Hail and Well Met!

Welcome to England's Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle.... or maybe that should be welcome back, because for many visitors the Festival has become a regular annual event - just as it is for many of the medieval re-enactors and tradespeople appearing here. Even so, no two Festivals are alike: new faces appear; displays get bigger and more spectacular; and the number of visitors increases each year.

Work to put the Festival together is a year-round process. The goal is always to create something unique; a real one-of-a-kind event with a very special blend of history, spectacle and fun for the whole family. What we want you to experience, and if you're a regular visitor what you've enjoyed in the past, is something that just can't be experienced elsewhere.

England's Medieval Festival is the largest of its kind in the UK. Our name gives an important reassurance of quality and it means that you can always count on a warm welcome and a day out like no other.

You will meet our highly dedicated staff throughout the day, recognised by their distinctive blue and gold costumes.

Visit the 'What's On' section on this website to read all about the exciting events occuring during the weekend.

See you at the Festival

Huzzah!

General Information

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.