Dark Knights At Mediaeval Muncaster!

A new Mediaeval Weapons Hall opens at Cumbria’s historic Muncaster Castle later this month.

The immersive experience is one of the biggest developments at the castle for years and will enable visitors to try their hand at skills learned by mediaeval knights of old.

Ewan Frost-Pennington says the huge investment is his biggest gamble since taking control at the castle - his family’s ancestral home for 800 years. “My neck is definitely on the line!” he laughs.

The Weapons Hall at Muncaster is a purpose-built, covered, training ground where visitors can tackle archery and crossbow skills, jousting, sword-fighting and axe throwing – all under the guidance of skilled experts.

“We can’t wait to show visitors this new attraction,” said Ewan, Manager of Operations. “I’m confident they will love it, but it’s taken a great deal of planning and hard work so I am definitely feeling the pressure!”

The Weapons Hall at Muncaster Castle has purpose-built ranges for testing out firing and throwing skills, a sword fighting cage and a miniature simulated ‘jousting’ arena.

“We want people to come along with their family and friends and see if they have what it takes to become a Muncaster Knight!” says Ewan.

“We hope they throw down the gauntlet to each other in a contest of skill and nerve – and most importantly have the best time possible in a fantastic, themed setting.”

The Weapons Hall is suitable for adults as well as children from the ages of 8 years and upwards. It’ll be available for corporate events and private parties.

Ewan Frost-Pennington (R) and Iona Frost-Pennington in the under construction Weapons Hall.

It’s due to open in time for this year’s main visitor season at the castle which starts on March 23rd.

Spread over 700 square metres, The Weapons Hall will also have a mediaeval tavern and coffee bar for thirsty would-be knights. Each activity will last around 1 hour including safety instruction and activity training.

The bonus activities of Sword fighting and jousting will last around 15 minutes.

The Weapons Hall will also be available as part of a full “Mediaeval Experience Day” which the castle is launching this year and will also include a private owl flying session and private tour of the 800 year old castle.

The new development comes after a successful 2023 in which visitor numbers at Muncaster rose by seven per cent on the previous year – they are now even higher than the pre-Covid year of 2019.

For full details and more information go to www.theweaponshall.co.uk