After our brief chat, I was directed to the jousting arena — a rectangular field, flanked by two "Royal boxes," and families picnicking on a grassy mound — and await the show. The show began ...

A two-year permit for a jousting arena on River Island, within the castle’s grounds, expired this year, with operators Merlin Attractions requesting an extension from Warwick District Council.

Medieval Times is a family dinner attraction inspired by an 11th-century feast and tournament. Customers are served a four-course meal and treated to sword fights and jousting tournaments.

Intrigued, I ventured to Hever Castle in Kent, which regularly hosts competitive jousting on summer weekends, hoping to try out the medieval sport.