Visitors can also enjoy the splendour of Arundel Castle’s gardens throughout the year. In November 2025, the gardens were awarded the Historic Houses Garden of the Year accolade in recognition of their outstanding horticultural and public appeal.
Here’s what awaits at Arundel Castle in 2026:
EASTER MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Good Friday 3rd – Easter Sunday 5th April
Step back to 1189 and the start of Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart’s, rule as King of England. To mark the new king’s accession to the throne, the Earl of Arundel mustered his barons to hold a celebratory tournament.
For three days, the castle’s lower lawns will be transformed into a lively medieval encampment, featuring captivating displays of 12th-century combat, falconry, and archery. Enjoy live music, try your hand with a bow and arrow, and explore an activity-packed craft tent. There is something for everyone to discover at this interactive medieval experience.
TULIP FESTIVAL
April – please check Arundel Castle’s social media channels or website to find out when the flowers are in bloom
Having been awarded the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2025 in November last year, Arundel Castle is rightly proud of its stunning gardens. The castle’s renowned tulip festival has become a mainstay of the springtime calendar and one of the UK’s premier gardening events.
Against the stunning backdrop of the castle, feast your eyes on a dazzling display of colour with over 100,000 tulip bulbs in full bloom, showcasing over 120 unique varieties. This vibrant spectacle is the result of the dedication and artistry of the castle’s acclaimed Head Gardener, Martin Duncan, and his talented team.
Don’t miss the chance to encounter this magnificent celebration of nature’s brilliance.
PLANT FAIR
Sunday 19th April
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, this event is for you. The Plant Fair features a group of expert nurseries known as the Plant Fair Roadshows, where you can discover a diverse selection of locally cultivated, garden-friendly, and unique plants.
Held within the castle’s stunning grounds, the event gives all green-fingered visitors the chance to purchase plants directly from knowledgeable specialists and benefit from free, expert advice from both the Plant Fair Doctor and the nursery teams.
ALLIUM EXTRAVAGANZA
May – please check Arundel Castle’s social media channels or website to find out when the flowers are in bloom
As the worthy winner of the Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2025 Award, Arundel Castle’s gardens are a delight to behold at any time of the year. This May, visitors can step into a world of botanical wonder as the Allium Extravaganza transforms the gardens of Arundel Castle into a sea of vibrant blooms. These spectacular flowers rise majestically, creating a scene that is both elegant and dramatic.
The event showcases an enchanting array of alliums, from the soft whites of Cowanii and Mont Blanc varieties, set against the serene backdrop of the Fitzalan Chapel’s White Garden, to the lively hues scattered across the English herbaceous borders. This striking floral delight promises to be a truly remarkable occasion for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL – A SKIRMISH
Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May
The year is 1480 and England is finally at peace after years of civil war, known as the War of the Roses. Yet, national rivalries don’t die easily, and those between England and France are no exception.
A French raiding party has crossed the channel, intent on plundering the South Coast and capturing Arundel Castle. With only a small garrison force left to defend the castle, the Earl’s household must unite to repel the attack and hold their ground until reinforcements arrive.
Visitors can step into the heart of the action with three immersive tented encampments showcasing authentic 15th-century crafts, cooking, weaponry, and armour. Get hands-on with activities like archery, and witness the excitement of two daily skirmishes* as the garrison and raiders clash. Perfect for all ages, this event offers a unique opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and spirit of a medieval English battle.
*Note loud cannon/gun noises at these events
BLIND VETERANS UK BOWMEN EVENT
Friday 5th June
The Blind Veterens UK Bowmen is an archery club offering blind and visually impaired veterens, supported by Blind Veterens UK, the opportunity to participate in the sport of archery, helping its members to build confidence, enhance their coordination and enjoy archery in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Each year a tri-service archery event is held between the Blind Veterens UK Bowmen, the Army, the Navy and the RAF towards the Household Division Cup. This event has taken place for over 25 years and this year will be held in the spectacular grounds of Arundel Castle.
Come along and support the men and women taking part, and find out more about Blind Veterens UK and how it is helping ex-servicemen and women rebuild their lives following sight loss.
