40 Years of Jousting at Hever Castle: New Knight Debuts in Anniversary Season

Hever Castle’s popular jousting returns this summer for its 40th anniversary season, bringing back all the spectacle, excitement, and family-friendly entertainment visitors have come to love – this year with a playful new twist: Battle of the Queens.

Taking place on selected weekends in July and August, the long-running jousting tournaments by the Knights of Royal England once again promise a thrilling day out. Expect world-class stunt riding, choreographed medieval combat, and immersive Tudor storytelling, all set against one of the UK’s most iconic historic castles.

To mark the anniversary, this year’s show introduces a light-hearted story inspired by two of Hever Castle’s most famous Tudor connections: Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves. The “Battle of the Queens” theme adds an extra layer of fun and theatre to the arena, helping bring history to life in an engaging way for all ages.

A familiar favourite returns too – Sir Sam of Hever, Anne Boleyn’s Knight, who continues to represent her enduring link with the castle and anchors the storytelling with tradition and warmth.

New to the arena this year is Lord Ashley of Hampshire, appearing as the “Anne of Cleves Champion.” His introduction brings a fresh dynamic to the show and highlights Anne of Cleves’ own connection to Hever Castle following her marriage to Henry VIII’s annulment.

Together, the two knights form the heart of this year’s playful rivalry, representing their respective queens in friendly competition, while keeping the focus firmly on family entertainment.

Visitors will also notice a newly redesigned heraldic livery – the colourful costumes and horse decorations used in the arena. Inspired by Tudor design, the updated look adds to the spectacle and helps clearly distinguish the two sides of the story.

Adding a contemporary creative touch to tradition, Lord Ashley will debut the Queen’s new heraldic livery, specially designed with inspiration from Hever Castle CEO Duncan Leslie. It brings a fresh visual identity to the tournament while still honouring its royal heritage.

The new livery marks one of the most significant visual updates in the event’s four-decade history, reimagining the tournament’s look while staying rooted in Tudor tradition. It appears on the knights’ surcoats and the horses’ caparisons, enhancing the pageantry and overall spectacle of the arena.

The last time a new heraldic livery was introduced at Hever Castle was in 2012, when Sir Sam of Hever was first presented in his own colours. That design drew inspiration from the historic heraldry of the Boleyn family, former owners of Hever Castle and one of the most significant Tudor connections to the site.

Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle, said:

“Reaching 40 years of jousting is a fantastic milestone for Hever Castle. The Battle of the Queens theme adds a fun, creative layer to the experience, while still keeping the authenticity and quality of the historical performance at its core. It’s a way of making the story even more engaging for families and first-time visitors, without losing what people already love about the event.”

Before the main show, visitors can enjoy a lively pre-show atmosphere with medieval stalls selling shields, swords, armour, and themed gifts, along with food and drink options.

A grand royal procession featuring Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, and their royal foot soldiers opens the day before the tournament begins in earnest.

The main arena show delivers fast-paced jousting, choreographed fights, galloping horses, live commentary, music, and fanfare – all designed to bring the Tudor world vividly to life in an accessible, entertaining way.

Outside the arena, visitors can explore Hever Castle’s summer gardens in full bloom, walk the historic grounds, and enjoy adventure play areas, water features, and open parkland – making it an easy full-day experience for families.

Jousting is included in general admission, with reserved seating available for a small additional charge.

For more information on the 2026 summer season, visit: www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on.