Knights, Falcons and Family Adventure Return to Stonor Park This May Bank Holiday

Families looking to make the most of the early May Bank Holiday will have the chance to step back into the age of knights, castles and medieval spectacle as Stonor Park prepares to host one of its most popular annual events.

From 2 to 4 May, the historic Oxfordshire estate will welcome the Knights of Royal England for a weekend of jousting, falconry and immersive outdoor entertainment set against the backdrop of rolling parkland and centuries of history. Combining live performance, heritage and family adventure, the event promises an energetic start to the estate’s summer events season.

Jousting remains one of the most dramatic displays of medieval skill and endurance, and visitors can expect a lively recreation of the traditional tournament. Armoured riders will charge across the arena on horseback, lances raised, competing in contests that demand precision, balance and remarkable horsemanship. The performances are carefully choreographed yet retain the excitement and unpredictability that made jousting such a celebrated sport during the Middle Ages.

Spectators are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the experience, with organisers inviting children to arrive dressed in medieval costume. Young visitors will even have the opportunity to enter the arena after each tournament to receive a prize, adding a memorable personal moment to the day’s entertainment.

Beyond the thunder of hooves, the weekend offers a broader glimpse into medieval life. Falconry demonstrations will see birds of prey soaring across the skies above Stonor Park, showcasing the ancient partnership between handler and bird. The displays highlight both the grace of the animals and the historical significance of falconry as a symbol of status and skill in medieval society.

Interactive activities further extend the theme. Visitors can test their aim through archery sessions or try axe throwing under expert supervision, offering a hands-on way to engage with traditional pursuits rarely experienced today. These activities carry an additional charge but provide an opportunity for families and groups to take part rather than simply observe.

For younger adventurers, Tumblestone Hollow remains a major draw. The imaginative playground, built from timber and inspired by fantasy landscapes, encourages exploration and active play. Children can navigate climbing walls, rope bridges, winding tunnels and towering slides, while a zip wire adds an extra element of excitement. A dedicated toddler area with water play ensures that all age groups are catered for, making the attraction particularly appealing to families with mixed ages.

While children explore, adults can enjoy a slower pace. Seating areas around the playground allow parents and carers to relax with coffee or refreshments, and those wishing to embrace the medieval atmosphere can sample a cup of mead. Across the site, food vendors will offer a variety of options including gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, fries and a traditional hog roast, alongside a pop-up beer tent serving drinks throughout the weekend.

Admission to the event also includes access to Stonor’s gardens, which are expected to be at their seasonal best in early May. Spring planting and expansive green spaces provide a welcome contrast to the excitement of the arena, offering visitors space to wander, picnic or simply enjoy the countryside setting. Historic Stonor House will open each afternoon, allowing guests to explore one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited family homes and deepen their understanding of the estate’s heritage.

According to organisers, the jousting weekend consistently attracts visitors seeking an outdoor alternative to screen-based entertainment. The combination of live performance, history and play reflects a growing appetite for shared experiences that appeal across generations.

Louisa Fifield, General Manager at Stonor Park, describes the event as a highlight of the calendar and an opportunity for families, friends and local communities to gather outdoors. She notes that the weekend is designed to offer both excitement and relaxation, bringing together entertainment, good food and open-air exploration in a setting that encourages visitors to create lasting memories.

The event runs from Saturday 2 May until Monday 4 May, with tickets priced at £14.50 for adults, £15.50 for children aged five and over, and £13.45 for children aged three to four. Family ticket options are also available, and parking at Tumblestone Hollow is free.

With its blend of history, spectacle and outdoor adventure, the medieval jousting weekend offers a distinctive way to spend the Bank Holiday, inviting visitors to leave modern routines behind and experience a touch of the Middle Ages in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Further details and booking information can be found at the Stonor Park website.