Arundel Castle: lots for groups in 2018

Arundel Castle in West Sussex has announced a full calendar of events in time for its reopening on 30th March 2018.

The Castle, which is celebrating the 950th anniversary of its initial construction in 2018, will have a packed schedule of 13 historical events which are suitable for groups.

The 2018 season

Opening the season is Normans and Crusaders, which takes place over the Easter Weekend, 31st March to 2nd April 2018. The event will be set within a tented encampment on the American lawns, giving visitors a glimpse into life in the 12th century. Visitors will also be able to enjoy combat and falconry displays across the weekend and have a go at archery.

The Jousting & Medieval Tournament will take place between 24th and 29th July marking its tenth anniversary. It’s set to be ‘bigger and better than ever before’. Competitors will fly in from around the world to compete in full plate armour atop specially trained horses, some of which have appeared in Peaky Blinders and Poldark. 

For groups of history enthusiasts, 12,000 Years of Combat taking place 25th to 27th August involves five groups of re-enactors hosting ‘time travelling combat displays which will take visitors all the way from the Stone Age through to the Victorian era’.

What else will it offer groups?

Groups should also take time to visit the gardens at the Castle, including seasonal displays, the highlight of which is the Annual Tulip Festival in April. The 2018 display is set to be the biggest the Castle has ever showcased, with 70,000 brightly coloured tulips blooming throughout the gardens.

The Castle offers reduced ticket prices for group bookings plus free admission for group organisers, tour guides, teachers and supervisors. Coach drivers are also given free coach parking, free admission, and a complimentary restaurant voucher.  

Castle manager, Stephen Manion, commented: “2018 is a massive year for Arundel Castle, as we’re celebrating the 950th anniversary of the Castle’s initial construction, the tenth anniversary of the joust and the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Collector Earl’s Garden.

“With this in mind we’ve pulled out all the stops to host events catering to families, history buffs, green fingered garden fans and everyone in between. There really is something for all types of people at Arundel Castle.”

For more information, visit www.arundelcastle.org.