The Jousting Tournament 2026 – Woodstock, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Overview
The Jousting Tournament at Blenheim Palace is a spectacular three-day event that brings the thunder of hooves and the clash of steel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set against the majestic backdrop of the South Lawn, this tournament transports visitors back to the 13th century, a time when gallant knights battled for glory and honor. The event is hosted by the Knights of Royal England, who recreate the pageantry and brutal skill of a medieval tilt yard with authentic costumes, chainmail, and 14-foot-long lances.
The 2026 edition continues the tradition of blending high-stakes action with family-friendly education and entertainment. Beyond the main arena, the grounds are transformed into a medieval festival hub where the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages come alive. It is an immersive experience that caters to everyone from history enthusiasts and photography lovers to families looking for an unforgettable May Bank Holiday outing in one of Britain’s most iconic landscapes.
Event Highlights
- Full-Contact Jousting: Armoured knights on noble steeds compete at a full gallop in a momentous display of bravery, aiming to shatter their lances against their opponents’ shields.
- Falconry Displays: Master falconers showcase the ancient art of the hunt with breathtaking aerial displays featuring various birds of prey soaring over the South Lawn.
- Living History Camp: The Walled Garden is transformed into an authentic medieval encampment where visitors can interact with knights, squires, and artisans as they demonstrate daily 13th-century life.
- Family Entertainment: The festival features “have-a-go” archery, jester workshops, and even baby dragon “walkabouts” designed specifically to engage and delight younger children.
Why Attend
Visitors should attend the Jousting Tournament to witness a world-class historical reenactment in a setting of unparalleled architectural beauty. It is the ideal destination for those who want to experience the thrill of a medieval tournament without sacrificing modern comforts and amenities. The event offers a unique “hands-on” approach to history, where you can feel the weight of a sword or try your hand at the longbow, making it as educational as it is entertaining.
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Furthermore, a visit to the tournament provides full access to the vast Blenheim Estate, including the palace’s state rooms and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Because the event is included with standard palace admission, it offers exceptional value for money, allowing for a full day of exploration across 2,000 acres of “Capability” Brown landscaped parkland. Whether you are there for the adrenaline of the joust or a peaceful stroll through the gardens, the tournament provides a sophisticated and exciting centerpiece for your spring travels.
Date & Duration
- Event Timeline: The tournament takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday, May 2 to Monday, May 4, 2026.
- Daily Schedule: The festival typically runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with main jousting performances usually scheduled for 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM daily.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: The event is held in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
- Primary Venue: The South Lawn and Walled Garden within the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
- Google Maps Address: Woodstock OX20 1PS, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- Sales Channels: Tickets must be booked in advance through the official Blenheim Palace website or at the visitor entrance.
- Admission Type: Entry is included with a valid Annual Pass, Privilege Pass, or a Palace, Park and Gardens day ticket.
- Ticket Pricing: Adult day tickets are approximately $41 (£31) and child tickets (ages 3-16) are approximately $20 (£15).
- Admission Benefits: Most day tickets can be converted into a 12-month Annual Pass at no extra cost, providing free entry to future events.
- VIP Options: While the joust is included in general admission, visitors can upgrade to a “Privilege Pass” for $13 (£10) extra to receive discounts on on-site dining and retail.
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Contact Information
- Email Contact: customerservice@blenheimpalace.com
- Phone Support: +44 1993 810530
- Official Website: https://www.blenheimpalace.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/BlenheimPalace/
- https://www.instagram.com/blenheimpalace/
- https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blenheim-palace/
- https://www.youtube.com/blenheimpalace
- https://www.blenheimpalace.com/stories/blenheims-new-podcast/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@blenheimpalace
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Heathrow (LHR) is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away; Birmingham Airport (BHX) is about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.
- Public Transport: Stagecoach Bus S3 and Bus 7 run frequently from Oxford City Centre and Oxford Train Station directly to the palace gates.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Local taxi services like Woodstock Taxis are available; a trip from Oxford city center to Woodstock typically costs $35 to $55.
- Parking: Free car parking is available on-site for all ticket holders, with dedicated disabled parking located at the Flagstaff car park near the palace entrance.
- Green Travel: Visitors arriving by bus, train, or bike can use the code “GREEN20” online to receive a 20% discount on their admission tickets.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Bear Hotel (4-star, 0.5 km, historic 13th-century inn in Woodstock, ~$220-$350/night); Macdonald Bear Hotel (4-star, 0.4 km, traditional elegance ~$180-$300/night).
- Mid-Range Options: The Feathers (4-star, 0.6 km, charming townhouse hotel, ~$150-$240/night); Marlborough Arms (4-star, 0.5 km, 15th-century coaching inn ~$140-$220/night).
- Budget Stays: Travelodge Oxford Peartree (3-star, 8 km, convenient highway access, ~$80-$130/night); Premier Inn Oxford Kidlington (3-star, 7 km, reliable family rooms ~$75-$120/night).
Reviews
- Event Spectacle: The jousting was incredibly realistic and the knights really engaged the crowd; my children haven’t stopped talking about it.
- Value for Money: It is amazing that this entire festival is included in the standard palace ticket—we stayed for the whole day and still didn’t see everything.
- Organization: Everything from the parking to the seating around the arena was handled with professional ease, even with the large holiday crowds.
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FAQ's
Is there a specific area for watching the jousting?
The main jousting events take place on the South Lawn, where a large arena is set up with open space for spectators. While there is no tiered stadium seating, there is plenty of room to stand or sit on the grass around the perimeter of the tilt yard. It is a good idea to arrive at the arena at least 20 minutes before the scheduled showtime to secure a spot with a clear view of the action.
Are dogs allowed to attend the Jousting Tournament?
While Blenheim Palace is generally dog-friendly in certain areas of the parkland, dogs are strictly prohibited from the South Lawn during the Jousting Tournament. This is for the safety of the animals, the performers, and the horses, as the noise and sudden movements can be startling. If you are traveling with a dog, you may still walk them in other designated areas of the 2,000-acre estate, but they cannot enter the event arena.
What accessibility facilities are available for this event?
Blenheim Palace is committed to providing an accessible experience and often has "Mobiloo" accessible changing facilities on-site during major events like the Jousting Tournament. Many of the paths leading to the South Lawn are paved or feature hard-standing ground, though some areas of the Walled Garden may be uneven. Sign language (BSL) interpreted performances of the joust are also typically scheduled for the Sunday of the tournament weekend.
Can I bring a picnic to the event?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics and blankets to enjoy on the lawns while watching the entertainment. There are also several food stalls on the South Lawn selling medieval-themed treats, ice cream, and hot drinks. If you prefer a more formal meal, the palace features several indoor cafés and restaurants, such as The Oxfordshire Pantry and the Clementine's on the Lawn restaurant.
Is the tournament cancelled if it rains?
The Jousting Tournament is an outdoor event and will typically go ahead in most weather conditions, including light rain. The knights and their horses are well-accustomed to the British weather! However, in the event of extreme conditions that might compromise the safety of the animals or spectators, some performances may be delayed or moved. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate outdoor footwear and bring waterproof clothing just in case.
