Programme of events revealed
Arundel Castle has announced its 2023 events programme, featuring a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from historical re-enactments and guided tours to family-friendly demonstrations and activities, live performances and even jousting. Visitors can step back in time and experience the grandeur and pageantry of medieval England and explore the castle's beautiful gardens and grounds. Events include:
Medieval Festival
Good friday, april 7–easter Sunday, April 9 Step back in time to 1216 as Arundel Castle presents a Medieval Festival. This three-day event recreates the gathering of King John and his loyal followers to put down a rebellion and fend off a potential invasion from France.
Set within a large, tented encampment on the lower lawn soft he castle, the event offers activities to immerse in, including axe throwing, archery and falconry demonstrations, and people can witness combat re-enactments.
Tulip Festival
April/ May – please check Arundel Castle’s social media channels or website to find out when the flowers are in bloom.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the castle's gardens, a sea of colour awaits with over 100,000 tulip bulbs planted by the castle’s awardwinning head gardener, Martin Duncan, and his team.
Plant Fairs
Sunday, April 23 and Sunday, July 2
Discover a wide range of locally grown, garden-worthy, and often unusual plants at Arundel Castle's Plant Fairs.
Organised by a collective of specialist nurseries–plant fair Roadshows.
Allium Extravaganza
May – check Arundel Castle’s social media channels or website to find out when the flowers are in bloom
Experience the spectacular Allium Extravaganza at Arundel Castle this May, where
thousands of al li um swill burst into bloom with their vibrant, pom-pom-shaped heads.
Medieval festival–a skirmish
Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29
Experience history depicted like never before at Arundel Castle's 15th-century Wars of the Roses family event. King Edward IV, Duke of York, faces rebellion from the supporters of the former King, Henry VI, Duke of Lancaster. For one weekend only, Arundel Castle serves as the backdrop for an imaginary Lancastrian raiding party engaging with Yorkist forces.
Medieval Weekend Festival
Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9
Experience the excitement of medieval times at Arundel Castle's Medieval Festival. This weekend event will be set in 1474; the Earl of Arundel celebrates the birth of his first grandson with a knight's foot tournament and an archery contest featuring teams from England, France and Poland.
International Medieval Jousting Tournament
Tuesday, July 25 – Sunday, July 30
Arundel Castle is proud to once again play host to the International Jousting Tournament. Over six days, eight jousters will fight to be crowned Champion of Champions, having been a past individual winner at Arundel or the top scorer for their country. Visitors can witness the thrilling display of horseback combat as the knights charge down the tilt rail and lances shatter on opponents' shields.
Tickets include access to the castle, grounds and gardens, as well as full access to the event.
History Days
Thursday, August 10 and Thursday, August 17
Travel back in time as this iconic venue explores different eras of history. Meet various historical characters, such as a Norman knight, a pirate and someone from the Stone Age.
Try your hand at a variety of historical crafts and activities, including archery, mini catapults, crossbows, warrior training and a craft tent. there will even be battles for children to get involved with.
Shakespeare open-air theatre: Twelfth Night
Friday, august 18 and saturday, August 19
Experience the magic of Shakespeare' s twelfth night in the gardens of Arundel Castle. The enchanting venue serves as the perfect stage for this romantic comedy, as the play's several interwoven plots of romance, mistaken identities, and practical jokes come to life.
Festival of History
Saturday, August 26 – Monday, August 28
From the Stone Age to the 20th century, step back in time and explore 12,000 years at Arundel Castle's Festival of History. This three-day event, set on the lower lawns of the castle, takes visitors on a journey through the development of costumes, weapons, armour and battle tactics.
Characters from History
Wednesday, october 25 and Thursday, October 26
Step back in time and experience life in the 12 th century at Arundel Castle's Characters from History event. Meet characters from the castle’s past, including crusaders, knights, archers and servants who will share their stories and give visitorsa glimpse into people’ s everyday live sat this time.
While tickets for all events can be purchased at the gates of Arundel Castle, pre-booking is highly recommended, as many events sell out in advance. ticket prices vary for each event. Visit www.arundelcastle.org for more information, ticket prices and FAQS. The castle coffee shop, restaurant and tea terrace are available at all events. Catering, provided by the knights’ table, is also available at many events.