Visitors to Fonmon Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan will be transported back to medieval times this Easter. Activities on April 16, 17 and 18 include dramatic medieval jousting and fighting displays, medieval surgery talks, archery sessions, and the chance to explore medieval lords and ladies’ encampments and learn more about this fascinating and bloody historical period.
The horseback displays will be led by renowned horse specialist team The Knights of Albion, who perform all over the world. There will be two high energy horse shows a day, packed with daredevil equine skills.
The Plymouth Medieval Society will be providing foot combat and medieval dancing displays as well as opening up their medieval encampment to show how knights and soldiers lived while on military campaigns.
The Cosmeston Archers will provide their ever-popular have-a-go archery sessions as well as demonstrating awesome feats of marksmanship, and leading medieval history expert Nick Coles will be sharing his huge knowledge on medieval medicine, giving all the grisly details about 14th Century surgery.
Patrick King, a member of the Magic Circle, will be amazing visitors with his close-up magic as they sample the food and drink in the food court, while in Fonmon Castle’s very own medieval village, The Vale Owl Charity will provide a chance to meet some of their owls. Visitors will also be able to interact with costumed staff in the Medieval Grange.
Fonmon Castle’s regular attractions will all be open, including the historical gardens, castle tearoom, sculpture trail, playgrounds and nature trails. There are relaxing, leafy walks and tea breaks with home baked treats to enjoy. Children can explore the dinosaur park and chat with the Dino Rangers; swing, climb and learn in the Pirate Education Play Area; and discover Fonmon’s abundant wildlife with its Step into the Wild rangers.
“We’ve got a spectacular Easter weekend lined up,” says Ross O’Hennessy, who runs the attractions at Fonmon and is also well-known as a Game of Thrones actor. “Fonmon Castle is steeped in history and it’s an important part of our mission to bring history to life in fun, interactive and memorable ways. There’s so much to enjoy – from the excitement of jousting to the chance to learn about how people lived in medieval times. Our new food court is open, offering a fantastic selection of home-cooked food, and all our usual attractions are open too, meaning you can easily fill a whole day here.”
