Does anyone know of any replica medieval village attractions in England you can visit? Kind of like a renaissance festival is here in the states. People in period clothes, crafts, food, that sort of thing? I am going to England in May and thought it would be neat if something like that was there to visit for a day.
Thanks in advance for any advise.
Aaron
Sorry, No I don't but, Blists Hill does good Victorian.
Kentwell Hall in Suffolk does Tudor Days which are very well done.
http://www.kentwell.co.uk/events/tudor
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum might fit, especially durimng one of their events. The buildings are in the main real, relocated in the area. Seven miles north of Chichester.
This sounds like a good reason to plan a return trip in August!
We don't have much in the way of ren fairs here as most medieval reconstruction sites are practical archaeology and not general tourist attractions, though visitors are generally welcomed as the tickets help maintain the sites. There are some exceptions though - Warwick Castle might be what you're looking for.
However, might I recommend something a bit different? The US (SCA especially) does fairs like that just as well if not better, whereas the reconstructed sites here are not found elsewhere. E.g. how about the castle in Stansted Mountfitchet? http://www.mountfitchetcastle.com/ is their homepage. It's early Norman. Also check out West Stow and the Saxon House at Firsby (Saxon reconstructions), Wharram Percy and Cosmeston. The last is probably the best - it's over in Wales but its more extensive than the others.
We went to a good one at Warwick castle. Google that or other castles. Generally weekends is the best time to find those types of activities.
I agee, Blist Hill is a good one and also Beamish, not far from Durham. St. Fagans close to Cardiff Wales is a nice recreated village and when we were there, people were dressed up in authentic costumes from the period.
But both Blists Hill and Beamish, as well as Iron Bridge and the Black Country Living Museum, are all Victorian - not the Medieval that the OP requested.
The location that best suits what you are seeking is the village of Lacock, in Wiltshire. It has many buildings from the 14th century, 15th century, and is almost entirely owned by the National Trust. It is not a "miniature village"(as you originally asked for), but it is mostly medieval. A few buildings are 16th and 17th century. It has been used as a movie set for the BBC series "Cranford" and also Harry Potter and "Pride and Prejudice". But it is not a renaissance festival! The docents of the buildings do dress in period costumes, but it is not a medieval fair. It is a well-preserved historic village.
For the medieval fair or Renaissance festival atmosphere you mentioned, visit Warwick Castle. Warwick is a medieval castle, not a replica, now operated by an entertainment group, and they have jousting, people wearing medieval costumes, and a festival atmosphere. Here is their website that will let you look around a bit more, check their events calendar, and purchase tickets to Warwick: http://www.warwick-castle.com/
I took my 13 yr old to Warwick and have to say we really enjoyed it. the jousting show was really well done.. the amour , costumes even the horses were dressed up.. it was pretty good for what it was..
If you decide to head up north to Scotland, check out Historic Scotland. They often have interesting events at their sites and many are medieval.
Pam
From Colin - ON. Canada (Ex Brit.)
Try this:- http://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/travel/fairs.shtml
Also if you're in York you can visit the Jorvik Viking village which is older than Warwick Castle exhibit, but both are worth seeing.
There are also villages of the Medieval type;- 1 near Salop.
British Tourist Association is usually has quite good info. Enjoy the visit
If people follow the previous advice they may be confused trying to find Salop, a term no longer in current usage. Salop is the ancient name for the county now known as Shropshire. Sometimes a reference to Salop is narrowed to just the area of the county town of Shrewsbury.