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL WEEKEND
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July
The clocks will be turned back to 1474 for Arundel Castle’s 2026 Medieval Festival Weekend. Set against the backdrop of the lower lawns, visitors can join in the Earl of Arundel’s grand celebration at the arrival of his first grandson. Highlights include a thrilling knight’s foot tournament and a dramatic archery contest between England, France, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire.
Explore the tented encampment and a bustling market, where historic crafts and skills are brought to life through engaging demonstrations. Behold spectacular displays of combat, falconry, fire eating and, of course, archery. For those eager to join the action, a variety of interactive challenges await, making this an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIEVAL JOUSTING TOURNAMENT
Tuesday 21st – Sunday 26th July
For six days, the International Jousting Tournament returns to Arundel Castle for another spectacular showdown. 2026’s tournament features eight world-class competitors divided into four teams, each representing their home countries from across the globe. Knights will not only battle for individual glory but also showcase their nation’s honour in this prestigious event.
The castle will also host a hunting skills competition and the much sought-after chivalry award. Visitors can witness the thrilling display of horseback combat as the knights charge down the tilt rail and lances shatter on their opponent’s shields. For those in need of refreshment, the Knights’ Table, complete with a festival bar, will be serving a spectacular feast.
Tickets grant entry to the castle, gardens and grounds, as well as full event access. This is medieval pageantry and prowess at its finest—an unmissable event for both history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
HISTORY DAYS
Thursday 6th & Thursday 13th August
Bring the whole family to experience history in action with a variety of fascinating historical characters, including a Norman knight, a pirate, and a medieval archer. Try your hand at activities such as axe throwing, crossbow shooting, and warrior training, or join in the fun with the popular ‘Kids Battle’.
Explore the craft tent, learn ancient skills, and enjoy performances by a storyteller. There’s also a face painter, musician, and falconer, as well as ‘Rebuilding the Castle’ tours.
With something for everyone, this event offers a thrilling mix of activities, entertainment, and historical interaction for all ages.
SHAKESPEARE OPEN-AIR THEATRE: AS YOU LIKE IT
Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd August
Experience Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It in Arundel Castle’s Earl’s Garden, which will be transformed into a captivating outdoor theatre. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the cathedral, this unique production, hosted by Illyria1, promises to be the highlight of the summer social calendar and is the perfect way to kick off the Arundel Festival of the Arts.
Join us as four pairs of soulmates meet in the Forest of Arden. One pair leaps straight into bed, while another is instantly struck by each other’s beauty. The third torment each other. But the fourth enjoys a courtship so witty and playful that love itself is stretched to the limit.
1 Illyria performers support Equity’s ‘Professionally Made, Professionally Paid’ campaign for fair pay and working conditions.
FESTIVAL OF HISTORY
Saturday 29th – Monday 31st August
From the Stone Age to the 20th century, this three-day event on the lower lawns of Arundel Castle follows the development of costume, weapons, armour, and battle tactics, portraying 12,000 years of local and castle history.
With a variety of living history groups and many individual historical interpreters, visitors can marvel at demonstrations of historical crafts, combat demonstrations including Roman Gladiators, Norman Knights, and Medieval Artillery*, and falconry displays. Try your hand at axe throwing, crossbow, archery, large artillery, and the crafts and skills on display in the craft tent.
*Note loud cannon/gun noises at these events
CHARACTERS FROM HISTORY
Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th October
Encounter characters from the castle’s history, with a focus on the 12th century and the first two sieges of Arundel Castle. Meet a crusader, knight, archer, and the Master Falconer, and listen to captivating tales from a storyteller. Enjoy medieval music performed by wandering musicians and watch live demonstrations of historical crafts and weapons. For those over eight years old, there’s also the chance to test out their archery skills.
This immersive adventure offers an exciting glimpse into the past, making it a perfect outing for history enthusiasts of all ages.
While tickets for most events can be purchased at the gates of Arundel Castle, pre-booking is highly recommended, as many 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, café and tea terrace are available at all events. Catering, provided by the Knights’ Table, is also available at many events – detailed on the website.
Arundel Castle reserves the right to change events or access to areas at any time. All catering is subject to menu & opening hours variations and availability. Age and height restrictions apply to some of the visitor activities.
