Hands-on Castle Fun
Dressing up as a warrior
Imagine life as a soldier from the 11th Century as you get hands-on at the castle and make some adventures of your own.
Ever wondered if you are strong enough to wind up a crossbow or lift a cannon ball? Find out how these weapons work, were used and developed over time.
Children will love to dressing up as a Norman soldier, an English foot solider from the One Hundred Years' War, or a Calvary Trooper of the New Model Army from the English Civil War. Look in the mirror to find out if you look the part, then feel the weight of the mighty sword, pistol and gun to feel the part too!
The whole family can try their hand at Charles I's hobby during his stay at Carisbrooke. Collect your set of bowls from the admission point and follow the instructions to beat your friends and family at this game on the same green the king once used.
CGI Film Experience
The brand new CGI film experience will bring Carisbrooke Castle's history to life. Phill Jupitus, the voice of Jupiter the cartoon donkey, will take you back over 1000 years to discover the castle's role through tragedy, intrigue, war and peace.
For hundreds of years the castle’s resident donkeys have drawn up water in in the well-house. Visit the castle and delight in the demonstrations of the donkeys working the 16th century tread wheel.
All the donkeys names begin with the letter ‘J’. This tradition was started when Charles I was a prisoner at Carisbrooke. When Charles I wrote letters or was planning his escape route, he always signed his letters with a ‘J’. So for 150 years all the donkeys at the castle have had a name beginning with ‘J’. This is a tradition that continues to be upheld!
Meet our Famous Donkeys
Joseph the donkey
The boss of the bunch! Joseph has been at Carisbrooke Castle for 18 years. As well as being the boss he is also the grump of the group, but will always have a smile at the ready for a cuddle. Joseph is also pretty smart - he hates it when it’s wet and windy and likes to stay indoors!
Jill the donkey
Jill is the prettiest donkey of the group - and doesn’t she know it! She is the smallest of the group and a bit of a prima donna. She loves being the centre of attention and is quite happy to push others out the way to be the star! Jill loves being brushed everyday and as well as being partial to a warm shampoo, she also loves Kendal Mint Cake!
Jigsaw the donkey
Jigsaw is the baby of the bunch. She is also very clever, and picked up the basics of walking the water wheel in record time. Jigsaw is very sociable and loves meeting new people.
Are you Jigsaw’s biggest fan? Visit her very own Facebook page at, www.facebook.com
Jack the donkey
Jack is the naughtiest of the bunch! He can open the gate to the pen and let out all his friends! Like Jill, Jack likes to be centre of attention - he enjoys playing to the crowd and will often throw his water bucket around - so watch you don’t get wet!
Jimbob the donkey
Jimbob is Jigsaw’s boyfriend, and is a real ladies’ man! He is very handsome - the real George Clooney of the donkeys. He’s quite a catch as he used to be a show donkey. Jimbob also has the best singing voice and can be heard all over the castle.
