Food, Days Out and Travel stories from Brighton, London and the Rest of the World

Monday

Days Away - England's Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux

Glorious sunshine, medieval living history, archery lessons and a castle setting. With lots to keep us entertained in the sunny Sussex countryside, it was a great way to spend the August Bank holiday weekend.

Herstmonceux Castle

Once pitched up, the Welsh One and I went for our first look around and we soon found ourselves at the back of the Castle entering a walled garden.

Built in the 1500s, the gardens are really impressive. The flower beds and lawns are well maintained with plants that look healthy and blooming. Everywhere there are signs of investment and care, the gardens are clearly well looked after and a joy to visit.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


There are seven formal gardens, which begin with a large lawned area that leads onto a rose garden. In amongst the red, yellow and pink roses stands a giant sundial as its centrepiece. Behind this garden lay the Shakespeare garden planted with flowers and trees that appear in Shakespeare's plays. Around the garden little plaques identified the plants and a quote that mention the plants.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


Through an archway in the wall, the Butterfly garden emerged, dedicated to plants and flowers that encourage butterflies to thrive. This area had an ancient stone seat in it and was surrounded on each side by a hedge of yew.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


Finally at the back of this garden lay a small herb garden. Most of the herbs there were thriving and beside them were signs giving a summary of the uses of each herb, for instance, to aid liver function, to relieve headaches or to add flavour to food.

The gardens were such a beautiful place to visit over our time at England's Medieval Festival I kept returning to this tranquil place again and again.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac

Medieval Living History


The festival itself began to take shape around us and as the afternoon drew on into Friday evening, more and more Medieval encampments began to appear all around the Castle.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


By the time we left the festival each encampment had transformed into groups of sturdy tents with medieval cooking equipment, fires lit and activities in full swing. Men, women and children in authentic costume sat at tables eating medieval food, talking to interested visitors, playing musical instruments or doing something else appropriate to life as it was led hundreds of years ago. It was fascinating to watch and I loved the women's costumes in particular.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


One aspect of England's Medieval Festival is a competition that takes place during the festival to find the best living history recreations. Each group is judged by a panel of anonymous judges with prizes for the various categories awarded on Sunday evening of the festival.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


The Owl and Falconry Display


It's difficult not to be amazed by birds of prey, especially when seen up close. Sussex Falconry were back at the Festival with an impressive range of birds. It was amazing to see the difference in size of some of the owls and we also learnt some fact busting myths while we were there. Owls don't only come out at night, their heads cannot turn 360 degrees and the little tufty bits above their eyes are not ears (I didn't think they were anyway).

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


The other incredible bird on show was the King of the sky, the golden eagle. Even from the distance we were stood from him, he looked awe inspiring.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


The Battlefield


Shading from the beating sun under one of the enormous sweet chestnut trees we watched as two mercenaries from the Lancastrian side helped each other strap on their fully functioning armour.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


One of the great attractions of England's Medieval festival are the battle scenes. It attracts large crowds so it was good that there was plenty of space for both the spectators and those wielding great big swords to be far enough away from each other.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


Above the sound of gun fire and sword clashing, a compere gave us a running commentary of the battle scene. The sides had gathered for a battle from the War of the Roses, Lancastrian against Yorkist. There were knights and mercenaries, women carrying supplies and flag bearers. In complete contrast to the small up-close-and-personal domestic scenes that were also taking place around the Castle, this large-scale battle scene gave a far less comfortable perspective on life in the middle ages.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac

Archery and Jousting


By the afternoon we were ready to become more involved and we decided to try our hand at archery. The fact that it was only £1 for three arrows made it incredibly easy to get involved at the Retinue of Herstmonceux Castle. Our instructor could not have been more helpful at showing us what to do. I didn't hit the target once, my arrows kept falling short. Next up was my Welsh Bowman, his arrows kept flying past, too high to hit the mark. It was still great fun and I'd definitely do it again.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


For the younger ones there was a fabulous looking jousting ride. The rider sat on a miniature horse,  held a stick and had to hit a target as they travelled past on a purpose built track. There was also a dedicated kids area, called the Kids Kingdom and it looked like there was loads of fun for the little 'uns to be had there building, crafting and playing.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


Food and Drink


The main eating area was at the Buxom Wench commanding the best view of Herstmonceux Castle and moat. Busy from morning til night, there was musical entertainment laid on in the evening for those who had stayed for camping or glamping.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac


During the day a great fire was lit and a hog was roasted, while behind the bar elderflower cider and mead was available as well as other more familiar drinks such as Amstell lager.

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac



There was so much to see and do that we didn't get to try our hand at axe throwing or see Knights jousting in the Royal Arena or join in the Medieval Banquet.

As a dedicated foodie the Medieval Banquet sounds hugely appealing so I'll have to look into booking tickets to that for next year.

Standout moments - I loved seeing the living history encampments and battle, the costumes were fantastic. It was also lots of fun learning how to use a bow and arrow. I'd definitely recommend having a go, if you get a chance.

England's Medieval Festival, Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex BN27 1RN

England's Medieval Festival 2016 at Herstmonceux Castle, photos by modern bric a brac

With thanks to England's Medieval Festival for our complimentary camping tickets. The Festival takes place every year on 27th, 28th and 29th August and next year will be their 25th anniversary.

