Medieval Madness at Skipton Castle – Time to Cheer, Chomp, and (Possibly) Dance!

16th July 2025

If you’re staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage this weekend and hear battle cries echoing across the hills, don’t worry – you haven’t stumbled into a Game of Thrones reboot. It’s just the fifteenth century, popping by for a visit.

That’s right: on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July, the brilliant bunch from Buckingham’s Retinue will be turning Skipton Castle into a living, breathing medieval soap opera. There’ll be archery, combat displays, fashion shows, and actual sword school – because obviously, nothing says “relaxing weekend break” like a little light warfare.

And best of all? Lord and Lady Clifford are hosting, so you won’t have to.

🏰 What’s All This Then?

For two whole days, the castle will be full of people in pointy shoes, juggling medieval vegetables, showing off their chainmail, and politely stabbing each other for your entertainment. You can wander through the ancient halls, chat to a cook about what passed for dinner in 1475 (spoiler: no sourdough), and cheer on your chosen champion in the archery tournament.

Think of it as Downton Abbey meets Gladiators, but with more velvet and fewer health & safety forms.

📜 The (Very Important) Timetable

Every day, both Saturday and Sunday:

Time	What’s Going On
10:00am	The Castle wakes up – meet the medieval household
10:30am	Archery display on the main lawn – lots of twanging
11:00am	Knight School – your kids become mini-warriors (you’re welcome)
11:45am	Medieval fashion show – those hose are tight
12:30pm	Food talk in the kitchen – no air fryers in sight
1:15pm	Lord & Lady Clifford get served – etiquette lessons included
2:00pm	Mumming play – 15th-century theatre. (No mimes, we promise.)
2:45pm	Music & dance – audience participation encouraged (but not required – unless you’re brave)
3:30pm	Archery competition – someone will take this very seriously
4:15pm	Combat display – swords, shouting, general heroic chaos
5:00pm	Event ends – back to your cottage for wine and a sit down

🎟️ Plan Like a Noble

You can book your tickets and parking in advance here:

👉 https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk

There’s also a great gift shop (souvenir goblets, anyone?) and a lovely tearoom for post-battle cake. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is festive, and it’s all set within one of the best-preserved castles in England – practically next door to Thisledo.

🐾 Bonus Points If…

You come dressed in something vaguely medieval. A tea towel cloak is completely acceptable.
You attempt the medieval dancing after a trip to the pub.
You use the phrase “Huzzah!” at least once.

So polish your goblet, lace up your imaginary bodice, and march forth to Skipton Castle. The past is calling – and it wants you to bring snacks.

P.S. No actual sword experience required. Just enthusiasm and perhaps a decent pair of walking shoes.

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