On the weekend of 28–29 June, history will come to life at Windsor Castle during a family weekend packed with pageantry, storytelling and hands-on historical fun. Activities will take place in the Castle’s spectacular Quadrangle, which is not usually open to the public, giving visitors the rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, knights and nobles in the vast space where jousting tournaments once thrilled royal audiences over 500 years ago.
Part of a summer series of themed family history weekends, Medieval Mayhem will immerse visitors in the drama and intrigue of the 15th century during a pivotal moment in English history. In 1453, the Castle was in the throes of celebration as Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou welcomed a long-awaited male heir. Little did the royal couple know that their celebrations would be short lived, as England teetered on the brink of its worst defeat of the Hundred Years’ War, plunging the nation into a dynastic crisis known to history as the Wars of the Roses.
Over the course of the weekend, a living history camp will recreate Henry VI’s royal court within the historic Quadrangle, with costumed educators dressed as nobles, soldiers, craftspeople and musicians offering a vivid and immersive glimpse into life at a medieval court. Drop-in activities throughout the weekend will include:
Military drill sessions where children can learn how to march and form battle lines like 15th-century soldiers.
A show-and-tell session on medieval artillery, offering a closer look at the fearsome firepower of early cannons.
A combat reenactment bringing the final battle of the Hundred Years’ War to life.
Medieval etiquette and fashion displays hosted by sumptuously dressed lords and ladies.
A narrated display of a knight being dressed for battle by his squire, culminating in a friendly combat display recreating the tournaments once held in the very same space.
Opportunities to try on replica armour, from helmets to chain mail.
Roaming musicians and a jester providing entertainment throughout the day and even the chance to taste medieval sweets.
On Saturday, 28 June, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of Henry VI.
All activities are included with standard admission to the Castle and a range of concessions are available, including half-price entry for children aged 5–17, free entry for under-5s and a Young Person discount for 18–24-year-olds.
Families attending Medieval Mayhem can also convert their admission ticket into a 1-Year Pass, offering unlimited re-entry to Windsor Castle for 12 months. Passholders will then be able to return for free for upcoming family weekends, including a World War II-themed event on 16–17 August and an English Civil War weekend on 13–14 September. The 1-Year Pass can also be used to enjoy art activities in the Castle’s gardens throughout the summer holidays and festive family activities at Christmastime, offering excellent value for a full year of historical adventures and seasonal celebrations.
