Medieval Canterbury Feast Experience

This 3.5-hour Friday evening experience recreates a medieval feast in a historic Tudor building adjacent to Canterbury Cathedral. You'll eat five courses based on 14th-century recipes (with modern food safety), wear period costume cloaks, and watch live musicians and actors perform during courses. The meal includes mead, ale, and wine historically accurate to medieval times, served in a candlelit hall decorated with medieval banners. Best for special occasions and history buffs. This is a easy activity lasting 3.5 hours. Group size: 8-40. You meet at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. Key highlights: Five-course meal using medieval recipes adapted for modern kitchens, Period costume cloaks provided and worn throughout, Live lute, harp, and vocal music during meal.

Price: £65

Duration: 3.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 8-40

Best for: special occasions and history buffs

Best time: Friday nights year-round. October to April has cosier, warmer atmosphere with lower tourist crowds. May to August books fastest; book 6 weeks ahead. Avoid late December (Christmas parties booked exclusively).

Meeting point: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

7:00pm arrival Check-in and costume cloak fitting at Cathedral Lodge entrance - Staff drape costume cloaks over your clothes (your own outfit worn underneath). No full costume required.

7:15pm Enter the banqueting hall and take assigned seat - Tables are long communal benches. You'll sit next to other guests. Candlelit hall with medieval decor.

7:30pm-8:45pm Five-course meal with entertainment between courses - Course 1: Pottage soup. Lute player performs. Course 2: Roasted meats. Course 3: Pies and bread. Juggler acts. Course 4: Cheese and fruit. Course 5: Spiced wine and pastries.

8:45pm-9:15pm Final entertainment and period dancing instruction - Actor leads group through basic medieval dances. Participation optional. Informal finale.

The whole experience takes 3.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

• Five-course meal using medieval recipes adapted for modern kitchens
• Period costume cloaks provided and worn throughout
• Live lute, harp, and vocal music during meal
• Professional actors perform between courses
• Historically-accurate mead, ale, and wine served
• Seated at communal long tables (social, not formal)
• Accessibility: The banqueting hall has one step up at entrance. Tables are fixed benches (no wheelchair spacing under table). Inform operators of mobility restrictions when booking. Actors perform standing; you may stand during entertainment (optional). No hearing loop or captioning for period music.

What is included: Entrance and table seating, Five-course meal following medieval menus, Three alcoholic drinks (mead, ale, wine) historically matched to courses, Period costume cloak (provided, not kept), Live entertainment (musicians and actors), Basic medieval dance instruction.

Not included: Pre-dinner drinks or aperitifs, Parking (pay parking nearby or use city car parks), Gratuity for staff, Professional photography (informal phone photos allowed), Special dietary substitutions (notify in advance; limited options). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Smart casual clothing (worn under costume cloak), Comfortable shoes (you may stand during dances), Camera for informal photos, Any medications needed, Hand sanitizer (optional - modern hygiene). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Friday nights year-round. October to April has cosier, warmer atmosphere with lower tourist crowds. May to August books fastest; book 6 weeks ahead. Avoid late December (Christmas parties booked exclusively)..

Tip: Friday nights only

Tip: Advance booking essential

Accessibility: The banqueting hall has one step up at entrance. Tables are fixed benches (no wheelchair spacing under table). Inform operators of mobility restrictions when booking. Actors perform standing; you may stand during entertainment (optional). No hearing loop or captioning for period music..

Operator: Historical Dining Canterbury

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Canterbury Cathedral (2 min walk)
• St Augustine's Abbey (8 min walk)
• Canterbury Heritage Museum (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Historical Dining Canterbury.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 14 days before event. 7-14 days, 50% refund. Less than 7 days, non-refundable. No exceptions..

Accessibility: The banqueting hall has one step up at entrance. Tables are fixed benches (no wheelchair spacing under table). Inform operators of mobility restrictions when booking. Actors perform standing; you may stand during entertainment (optional). No hearing loop or captioning for period music..

Best time to go: Friday nights year-round. October to April has cosier, warmer atmosphere with lower tourist crowds. May to August books fastest; book 6 weeks ahead. Avoid late December (Christmas parties booked exclusively)..

What is the food actually like at a medieval feast?

The five courses recreate genuine 14th-century recipes using mutton, pork, poultry, bread, cheese, and root vegetables. Dishes are savoury rather than sweet and heavily spiced with cumin and cinnamon (authentic to medieval tastes). Food is cooked to modern food safety standards. Vegetarian options exist but are limited - contact Historical Dining Canterbury when booking.

Do I have to wear a full medieval costume?

No. Only a period costume cloak is provided and worn over your regular clothes. You choose what to wear underneath (smart casual recommended). The cloak is returned at the end of the evening. No masks, headpieces, or full costumes are required or provided.

Is the mead and ale safe to drink?

Yes. Historical Dining Canterbury uses modern commercial mead, ale, and wine produced to UK food safety standards. Drinks are served in period-style goblets but are standard modern beverages. Non-alcoholic alternatives (medieval spiced cider or herbal infusions) available on request - notify when booking.