Step into one of West Sussex’s most spectacular summer events. The International Medieval Jousting Tournament returns to Arundel Castle from 21 to 26 July 2026, bringing knights, horses, armour, banners, pageantry and family-friendly medieval drama to one of Sussex’s most iconic castles.
The International Medieval Jousting Tournament is a major summer event at Arundel Castle where international teams of knights compete in a dramatic medieval-style tournament. Visitors can expect mounted jousting, armour, flags, historical atmosphere, crowds, castle grounds and a full day out in the heart of Arundel, West Sussex.
Here are the main details visitors should know before planning a trip to Arundel Castle for the jousting tournament.
| Detail | Information | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Event name | International Medieval Jousting Tournament | Search for the official Arundel Castle event page before buying tickets. |
| Date | Tuesday 21 July to Sunday 26 July 2026 | Weekend days are likely to be busiest, so book tickets and travel early. |
| Location | Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex | Arundel is a popular historic town and can get very busy during castle events. |
| Official event website | Arundel Castle Jousting Tournament | Use the official event page for the latest visitor updates. |
| Tickets | Opening times and ticket information | During 21 to 26 July, visitors need the correct tournament ticket for entrance to the Castle and Gardens. |
| Best for | Families, history lovers, photographers, tourists and Sussex day trips. | Allow enough time to explore Arundel town as well as the castle event. |
Arundel Castle is already one of the most impressive places to visit in Sussex. Add horses, armour, flags, medieval teams and an international jousting tournament, and it becomes a proper full-day event.
The tournament takes place at Arundel Castle, giving the event a much stronger atmosphere than a normal showground.
Visitors can expect dramatic mounted competition, medieval-style presentation and the excitement of a live tournament.
It is the type of event children remember, especially if they enjoy castles, knights, costumes and outdoor shows.
Arundel is well placed for visitors from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Chichester, Gatwick and across West Sussex.
Castle towers, colourful banners, armour, horses and the historic town make it a strong day for photos.
You can combine the tournament with Arundel town, riverside walks, cafés, shops and nearby Sussex attractions.
The exact programme should be checked on the official website, but visitors should generally plan for an outdoor castle event with crowds, walking, viewing areas, queues and changing weather.
Arundel can get busy during major castle events. Arriving early gives you more time for entry, walking, finding viewing areas and exploring the grounds.
Make sure you have the right ticket for the jousting tournament dates. Standard garden or castle entry rules may be different during special event days.
Castle grounds and event areas can involve slopes, grass, gravel, steps and uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
Arundel itself is part of the experience. If you have time, explore the historic streets, cafés, riverside and local shops before or after the tournament.
After a busy event day, taxis, parking and local traffic can be under pressure. Pre-book your return taxi if you want a smoother finish to the day.
Arundel Castle is in Arundel, West Sussex. The town sits between the South Downs and the Sussex coast, with easy access from Worthing, Chichester, Brighton, Hove, Gatwick Airport and surrounding villages.
Arundel, West Sussex, close to the River Arun and within reach of the South Downs National Park.
Worthing, Littlehampton, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Pulborough, Amberley, Storrington and Brighton are all useful travel points.
Your best travel option depends on where you are starting, who you are travelling with and whether you want to avoid parking and event traffic.
| Travel Option | Best For | Things to Think About |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Solo travellers and visitors staying near a rail station. | You may still need to walk or arrange onward transport from the station, especially with children or elderly passengers. |
| Driving | Visitors who want full control and are comfortable with event parking. | Arundel can be busy during major castle events. Parking, queues and walking distance should be considered. |
| Pre-booked taxi | Families, groups, tourists, airport arrivals and visitors who want door-to-door travel. | Book in advance and agree your pickup point before the day. |
| Airport transfer | Visitors arriving at Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, Luton or Stansted. | Give your flight number, luggage details and hotel or castle destination when booking. |
Sussex Taxis can help with pre-booked private hire journeys to Arundel Castle from towns, airports, hotels and villages across Sussex and beyond.
