04/06/2026
🏰⚔️ The Return of the Joust at Gwrych Castle ⚔️🏰
For many people, Gwrych Castle is remembered not only as one of Wales’ finest historic houses, but as the home of the famous Principality of Gwrych.
Between 1972 and 1987, the castle welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to experience medieval banquets, pageantry, entertainment and spectacular jousting tournaments. The images shown here capture a remarkable period in the castle’s history, when guests stepped into a world of knights, jesters, musicians and feasting beneath the walls of Gwrych.
Visitors could enjoy lavish medieval banquets served in the castle’s great rooms, complete with specially created menus, music and entertainment. Outside, the sound of thundering hooves echoed across the grounds as armoured knights competed in daily tournaments that became one of the best-known attractions in North Wales.
The first joust took place in 1972, and the last in 1987, bringing to an end an extraordinary fifteen-year chapter in the castle’s story.
Now, after nearly four decades, the knights are returning.
On Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026, Gwrych Castle will once again host a full weekend of jousting, celebrating the legacy of the tournaments that delighted generations of visitors and helped make the castle famous across Britain.
Whether you remember attending the medieval banquets, watching the jousts, or visiting the Principality of Gwrych as a child, we would love to hear your memories and see your photographs.
Join us this August as history rides back into Gwrych Castle.
⚔️ Medieval Weekend
📅 15–16 August 2026
🏰 Gwrych Castle, Abergele
Do you remember the medieval banquets and jousts at Gwrych? Share your memories in the comments below.
