A new Medieval Weapons Hall attraction opens at historic Muncaster Castle in Cumbria next month.
The immersive experience is one of the biggest developments at the castle for years and lets visitors try their hand at the skills of a medieval knight.
Ewan Frost-Pennington says the investment is his biggest gamble since taking control at the castle, his family’s ancestral home for 800 years. The attraction features a purpose-built, covered, training ground where visitors will 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 Frost-Pennington, manager of operations at the castle. “I’m confident they will love it when it opens – but it’s taken a great deal of planning and hard work so I am definitely feeling the pressure. My mum, who is also my boss, doesn’t mess around!”
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,” added Frost-Pennington. “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 will be suitable for adults as well as children from the ages of eight years and upwards. It’ll be available for corporate events and private parties and is due to open in time for this year’s main visitor season at the castle, which starts on March 23.
Spread over 700 square metres, The Weapons Hall will also have a medieval 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 “Medieval 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 surpassing 2019’s pre-Covid numbers.
