Medieval Festival
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
No dates
Location: A38 Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury
Website: www.visittewkesbury.info/whats-on/tewkesbury-medieval-festival/
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the high spot of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1983.
It is now widely regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, attracting re-enactors, traders, entertainers, and visitors from all over the world.
Its central feature is a spectacular re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury on part of the site of the original battle of 1471. Many of the participants including wives and children live as a medieval army in authentic encampments for the whole weekend.
It also features a wide range of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama as well as collection of fascinating characters from the past. These may include surgeons, preachers and even the odd dragon keeper.
There is a children’s activity area, with period based arts and craft sessions, and an exhibition tent with displays from organisations specialising in various aspects of history.
Our busy and colourful medieval market has everything from a suit of armour or a fabulous gown, to pot of herbs or bag of sweets on sale.
There are also associated events in the town, which is decorated with authentic medieval banners for the festival period.
Food and drink (including ale specially brewed for the occasion,) are widely available and best of all, despite its size and popularity, entry to Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is free, and it hard working volunteer directors are determined to keep it that way.
There is however a small charge for parking to help pay for their considerable costs.
The festival always takes place on the second FULL weekend in July.
Where to stay
With such a large event taking place in a small town, hotels and other accommodation fills rapidly, so early booking is recommended.
If circumstances allow we will be offering public camping at very reasonable rates, but again space will be limited.
Full details of all accommodation, including camping are available from Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre, tewkesburytic@tewkesbury.gov.uk.
England’s Medieval Festival
Discontinued
Location: Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
Size: 15,000
Website: www.englandsmedievalfestival.com
Step back in time!
Read our reviews: 2018, 2017, 2016
Nestled within the picturesque Sussex countryside is a 15th-century moated castle – England’s Medieval Festival happens every August Bank Holiday weekend at Herstmonceux Castle. The perfect setting for a truly magical weekend where history comes to life.
South England: Best Family Festivals 2018
These are our writers’ favourite festivals in South England. Festival-goers down south have lots to choose from ranging from small and laid back to exciting and busy – it depends what you’re into!
For more festivals please see our special family friendly festival map.
England’s Medieval Festival 2017 Review
This year England’s Medieval Festival celebrated their 25th year. There was drinking, dancing, feasting, fireworks and (historically accurate) fighting. We were there with Evelyn (8), Martha (4) and baby Ada to party like it’s 1399.
WIN family festival tickets
Have you ever wanted to go back in time?
Find out what life was really like in days of old?
Gather round fair maidens and knights of old. England’s Medieval Festival will transport you back to a world of dungeons and dragons, mystery and marvel.
WIN a family ticket to England’s Medieval Festival 25th Anniversary this August Read more…
Accessibility at Festivals
Most festivals do what they can to be accessible to as many as possible. After all, they want to be popular, and to exclude people from attending would obviously result in less ticket sales!
England’s Medieval Festival 2016 Review
As a family, we love castles, we love festivals and we love a bit of living history. Therefore, England’s Medieval Festival was a fantastic choice for us.
Read more…
Win a Family Ticket to England’s Medieval Festival!
We are fortunate enough to be able to offer one of our lucky followers a family weekend ticket (2 adults + 2 children), to England’s Medieval Festival, in East Sussex including 4 nights of camping within its stunning fairytale castle setting. A unique experience to step back in time and immerse your whole family in the sights, sounds and smells of the past.
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
No dates
Location: A38 Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury
Website: www.visittewkesbury.info/whats-on/tewkesbury-medieval-festival/
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the high spot of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1983.
It is now widely regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, attracting re-enactors, traders, entertainers, and visitors from all over the world.
Its central feature is a spectacular re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury on part of the site of the original battle of 1471. Many of the participants including wives and children live as a medieval army in authentic encampments for the whole weekend.
It also features a wide range of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama as well as collection of fascinating characters from the past. These may include surgeons, preachers and even the odd dragon keeper.
There is a children’s activity area, with period based arts and craft sessions, and an exhibition tent with displays from organisations specialising in various aspects of history.
Our busy and colourful medieval market has everything from a suit of armour or a fabulous gown, to pot of herbs or bag of sweets on sale.
There are also associated events in the town, which is decorated with authentic medieval banners for the festival period.
Food and drink (including ale specially brewed for the occasion,) are widely available and best of all, despite its size and popularity, entry to Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is free, and it hard working volunteer directors are determined to keep it that way.
There is however a small charge for parking to help pay for their considerable costs.
The festival always takes place on the second FULL weekend in July.
Where to stay
With such a large event taking place in a small town, hotels and other accommodation fills rapidly, so early booking is recommended.
If circumstances allow we will be offering public camping at very reasonable rates, but again space will be limited.
Full details of all accommodation, including camping are available from Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre, tewkesburytic@tewkesbury.gov.uk.
South England: Best Family Festivals 2018
These are our writers’ favourite festivals in South England. Festival-goers down south have lots to choose from ranging from small and laid back to exciting and busy – it depends what you’re into!
For more festivals please see our special family friendly festival map.
WIN family festival tickets
Have you ever wanted to go back in time?
Find out what life was really like in days of old?
Gather round fair maidens and knights of old. England’s Medieval Festival will transport you back to a world of dungeons and dragons, mystery and marvel.
WIN a family ticket to England’s Medieval Festival 25th Anniversary this August Read more…
England’s Medieval Festival 2016 Review
As a family, we love castles, we love festivals and we love a bit of living history. Therefore, England’s Medieval Festival was a fantastic choice for us.
Read more…
England’s Medieval Festival
Discontinued
Location: Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
Size: 15,000
Website: www.englandsmedievalfestival.com
Step back in time!
Read our reviews: 2018, 2017, 2016
Nestled within the picturesque Sussex countryside is a 15th-century moated castle – England’s Medieval Festival happens every August Bank Holiday weekend at Herstmonceux Castle. The perfect setting for a truly magical weekend where history comes to life.
England’s Medieval Festival 2017 Review
This year England’s Medieval Festival celebrated their 25th year. There was drinking, dancing, feasting, fireworks and (historically accurate) fighting. We were there with Evelyn (8), Martha (4) and baby Ada to party like it’s 1399.
Accessibility at Festivals
Most festivals do what they can to be accessible to as many as possible. After all, they want to be popular, and to exclude people from attending would obviously result in less ticket sales!
Win a Family Ticket to England’s Medieval Festival!
We are fortunate enough to be able to offer one of our lucky followers a family weekend ticket (2 adults + 2 children), to England’s Medieval Festival, in East Sussex including 4 nights of camping within its stunning fairytale castle setting. A unique experience to step back in time and immerse your whole family in the sights, sounds and smells of the past.