VISITORS to Berkeley Castle will experience the sights and sounds of a popular 17th century sport later this month.

Deerhound racing, a traditional sport employing one of the oldest breeds of hounds, will be held at the castle on Sunday, May 24.

The historic family home will provide the perfect vantage point from which to watch deerhound racing on the old golf course next to the castle.

Deerhound racing, once a favourite past-time of the aristocracy, was revived by The Deerhound Club in 2002 and has since grown steadily in popularity.

Starting at 12 noon, the spectacle will see dozens of deerhounds, accompanied by their owners dressed as lords, ladies, monks and other period characters from the 17th century, and each hound wearing a red or white collar.

Unlike in the 17th and 18th centuries, no deer are harmed in the re-staging of the spectacular event. Instead each race will see a deerhound duo chasing a motorised fur-covered lure over a mile, with the first dog to reach the post pronounced the winner.

The winning dog competes again on a knockout basis and at the end of the day the overall winning deerhound will have raced four times without being beaten.

Charles Berkeley, who heads up the team of staff and volunteers involved in the day-to-day running of the castle, said: "Bringing the excitement and spectacle of deerhound racing to Berkeley Castle will be one of the highlights of an exciting year here.

“The speed of the dogs, the period costumes and the historic setting all promise to contribute to a memorable event for our visitors to experience as part of their entrance on the day."

To celebrate the final May Bank Holiday and half term, the picturesque medieval fortress will have jesters and archers on hand on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, to enthral and entertain younger guests.

All additional activities including the deerhound racing and medieval entertainers are included in the normal castle entry admission fees.

For further details visit www.berkeley-castle.com