Ideal for visitors staying in Brighton city centre, seafront hotels, Kemptown, Preston Park, Patcham or Rottingdean.
Popular Day TripDoor-to-door event travel from Hove, Seven Dials, Portslade, Aldrington and nearby residential areas.
Door to DoorA useful route for families and visitors based around Worthing, Goring-by-Sea, Broadwater, Findon and Lancing.
West SussexAirport pickup for visitors flying into Gatwick and travelling to Arundel, Chichester, Goodwood or nearby hotels.
Airport TransferLong-distance transfer for international visitors who want direct travel to Arundel or West Sussex.
International VisitorsPrivate hire travel from Lewes, Ringmer, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and surrounding East Sussex areas.
East SussexEvent journeys from Hassocks, Keymer, Clayton, Ditchling and nearby villages.
Mid SussexTransfers from Haywards Heath, Lindfield, Cuckfield and the surrounding Mid Sussex area.
Mid SussexFor families, friends or visitors staying together, one larger pre-booked vehicle can be easier than multiple cars.
Group OptionPlanning a visit to the International Medieval Jousting Tournament? Book your Arundel Castle taxi in advance for smoother travel, especially on weekend event days.
This event can be brilliant for families, but a little planning helps. It is an outdoor castle event, not an indoor theatre show.
Arundel Castle is a strong destination for international visitors, families and tourists staying in West Sussex. If you are flying in for a Sussex holiday or castle visit, a pre-booked airport transfer can be much easier than changing trains with luggage.
| Airport | Best For | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Airport | Visitors heading to Arundel, Worthing, Chichester, Goodwood, Brighton or Sussex hotels. | Send your flight number so your pickup can be planned around landing time and delays. |
| Heathrow Airport | International visitors and long-haul arrivals travelling directly to West Sussex. | Allow time for passport control, luggage and traffic before reaching Arundel. |
| London City Airport | Business travellers or visitors connecting through London. | London traffic can affect the first part of the route, so pre-booking helps. |
| Luton or Stansted | European visitors and budget airline arrivals. | These are longer journeys, so book early and confirm luggage requirements. |
If you are visiting for the tournament, Arundel is worth more than a quick in-and-out trip. The town is one of the most attractive historic places in West Sussex.
Independent shops, cafés, old streets and a classic Sussex town atmosphere.
A good option for a gentler walk before or after the castle visit.
A major landmark close to the castle and part of Arundel’s historic skyline.
A beautiful nearby village and useful extra stop for visitors exploring West Sussex.
A coastal option nearby if you want to combine castle history with a seaside visit.
Useful nearby destinations for visitors staying longer in West Sussex.
Use the official Arundel Castle links below for tickets, opening times and the latest event information.
The tournament runs from Tuesday 21 July to Sunday 26 July 2026.
The event takes place at Arundel Castle in Arundel, West Sussex.
Yes. During the tournament dates, visitors need an International Medieval Jousting Tournament ticket for entrance to the Castle and Gardens. Always check the official ticket page before travelling.
Yes. It is a strong family day out, especially for children who enjoy castles, knights, horses, history and outdoor events.
Yes. Sussex Taxis can provide pre-booked private hire journeys from Brighton, Hove and surrounding areas to Arundel Castle.
Yes. Gatwick to Arundel Castle airport transfers can be arranged in advance. Please provide flight number, terminal, luggage details and destination.
Yes. The event is likely to be busy, especially on weekend dates. Pre-booking your taxi or airport transfer is strongly recommended.
Yes. Arundel town is worth exploring, with historic streets, cafés, shops, the River Arun and Arundel Cathedral nearby.
Comfortable shoes, weather protection, water, phone battery, tickets and a clear travel plan are all recommended.
Sussex Taxis can help with pre-booked travel to Arundel Castle from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Lewes, Gatwick, Heathrow and across Sussex.
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Sussex Taxis | Airport transfers, event travel and private hire journeys across Sussex.
