Jousting may have been a fiercely-fought contest in medieval times, but for youngsters wanting a taste of the action this summer holidays, there's a hobby horse ready to carry them into battle.

Hever Castle's Knights and Princesses School will run from Saturday, July 21 through to Bank Holiday Monday, August 27, and gives children the chance to sample what life was like.

Children from around six to 12 can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times, with free classes of around 40 minutes daily.

Encouraged to don costume for their training sessions, they can learn how to prepare and protect armour, arm and disarm their aster before battle, learn how to greet people the correct way for the day and have a go at a hobby horse jousting activity.

At the end of each session, they can get a Knight School Certificate and be officiated as knights and princesses of Hever.

Training sessions will be held daily at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

The school is included in normal Hever Castle admission rates, and spaces can be booked on arrival. To book and find out more visit hevercastle.co.uk or telephone 01732 865224.

The castle has a new natural play area for under sevens, officially opened last week by former JLS star and presenter of CBeebies Down on the Farm, JB Gill, his wife Chloe and son Ace.

Acorn Dell has been designed to allow children to explore and use their imagination and has a 2 metre high living willow structure, giant sandpit, tunnels, a climbing frame and 42 play boulders.