VISITORS to historic Witley Court can step back in time and enjoy a feast of Victorian street entertainment this weekend.

There will be fun for all the family, including sideshows, circus attractions and performances from a pair of singing chimney sweeps between 11am and 5pm each day.

A Victorian policeman, known as a "Peeler", will also be patrolling the grounds of the mansion ruins and there will be fire-eating, unicyclists, juggling and demonstrations of fencing.

Visitors will also be able to take part in Victorian dancing with the historic performance troupe, the Arbeau Dancers.

Andrea Fox, English Heritage's regional marketing manager, said: "Although family life for many Victorians was quite regimented they really did love to let their hair down once in a while and enjoy live entertainment, with circus-style performances and sideshows particularly popular, so that is exactly what we'll be creating at Witley Court."

Visitors will also be treated to displays of the Perseus and Andromeda fountain, which will fire its 70ft central jet and 27 smaller jets every hour, on the hour, from 11am until 4pm.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet will be brought to life next Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.

There will also be a chance to go behind the scenes on a cellar tour next Tuesday and Thursday, which will provide visitors with an insight into the servants' quarters at 11am and 2pm.

There is an admission fee and further information is available from 01299 896636.