Please follow my blog by clicking here to Follow via Bloglovin
SHARE:

Friday

Foodie Friday - Lucky Beach Burgers

Phenomenal. That's what I thought of the burgers at Lucky Beach and that's the word I kept saying to myself while shaking my head and scoffing the burger I had in front of me.

My Welsh One had already been to Lucky Beach and had been telling me for quite a while that I'd love it too. I was sceptical. Lucky Beach is situated right on the beach front, a great place for tourists, but not necessarily the best place to find great food.


Best burger in Brighton, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


So wrong. There is so much to love about what Lucky Beach are doing, from their innovative menu, to their ethical credentials using locally sourced produce and their lovely service.

It was a hot blue sky day when we decided to go for lunch, so our first priority was to order some refreshing drinks. For me, it's hard to go wrong with watermelon and their Fresh Watermelon Soda with squashed limes, fresh mint and syrup was a winner. My Welsh One ordered the same drink he had last time, the Pomegranate and Fresh Mint Lemonade. I thought my drink was better, he still thought his superior. So far so good.

Best burger in Brighton, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


For burgers, Lucky Beach use a native breed of Sussex for the beef in their organic dry-aged hamburgers. From a choice of four, the burgers that most appealed to us were the LBB with kombu cheddar cheese fondue, ketchup leather, lardo fried onions and housemade pickles, as well as their Sussex Shorthorn burger with fig jam, hazelnuts, crispy bacon, mature cheddar, ketchup and local veg. Wow. We couldn't decide which we would prefer, so we ordered both and split them between us.

This proved to be a good move. Although the flavours were distinct I couldn't tell you which was the best, I loved them both.

Best burger in Brighton, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


As a side we ordered skin-on fries with a smokey garlic mayo. Back to where this blog post began. I sat scoffing this incredible burger, shaking my head and muttering "phenomenal" to myself. Such was its deliciousness.

There was little room for anything else, but it was lunch time, the sun was shining and we were on the seafront. I ordered an ice-cream to share. Again the toppings sounded too intriguing to miss. On offer was either a topping of strawberry / honey balsamic and black pepper or honeycomb, olive oil, almond and maldon. This we shared with two faultless flat whites that had been made with their own organic coffee roasted locally in Brighton.

Best burger in Brighton, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


A couple of days later I was still talking about my latest discovery and a friend from Winchester replied enthusiastically that she loves the place too. It seems to be somewhere to get enthusiastic about.

We paid £33.20

The standout dish for me were both burgers - the LLB (Lucky Beach Burger) and the Sussex Shorthorn.

Lucky Beach Cafe, 183 Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 1NB

Best burger in Brighton, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Please follow my blog by clicking here to Follow via Bloglovin
SHARE:

Tuesday

Days Out near London - Chatham Dockyard's Salute to the 40's

As a lover of vintage and great days out, Salute to the 40's in Chatham seems made just for me; with swing dancing, a Spitfire aircraft display, plus a chance to have a vintage makeover, it sounds lots of fun.

Vintage days out, Salute to the '40's at The Historic Dockyard Chatham


SHARE:

Sunday

Vintage Days Out - Fun at the Firle Vintage Fair

Hard to believe the Firle Vintage Fair is only in its fourth year, it's huge and already feels well established.

This was my first visit and I was delighted to be invited. Loving all things vintage,the Firle Vintage Fair sounded full of promise.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


I'd been advised to leave early as the roads can get pretty busy and after getting stuck in traffic on the way to Firle, I'd definitely recommend leaving Brighton as soon as you can.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Firle is only 30 minutes from Brighton, on the other side of Lewes but it took us over an hour due to heavy traffic.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Set in the grounds of a fabulous great house, called Firle Place, it's £5 entry or £10 with a return bus ticket to Brighton from Lewes station.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Taking place this weekend Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August from 10 am - 5 pm, it's a fabulous foodie, vintage-loving day out.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


We found original Victoriana fair-rides and the Firle Vintage car motor show, with a shiny police car, as well as some Cadillacs, Fords and MGs to look at.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


We also found artisan crafts such as the beautiful flower garlands carefully hand-made by Lotus Floral Art.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


In the centre the Charleston troupe, Savoy Kicks entertained us with their lively synchronised dancing. 

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


There was a stall selling hand-crafted face cream and body sprays made at Firle Place by Lady Gage.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Nearby was a tree artistically dressed with picture frames of various sizes from an antique seller from Lewes.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


Plus a cute little caravan, a gilt-framed relief and countless stalls selling furniture, glassware, clothing and lots of food.

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


I didn't stay long enough to listen to one of the talks on Sussex Bee Keeping or join in the Wild Food Workshop or the Flower Crown workshop but the Firle Vintage Fair is a great day out. 

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac


With thanks to Firle Vintage Fair for inviting me.

Find out more on their Facebook Page
Instagram: firle_vintage_events
Twitter:@firlevintage
Pinterest. pinterest.com/firlevintage

Firle Vintage Fair 2016, photo by Modern Bric a Brac

Please follow my blog by clicking here to Follow via Bloglovin
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig