Medieval re-enactment weekend at The Bishop’s Palace | August Bank Holiday

29-31 August 2026 | 9.30am – 5.30pm

Step back in time this August bank holiday as Bowlore take over The Bishop’s Palace for a weekend of immersive living history.

Across the historical Palace grounds, visitors can explore a bustling encampment and experience what life may have been like in medieval England. From domestic crafts and camp cooking to military drills and skirmishes, this family-friendly event brings history vividly to life through sight, sound and atmosphere.

Bowlore Timetable

🏹 Archery Show

• Saturday and Sunday – 12pm (approximately 45 minutes)
• Monday – 10.30am (approximately 45 minutes)

Watch longbow and crossbow displays shooting at a variety of targets to show all different types of arrowhead, and enjoy the thrilling Sword vs Arrow stunt finale.

⚔️ Weapons Show

• Saturday and Sunday – 2.30pm (approximately 45 minutes)
• Monday – 2.15pm (approximately 45 minutes)

Discover the use of swords, polearms, quarterstaffs, spears and maces, with choreographed combat demonstrations and a spectacular sharp sword cutting finale.

Both shows have an educational and humorous commentary, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation. Suitable for all ages.

🏹 Have-a-Go Archery & Sword School
Available all weekend between shows for £3 per person. Suitable for all ages.

🛡️ Hands-on Weapons & Armour Display
Available all weekend and free to enjoy between shows, including:

• Talks on medieval battlefield medicine
• Medieval board games
• Alchemy
• Crafts
• Life in a medieval encampment

Step into an authentic medieval tented encampment and experience history brought to life.

Meet Bowlore

The weekend will be led by Bowlore, an experienced group of historical re-enactors dedicated to recreating everyday medieval life.

Throughout the weekend, Bowlore will be fully in character, sharing the skills, stories and routines of the period and giving visitors the chance to see history unfolding around them.

Make a day of it

Alongside the re-enactment weekend, visitors can also enjoy:

• The medieval Palace buildings and Undercroft
• 14 acres of RHS partner gardens
• Family-friendly multimedia tours and digital guides
• The Dragon’s Lair play area
• Refreshments at the award-winning Bishop’s Table café

Admission

This event is included with standard admission tickets to The Bishop’s Palace, including:

• Annual Pass
• Day Ticket
• Joint Ticket with Wells Cathedral
• Friends of the Palace

Buy Admission Here

Image credit Matt Turner