Arundel Castle's 1474 Medieval Festival Weekend

If you are looking for something different to do this summer, Arundel Castle is planning to turn back the clock to 1474 for its Medieval Festival Weekend on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 2026. It is a straightforward day trip from Brighton, and the whole event is staged on the castle’s lower lawns. The premise for the weekend is a celebration hosted by the Earl of Arundel to mark the arrival of his first grandson. Instead of just a generic historical feel, the event is set specifically in the year 1474 to ground the activities in the late Middle Ages.

The main draw is the combat, featuring a knight’s foot tournament and an international archery contest. You will see teams representing England, France, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire competing against each other. Beyond the fighting, there is a full tented encampment and a market where you can see demonstrations of crafts that were common in the late 15th century. Specialists show how pewter casting works, along with forging, medieval cooking, and leather work. There are also theatrical displays like falconry and fire eating scattered throughout the day.

For those who prefer to get involved, there are several interactive sections. You can try your hand at archery if you are over eight years old, or give axe throwing and crossbows a shot. They also run battles for children aged three and up, which is a good way to keep younger ones occupied. It is worth noting that while the festival is on, the castle bedrooms are actually closed to the public, though the rest of the grounds and the main castle areas are accessible with the event ticket. The historical context of 1474 is quite specific; it was a time during the Wars of the Roses, and the aesthetics of the era often featured vibrant colors like purple velvet and green fabrics, which you might see reflected in the costumes and tent decorations.

The festival runs from 10:00 to 17:00 both days. Tickets are priced at £29.00 for adults and £13.00 for children, with a family option available for £71.00. The castle itself officially reopens for the 2026 season on April 1st, so there is plenty of time to plan before the July festivities. The gardens are also included in the ticket, which is a good addition since they recently won the Historic Houses Garden of the Year award. It is a solid option if you want to spend a day outside and see some history that feels a bit more immersive than a standard museum visit.