The Sussex-based castle has announced a packed schedule of events for 2025, including historical experiences, guided tours and live performances.
The castle dates back to 1067, with many original features, including the Norman keep, medieval gatehouse and barbican still surviving. It will reopen from 1st April 2025.
Groups visiting this year can step back in time and enjoy events taking place throughout the spring and summer months, kicking off in April with the Easter Medieval Festival.
Events will range from flower and horticultural celebrations to medieval skirmishes and open air theatre. Scheduled events and activities, apart from Shakespeare open air theatre, are included with group castle visit tickets.
Schedule highlights
The Easter weekend, 18th to 20th April, sees the excitement begin with the Easter Medieval Festival. The castle’s lower lawns will transform into a medieval encampment, featuring 13th-century combat displays, falconry and archery. Visitors can enjoy live music, have a go at archery and visit the craft tent.
April also brings about the transformation of the grounds and gardens for one of the largest displays of tulips in the country. More than 100,000 tulip bulbs will be in bloom, showcasing 120 different varieties.
Garden enthusiasts can enjoy further horticultural inspiration when visiting in May. Allium Extravaganza transforms the gardens into a sea of spherical flowers, showcasing a range of alliums in various colours scattered across the grounds.
Medieval Festivals will be taking place from 24th to 26th May and 5th and 6th July. The first will transform the castle into a stage for a clash between England and France set in 1474.
Visitors can explore three immersive camps showcasing 15th-century crafts, cooking, weaponry and armour, or get hands-on with activities such as archery and witness the excitement of two daily skirmishes between the castle garrison and French raiders.
The second event is set in 1471 and celebrates the end of the War of the Roses. Highlights include a knight foot tournament and archery contest featuring competitors from England, France, Poland and the Holy Roman Empire. Displays of combat, falconry, fire eating and archery will take place, along with a market and craft stalls for visitors to explore.
The International Jousting Tournament returns to Arundel Castle for six days from Tuesday 22nd July until Sunday 27th July. This year’s tournament features eight competitors divided into four teams, each representing their home countries from around the world.
Across the grounds, visitors can enjoy medieval music performances and have a go at things like warrior training and axe throwing. The Knights’ Table, complete with a festival bar, will also be serving a medieval feast.
In August, groups visiting the castle can enjoy open-air theatre performances of Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor, against the backdrop of the cathedral. Taking place on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August, the performances kick off the Arundel Festival of the Arts. Tickets for Shakespeare open air theatre go one sale later this year. Groups must book additional tickets to the theatre. This is the only event not included in the general admission price.
Other events taking place over the season include the Festival of History, MG Car Owners’ Club and Characters from History.
Group bookings for Arundel Castle
Groups visiting the castle and grounds for guided tours can enjoy discounted tickets when booking for 20 or more people for free flow visits, as well as guided tours of the castle and gardens.
Complimentary coach parking and free admission along with a refreshment or gift shop voucher is available for coach drivers.
To make a group booking enquiry contact the bookings team on 01903 882173, or email visits@arundelcastle.org.
For more information about Arundel Castle, including the events taking place, visit arundelcastle.org.
