Medieval Muncaster 2026, Ravenglass, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Overview
The Medieval Muncaster Festival is a premier historical event set within the majestic grounds of Muncaster Castle, a fortress that has served as the Pennington family home for over 800 years. During the late May bank holiday week, the estate transforms into a bustling medieval kingdom where history is not just observed but actively lived. Against the backdrop of the dramatic Cumbrian fells, the festival combines the castle’s authentic heritage with high-energy entertainment, creating an atmosphere where knights, wizards, and fools roam freely among the ancient gardens.
Visitors in 2026 will experience a meticulously curated program that emphasizes interactive history and legendary storytelling. From the clash of steel in the arena to the soaring displays of the Hawk and Owl Centre, every element of the festival is designed to immerse guests in the wonders of the Middle Ages. The event is particularly famous for its connection to the “King of the North” and its celebration of local folklore, making it a unique cultural staple of the Western Lake District that attracts both local enthusiasts and international travellers.
Event Highlights
- Barbaric Battles: Witness the thrilling daily clashes between the House of York and the House of Lancaster as knights compete for glory in full-contact combat displays.
- Storm the Castle: An exhilarating activity where children are recruited into a “mini-army,” receive a stirring war speech, and charge up the cannon bank to reclaim the fortress.
- The Weapons Hall: Engage in hands-on “Knight Training” sessions where expert weapons masters teach the ancient skills of archery, crossbow shooting, and axe throwing.
- Fools Shows and Fire: Enjoy comedic performances from court jesters and the festival’s legendary fools, often accompanied by live medieval music and evening fire displays.
Why Attend
History seekers and active families should attend this festival to experience one of the UK’s most authentic castle settings brought to life with a modern, high-energy twist. Muncaster offers a “living” history experience where you can interact directly with reenactors in the medieval village, learning about 12th-century cooking, coin striking, and herbalism. The combination of the castle’s haunted reputation, the stunning Himalayan gardens, and the world-class falconry displays ensures that there is never a dull moment for any age group.
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It is a must-visit for those who prefer their historical events with a side of adventure and humor, as the festival’s “Festival of Fools” spin keeps the atmosphere light and engaging. Photographers and nature lovers will also find the location incomparable, with 77 acres of woodland paths and fellside views providing a spectacular stage for the medieval pageantry. Whether you are coming to master the longbow or to feast like a king at the local tavern, Medieval Muncaster provides a deep, multi-sensory dive into Britain’s storied past.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: The festival is scheduled to run from May 23 to May 31, 2026.
- Festival Duration: The event spans nine consecutive days, covering the full Spring Bank Holiday week.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Ravenglass, Cumbria, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Muncaster Castle, Gardens, and Hawk & Owl Centre.
- Google Maps Address: Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria CA18 1RQ, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available through the official Muncaster Castle online booking portal or can be purchased at the gate upon arrival.
- Admission Type: General festival admission includes access to the gardens, bird shows, and all main medieval festival arena events.
- Ticket Pricing: Prices for festival days typically range from approximately $15.00 for children to $25.00 for adults for a full day pass.
- Free Admission: Children under the age of 3 are granted free entry, and Historic Houses members may receive free or discounted general admission.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Upgraded “Castle, Gardens & Activities” passes are available which include an internal tour of the Castle State Rooms and private curator chats.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@muncaster.co.uk
- Phone: +44 1229 717614
- Website: https://www.muncaster.co.uk/medievalmuncaster
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/muncastercastle/
- https://www.instagram.com/muncastercastle
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Manchester Airport (MAN), ~160 km from Ravenglass (approx. 2.5 hours by car); Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is also a viable international gateway.
- Public Transport: The Cumbrian Coast railway connects Ravenglass Station with Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness; the station is a 20-minute walk from the castle.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from Ravenglass Station to the castle cost approximately $10-15; local operators like Gosforth Taxis should be pre-booked due to limited availability.
- Parking: Parking at Muncaster is completely FREE for all visitors; follow signs for the main car park at postcode CA18 1RD.
- Other Access: Visitors can walk from Ravenglass via the Eskdale Trail, a scenic route that passes the ancient Roman Bath House and takes about 35 minutes.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Sella Park Country House Hotel (4-star, 11 km, historic 14th-century property with fine dining, ~$170-260/night); Irton Hall (4-star, 4 km, luxury suites in a historic estate ~$150-240/night).
- Mid-Range Options: The Pennington Hotel (3-star, 2 km, located in Ravenglass village with estuary views, ~$120-190/night); The Coachman’s Quarters (On-site, located in the castle’s stable yard ~$110-170/night).
- Budget Stays: Glamping Bell Tents at Muncaster (On-site, seasonal “wild glamping” experience ~$80-130/night); The Kellbank (3-star, 8 km, traditional Cumbrian lodge ~$85-140/night).
Reviews
- The storming of the castle was the highlight for my kids; they haven’t stopped talking about being medieval soldiers!
- Such a beautiful location and the bird of prey displays combined with the fighting made for a perfect day out.
- The atmosphere is fantastic and the staff really go the extra mile to make the history feel alive and fun.
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FAQ's
Are the bird flying displays included in the medieval festival ticket?
Yes, every festival ticket includes access to the Hawk and Owl Centre and its world-famous flying displays. These displays often feature a "medieval spin" during the festival week, showcasing how birds of prey were used in historical hunting and falconry. The shows typically take place in the afternoon, so it is best to check the daily schedule upon arrival at the main gate.
Is the festival accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters?
The castle grounds are situated on a fellside, meaning some paths are steep or consist of gravel, which can be challenging for some users. However, the main arena where the battles take place and the primary castle rooms are accessible via ramps or flat tarmacked drives. Muncaster provides a dedicated disabled parking area at the Churchgate entrance to minimize travel distance to the main attractions.
Can we stay on the castle grounds during the festival?
Muncaster offers several on-site accommodation options, including the Coachman’s Quarters and luxury glamping bell tents tucked away in the woods. Staying on-site allows you to be the first to enter the festival each morning and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the estate after the day-visitors have left. Due to high demand during the Medieval Muncaster week, these options should be booked several months in advance.
Is there food available that caters to specific dietary requirements?
The Stables Café and various medieval food vendors provide a range of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free meals. You can find traditional hearty medieval-style stews alongside modern sandwiches, salads, and local Cumbrian specialties. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the designated picnic areas scattered throughout the 77-acre gardens.
What happens if the weather is poor during the festival week?
The Medieval Muncaster Festival is designed to operate in all weather conditions, and many of the displays will continue even in the rain. Some activities, such as the indoor Knight Training in the Weapons Hall and the Castle State Room tours, provide excellent undercover options if the Cumbrian weather becomes particularly wet. We always recommend wearing waterproof clothing and sturdy outdoor footwear as the site is primarily outdoors.
