Introducing some exciting living history experiences in last week’s Inside Track clearly struck a chord with several readers especially those whose clients like the idea of a few days in the English countryside.

This week, there are more really interesting close encounters with English history beginning with the sights, sounds and smells of Tudor England at Mary Arden’s Farm near Stratford upon Avon.  Any visit here will also include meeting more costumed interpreters at the other Shakespeare Houses.

Kentwell Hall, not far from the cruise port of Harwich is another living history experience not to be missed while Saddles and Steam at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum takes a more sedate look at Olde England. Finishing on a very high note, there’s the exciting world of medieval jousting tournaments at Arundel Castle and Hever Castle and a range of action-packed events in, around and under the WWII White Cliffs tunnels at Dover Castle.

There’s plenty more where they came from and with some dates, I’ll tell you about what else could be in store.

Tudor Sights, Sounds and Smells

Mary Arden’s Farm was the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother. Today you can experience all the sights, sounds and smells just as it would have been when Shakespeare was a boy. Watch "Tudors" go about their daily routine, see rare breed animals and explore nature trails. There are daily falconry displays and archery at weekends and during the school holidays.

Step Back in Time

Kentwell Hall is a magnificent example of the life and times of 16^th century England.  As the originator of historical, live Tudor events, the entire historic house and estate are transformed into a 16th Century Manor, with up to 250 inhabitants of all ages, skills and wealth carrying out a huge variety of daily tasks. Use the link for event details.

Saddles and Steam

Set in a beautiful landscape in the South Downs National Park, the Weald and Downland Museum is a remarkable collection of over 50 fully restored rural home and buildings that tell a 1000-year-old story of the people who lived here in southern England.  Their summer show celebrates every mode of transport from our four-legged friends to the invention of the combustion engine.

Medieval Jousting Week

The world’s longest jousting tournament makes a triumphant return to Arundel Castle in West Sussex on 23-28 July. As the season’s highlight, it promises nothing less than a true clash of the titans with plenty of fierce rivalries along the way.  Archery, falconry displays, hand to hand combat, it’s got the lot.  Use the link to see other medieval events in July-October.

Moated, 13th Century Hever Castle

The Knights of Royal England begin this year’s Summer Jousting Tournaments on 13^th-14^th July and then on most weekend until the end of August.  Watch them battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat in exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in front of King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn in their Royal Box.

Gateway to the Realm

Discover Dover Castle, one of the most impregnable of all English fortresses overlooking the English Channel.  Meet the court of King Henry II and experience a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition.  Relive WWII as you follow the dramatic journey of a wounded RAF pilot fighting for his life as he’s rushed through the tunnels to the operating theatre in the White Cliffs.