfth Night.
Whether you’re an audience member in 2023 or back in 1602, you could be forgiven for thinking that Twelfth Night was going to be the darkest of tragedies: what could be more nightmarish than to lose your twin sibling in a furious storm at sea and to think they'd died?
In fact, a romantic comedy unfolds with a madcap farce at its heart. The broadest of broad humour (poor Malvolio tricked into absurdity) mixes with moments of unbearable pathos (listen out for Sir Anthony Aguecheek's wistful "I was adored once too".).
What can you expect from a Duke's Theatre Company performance? The full text in all its glory; innovative production design to support the unparalleled energy of our wonderful cast; original music so that Shakespeare's songs are heard in a whole new way - and all we ask is that you come prepared for a wonderful time.
Twelfth Night was first performed in 1602. Four hundred and twenty-one years on, we're proud and privileged to bring this extraordinary play to you.
*Castle admission is not included with your theatre ticket*
Dinosaur Day
Back by popular demand…Dinosaur Day at Berkeley Castle 🦖
Share the joy of learning and discovery as you venture into the world of dinosaurs . Create lasting memories with loved ones as you explore the castle's history and unearth fascinating facts about these captivating creatures.
A fantastic day out for the whole family!
The dinosaur appearances will be on the Lower Lawn at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm.
Please note that if the weather is extreme, the event may need to be cancelled.
Summer holiday activities
Archery
Every Monday from 31st July to 21st August, you can enjoy Have-A-Go Archery on the Lower Lawns with our wonderful Archers.
*Included in admission ticket
Storytelling or Tudor dancing with The Merry Minstrels
Every Tuesday in the summer holidays, experience the joy of Tudor Dancing in the Great Hall, or be taken on a journey of discovery with fantastic storytelling.
11.30am-12.00pm: Tudor Dancing
1.30pm - 2.00pm: Storytelling
*Included in admission ticket
ZooLab
Every Wednesday from 2nd to 30th August, The Tudor Zoolab is back!
There will be 4 workshops each day showing a variety of different animals and detailing the weird and wonderful medicinal beliefs and practices used in the Tudor times. The workshops will be held in the Beer Cellar.
*Included in admission ticket