Britain's best history festivals
From medieval fairs to immersive living history events, the UK is home to a rich variety of history festivals, offering something for every age and interest. Here’s our pick of some of the best, paired with nearby historic places to stay.
Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre
Set within the hallowed grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre returns each year as a lively celebration of history for all the family. Amid the abbey’s evocative ruins, visitors are invited to enjoy thrilling jousting displays, re-enactments, music and a bustling market, alongside immersive living history camps. 25-27 April 2026
Where to stay
The Old Hall in the nearby village of Croscombe or Parish House in nearby Baltonsborough both offer suitably Medieval accommodation within a 20 minute drive of Glastonbury.
L: Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre. Image: Pacific Curd. R: The Old Hall, Croscombe
NeoAncients
Set among the characterful streets and hidden corners of Stroud, NeoAncients is an intimate, three-day celebration of folklore across multiple venues. Created by the team behind Weird Walk, this thoughtfully curated gathering celebrates the resurgence of folk culture, featuring musical performances, poetry, workshops and evocative screenings. 1-3 May 2026
Where to stay
A 15 minute bus ride from Stroud in the village of Minchinhampton, Field House is a gracious Cotswolds farmhouse with space for six.
L: NeoAncients. R: Field House, Minchinhampton
Chalke History Festival
Set on a working farm at the southern edge of Broad Chalke near Salisbury, the Chalke History Festival unfolds across the rolling Wessex landscape as a week-long celebration of the past. Bringing together leading historians, performers, re-enactments and musicians, it offers a thoughtfully curated programme of talks, events and immersive experiences - from evocative encampments to lively discussions and demonstrations, inviting visitors to discover the enduring power of the past. 22-28 Jun 2026
Where to stay
In the historic heart of Salisbury, with views over the cathedral and grounds, our two-bedroomed apartment, The Wardrobe is ideally placed for travelling to and from the festival, as well as immersing yourself in Salisbury’s many heritage treasures.
L: Chalke History Festival. Image: Ash Mills. R: The Wardrobe, Salisbury
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Each summer, the historic town of Tewkesbury is transformed by the much-loved Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, a tradition since 1983. Renowned as Europe’s largest free medieval gathering, it brings history vividly to life through a dramatic re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury. Authentic encampments, lively music, colourful markets and costumed characters fill the town, while banners adorn its streets. With hands-on crafts, historical displays, and hearty food and ale, the festival offers an immersive and welcoming glimpse into medieval life, open for all to enjoy. 11-12 July 2026
Where to stay
In the medieval heart of the town, Abbey Gatehouse dates from around 1500 and stands guard over Tewkesbury Abbey. There’s just one open room, with a bed on a raised gallery and cosy armchairs by the fire. Also in Tewkesbury, St Mary’s Lane is a former weaver’s cottage tucked down a quiet lane, with two bedrooms.
L: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. Image: Col.d photography. R: Abbey Gatehouse, Tewkesbury
Largs Viking Festival
Since 1980, Largs Viking Festival has commemorated the historic 1263 Battle of Largs. Set within a lively living history Viking Village, visitors can meet re-enactors to explore daily life in the 13th century - from crafts and clothing to food, ships and beliefs. The festival features a vibrant programme including parades, skirmishes, workshops, a full Viking and Scots village, fire processions, longboat burnings, music and entertainment, a bustling craft and food market, and concludes with a spectacular firework display, offering a captivating and immersive journey into Scotland’s Norse past. 29 August - 6 September 2026
Where to stay
Across the Firth of Clyde on the Isle of Bute, Ascog House is a 17th-century Laird’s house with room for eight across four bedrooms. A scenic drive and a ferry ride across the water will take you to Largs in around an hour.
L: Largs Viking Festival. R: Ascog House, Bute
Goodwood Revival
Set within the historic Goodwood Circuit, the Goodwood Revival offers an immersive journey into the golden age of motoring. Celebrating the years from 1948 to 1966, it brings together vintage cars, period fashion and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship in a richly evocative setting. Each year, a distinctive theme shapes the experience, while thrilling races, elegant style and carefully curated details transport visitors to a more considered era. 18-20 September 2026
Where to stay
A ten minute drive away in the village of Charlton, Fox Hall was once the Duke of Richmond’s hunting lodge. Now it’s an exuberantly decorated place to stay in the heart of the South Downs, perfect for lovers of vintage style.
L: Goodwood Revival. Photo: PA Media. R: Fox Hall, Charlton
JORVIK Viking Festival
Each year, the historic city of York is transformed by the renowned JORVIK Viking Festival, where the Norse past is brought vividly to life. A cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar since 1985, this immersive celebration fills the streets with marching Vikings, dramatic battle re-enactments and fireside storytelling. From the bustle of Coppergate to the spectacle at Eye of York, the festival blends history, community and theatre, offering a stirring and memorable journey into the world of the Vikings. February 2027
Where to stay
A 20-minute drive out of York are the remains of Cawood Castle, once residence of the Archbishops of York. Our accommodation can be found in the late medieval gatehouse, with views across the Vale of York from its roof terrace.
L: Jorvik Viking Festival. Image: Ian Forsyth. R: Cawood Castle, Cawood
