HISTORIC Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire will grant free entry to children in ‘royal’ attire this May half term and visitors on Sunday 4 May will enjoy seeing a group of Tudor ladies promenading and chatting around the Castle and grounds.

The popular Butterfly House also reopens for the season on Sunday 4 May. However, in addition to its usual Thursday – Saturday closure policy, Berkeley Castle will be closed to visitors next month from May 12-14 to accommodate filming for a new major TV drama.

Whilst film crews will make the Castle their own in early May, princes, princesses and knights will rule during half term, May 25 - 28.

Children dressed in costumes that link to the Castle's history or fairytale status will be granted free entry to the Castle, gardens and Butterfly House.

Alongside a Norman castle to explore, acres of beautiful gardens and woodland to enjoy, real cannons and even a medieval dungeon to see, Berkeley Castle will also have additional arts and crafts activities for children, all included in the entry fee.

History enthusiasts meanwhile will relish visiting the Castle on May 4 when they can stroll and converse with Tudor ladies, who bring knowledge of a bygone era.

Sarah Morris, author of In the footsteps of Anne Boleyn will be promenading with friends in Tudor costume and will happily share information and answer questions on the reign of King Henry VIII with visitors.

House Manager David Bowd-Exworth says that May at Berkeley Castle has something for everyone.

"No day at the Castle is ever the same but with TV filming, history retold and all the fun of half term, May is going to be an exceptionally varied, exciting and busy month for both our visitors and our team.

We look forward to welcoming visitors, new and returning, to the many delights that our historic Castle and family home has to offer."

Boasting apartments, which date from medieval to Georgian periods, a dungeon (King Edward’s Cell) and beautifully maintained terraced gardens amongst its many attractions, Berkeley Castle is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history and soak up the atmosphere of one of England’s oldest houses.

Having re-opened for 2014 on 1 April, Berkeley Castle is now welcoming visitors every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until end of October (with the exception of the filming dates from May 12-14).

Entry costs are: adult £10.00, junior (3-16) £5.50, children 2 and under are free. A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costs £24.00 and concessions (full time students and over 60’s) £8.50.

The Castle's popular Butterfly House, which re-opens on 4 May, and award-winning Yurt tearoom, both situated near the main entrance, can be enjoyed as part of Castle entrance or separately.

Friends of Berkeley Castle enjoy year-round entrance to the Castle and Butterfly House free of charge and a number of other membership benefits. Annual membership is just £17 for adults.

Berkeley Castle can be found at Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ Tel: 01453 810303 Visit www.berkeley-castle.com