English Heritage is marking the Bank Holiday weekend with time travelling and traditional celebrations at its sites in Wiltshire, writes Tim Davey

E very little girl dreams of being a princess, just like the ones in our traditional fairy tales – and this bank holiday, in deepest Wiltshire, there's a chance to make their dreams come true. Well, just for a day, that is.

Wannabe princesses will be able to imagine they are young royals, designing their own coat of arms and crown jewels.

English Heritage is organising the event at its historic Old Sarum site on the edge of Salisbury.

It's all part of their themed Time Travellers Go... Medieval events.

The Old Sarum happening and another, located at Old Wardour Castle, not far away, are aimed at helping families make the most of the first May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

A full programme of interactive events are planned over four days, from today, May 2, until Monday, May 4.

"You can experience life from times gone by with Time Travellers Go… at Old Sarum and join in the (belated) May Day Celebrations at Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury, Wiltshire," says English Heritage.

"Time Travellers Go… is a new series of events offering children the chance to get hands-on with history and go back in time to learn the exciting skills of old. "Time Travellers Go… Medieval gives young knights the chance to take part in jousting (with hobby horses, of course!) and archery, while wannabe princesses can live like royalty, designing their own coat of arms and crown jewels.

"If warriors are more your cup of tea, visit Old Sarum for its second event, Time Travellers Go… Warriors and Weapons, from May 23-25, to hear stories of brave fighters, recreate a Viking shield wall or try Roman crafts." Meanwhile, Old Wardour Castle is also hosting a number of events for the whole family from today until Monday.

The castle will be decorated with flowers, there will be Maypole dancing and visitors can get hands-on with traditional games and activities.

Youngsters can also take part in the Discovery Quest for Children from May 23-25, exploring the castle and following clues to uncover its rich history.

Time Travellers Go... Medieval

Where: Old Sarum, Wiltshire, SP1 3SD.

When: Today, May 2, to Monday, May 4, 10am-5pm.

Price: Adults £3.30; concessions £2.80; children £1.70.

English Heritage Members: Free.

Old Sarum stands high above Salisbury Plain on the site of the ancient city of Salisbury. A huge hill fort was formed there in the Iron Age and later occupied by the Romans.

Saxon times saw a town take shape and century by century Old Sarum grew into one of the most flourishing settlements in early medieval England, until the bishop moved his cathedral to the town of (New) Salisbury in 1219 – although the place remained inhabited until the 16th century.

May Day Celebrations

Where: Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire, SP3 6RR.

When: Today, May 2, to Monday, May 4, 11am-5pm.

Price: Adults £3.60; concessions £3.10; children £1.80.

English Heritage Members: Free.

Old Wardour Castle stands in the grounds of what was a Palladian mansion built in the late 18th century.

Its lakeside setting, near the village of Tisbury, Witlshire, is idyllic.

History here dates back to in 1393, when Lord Lovel began building.