May Day madness at Hever Castle

Strolling minstrels and singers in Tudor costumes will be accompanied by the bagpipes, the hurdy-gurdy and other early percussion instruments in a music and dance celebration held over the May Day weekend in the gardens of Anne Boleyn's childhood home.

The Knots of May, Invicta Morris, Monchelsea Morris and other Morris dancing sides from Kent and Sussex will entertain visitors as they jangle ankle bells and bang their sticks in traditional style and there will be plenty for all ages to do and see in and around the castle grounds.

In the grounds, children can get lost in the maze, dodge the drips in the splashing water maze, visit the Miniature Model Houses exhibition and let off steam on the Adventure Playground.

Inside the Castle which William Waldorf Astor acquired in 1903, visitors can enjoy the costumed figure exhibition of Henry VIII and his six wives and the Anne Boleyn Books of Hours.

There will also be Maypole dancing on the Castle forecourt on Saturday.

Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent (01732 865224).
Sat 4-Mon 6 May
Gardens open 11am-5pm (castle noon-5pm)
Adults £8.20, children £4.50, family ticket (2+2) £20.90.