On Sunday 28 June, we invite you to step back nearly 700 years and experience the sights, sounds and stories of medieval life at our annual Winterbourne Medieval Day. All the fun takes place within the grounds of one of England’s finest surviving medieval barns. It’s a day of entertainment, living history, artisan shopping, delicious food and hands-on activities for all ages.
Knights, combat and archery
No medieval festival would be complete without knights, and the Warwick Warriors will be bringing plenty of action throughout the day.
You can watch exciting combat displays in the outdoor arena, try archery under expert supervision, and learn about the life of a medieval knight at the Company of Chivalry’s encampment. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting family experience, the demonstrations are sure to be a highlight.
Browse the Winterbourne Medieval Marketplace
Inside the historic barn, you can explore a carefully curated medieval market featuring local artists, makers and craftspeople.
Among the traders will be creators of medieval-inspired lino-cut prints, illustrations, hand-painted wooden toys, crochet creations, paintings, ornaments and traditional pole-lathe woodturning. Visitors can also discover handmade candles, soaps and honey products, locally sourced driftwood planters, foraged goods and homemade preserves.
The market offers a wonderful opportunity to support local independent businesses while taking home a unique souvenir from the day.
Traders include:
- The Gilded Tower – Medieval lino-cut prints
- Lolly Skura – Medieval illustrations
- Pixie Play – Hand-painted wooden toys and décor
- Giti Studio – Crochet creations
- Tilly Marie Art – Paintings and ornaments
- Tree to Treen – Pole-lathe wood turning
- Gilz Jams & Chutneys – Homemade preserves (in aid of St Michael’s Church)
- Barn Membership & Information Desk – Includes Owl Prowl entry post-box
- Hives & Herbals – Handmade eco-friendly candles, skincare, soaps and honey products
- Hive Mind Mead – Artisan mead and honey drinks, plus observation hive
- Drifscapes – Locally sourced driftwood planters
- Bark Ink Collective – Foraged goods, prints and accessories
- South Gloucestershire Community Energy Network
- Pretty Things – Face painting and children’s accessories
- Aimee Winstone Jewellery Studio
- Jon Hurst Homemade Biltong
Feast like a medieval traveller
After exploring the market and watching the entertainment, enjoy a range of food and drink options available around the site.
The catering line-up includes open-flame grilled skewers and roasted meats, Persian-inspired street food, freshly baked pastries and cakes, as well as snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks from the Barn Bar. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will also be available, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Traders include:
- Buenos Aires Cuisine – Beef skewers, flame-roasted steak or roasted bone-marrow cooked over an open flame. Most options are gluten free. Vegan fire-grilled vegetable skewers cooked on a separate grill.
- KooKoo Food – Persian Street food featuring Persian saffron chicken (GF without wrap), lamb doner (GF without wrap) and falafel served in wraps or rice bowls, accompanied by fresh salads and homemade sauces. Gluten-free and vegan options available.
- Magnolia Mews Bakehouse – Ploughman’s cups, pastries and a selection of homemade cakes.
- The Barn Bar – Selection of snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks (GF options available).
Adventures for younger visitors
Young visitors can take part in traditional medieval games, search the site for the Owl Prowl challenge, enter a medieval-themed colouring competition, enjoy face painting and glitter art, or dress up in medieval costumes at the event’s selfie station.
For aspiring young warriors, a limited number of wooden shields will be available to purchase and personalise with their own heraldic designs, creating a memorable keepsake from the day.
Beyond entertainment
Winterbourne Medieval Day celebrates the heritage of Winterbourne and the wider region. You can also take the opportunity to explore St Michael’s Church, which will be open throughout the event, adding another layer to the area’s rich historical story.
Plan your visit
To make attending as easy as possible, free parking will be available at Winterbourne Academy, with a complimentary shuttle bus running continuously between the car park and the Barn throughout the day. Bicycle parking and accessible parking options are also available.
Whether you’re fascinated by history, looking for a fun family adventure, keen to support local artisans, or simply searching for a memorable summer day out, Winterbourne Medieval Day offers something for everyone.
Join us for a celebration of history, community and medieval merriment at one of South Gloucestershire’s most remarkable historic landmarks.
Travelling to the event?
Here are some FAQs to help you plan your journey to Winterbourne Medieval Day:
Where can I park?
Winterbourne Academy’s main car park (Winterbourne High Street) – the free
shuttle service from The Academy to The Barn will run throughout the event on a continuous loop.
Do I need to book a parking space?
Only if you require accessible parking (i.e., for wheelchair access) then please advise this in the relevant section on your booking form.
Is the minibus wheelchair accessible?
Sadly the minibuses cannot accommodate wheelchairs. You can book wheelchair accessible parking at the time of booking and a space will be available for you in our small on-site car park. Or you can arrange for drop off and collection at The Barn site if you prefer.
Can I fit my buggy on the minibus?
Fold up standard pushchairs will fit on the minibuses, but you may need to wait until there is one with appropriate space as the buses do not have boot space and all walkways and doors on the bus will need to be kept clear at all times. Our friendly parking volunteers and minibus drivers can advise you on this.
Is there anywhere I cannot park?
Please do not park along Church Lane as this is very narrow and must be kept clear for resident, emergency vehicle and the shuttle bus access.
What if I’m not driving?
We have bicycle parking at The Barn site.
There is space at The Barn site for drop off and collection or local buses run with a stop on Church Road (Parkside Avenue) just a few minute’s walk from Winterbourne Academy. You can then jump on the shuttle from there to The Barn site.
Although The Academy’s car park is large, if you come at a very busy time there is a chance it may be full. To help make sure we can welcome anyone who wants to come we encourage car sharing wherever possible to help us reduce the number of cars at this event and thank you for your support with this.
Other FAQs
What if I need to leave the site and come back?
Please speak to a volunteer on the front gate before you leave, who can issue you with a return pass (hand stamp).
Can I bring my dog?
We love well-behaved dogs on a lead. Dogs remain the responsibility of the owner within the grounds of the Barn. Please clean up after your dog.
Please note: Dog waste cannot be disposed of onsite, but there is a specific dog waste bin just outside of The Barn’s grounds on a public footpath. Please ask a member of the team on the gate to direct you, if needed.
What happens if I need first aid or my child gets lost?
For first aid and lost children please talk to a member of The Barn’s team. Look for the purple t-shirts and lanyards.
Important note
Photography and filming for use on social media will take place at this event. Please let the Event Manager know if you have any issues with this.