General Information
On August Bank Holiday weekend Herstmonceux Castle near Hailsham in East Sussex will again be host to the Medieval Festival. The gates are open from 10 AM to 6 PM. This Event is Britain's largest three day celebration of the colourful Middle ages and attracts over two thousand Medievalists from throughout the United Kingdom and more than twenty thousand visitors from around the world. Mounted Knights on fiery steeds will partake in the noblest of old English sports with three skill at arms tournaments daily.
Also, you can see Europe's finest bowmen gather to compete for prestige and prizes at the Festivals longbow competition and arrow storm. There will even be a chance for the public to have-a-go with a longbow with expert instruction from our archers.
The walls of the magnificent 15th Century moated castle will resound with battle cries, and the air will hang heavy with the smell of black powder as over five hundred men in period costume attack and counter attack with full cannon support in an effort to siege and storm the castle walls. There will be frontal siege of the castle at 11 AM and a full scale battle at the rear of the castle at 3 PM each daily.
Following the battle the recreated Medieval Village high on a plateau looking down on the Castle is in full celebration. People of all ages gather from miles around to experience the very best of Medieval life. The music of strolling minstrels, the shouts of craftsmen and merchants selling their wares... If you have ever wondered how hogs roasted on open fires might taste or what the effects of ale swilled from a hefty tankard might be, here's a chance to discover...
In this magical setting, Knights, Men-at-Arms, Longbowmen and Ladies-in Waiting will gather to display the skills and style of the age of Chivalry. The drama and force of hand to hand combat as lustily swung broadswords make contact with chainmail or iron helmet will bring history to life as you watch...
There are activities and entertainments for the whole family to enjoy. Don't miss the Fire Eaters and Falconry displays or the antics of Medieval Puppeteers with twelve foot stick puppets. The children will be captivated by the many activities in the Kid's Kingdom while their parents browse the period craft stalls and the delightful walled gardens. All included with the price of admission.
England's Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle is the complete day out for the whole family.
Disabled Access
We have a special car park for the disabled, which you can reach via the Church Road entrance. You need to display the official orange badge on your car. Disabled toilets are provided at this entrance and at the castle tea shop. About 50% of the festival site can be reached by paved paths.
Dogs
We love dogs, but most of our horses and falcons do not! Also the cannons scare and distress the dogs. Please leave them at home. If you can't leave your dog at home we don't want you to miss this once a year Festival so please bring them but ensure that they are on leads at all times and that they are picked up after so that they don't spoil someone else's day. Thank you.
For more detailed information see the what's on section of this website.
|
