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Summer of Play: The Quest of King Arthur's Round Table!

Step into the world of Arthurian Legends this summer at Buckland Abbey

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join us for the Quest of King Arthur's Round Table!

This summer visitors are invited to learn how to joust, sword fight and fire an arrow like a Knight of the Round Table! Maybe you'd like to make a potion in Merlin's nature kitchen? Next you can build your own castle in our loose parts play area - giving it the best defences.

After all this you can relax in the Book Nook, or head down to the Cider House Garden to learn some dance moves.

Several activities, including the Book Nook, the Nature Kitchen and loose parts play are inside. Perfect if you need a shady spot to play in or a place to escape the rain. 

Archery demonstrations will take place on 22nd and 31st July, also 8th, 12th, and 26th August between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on the Abbey Lawn.

Normal admission fees apply, free for members. No additional charge for activities.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Suitable for all ages

Meeting point

Please go to Visitor Welcome to start the fun.

What to bring and wear

Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Accessibility

There are many different areas of play, the majority of which are in accessible areas.

Upcoming events

Opening the Book: Music and Community in an early Tudor monastery 

A unique 600-year-old manuscript used by the Buckland Abbey monks returns to the Abbey.

Event summary

on
21 Aug to 31 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 71 other dates or times

Historical Cooking 

Join our historical cooking team as they explore the seasons and festivals of the year in Buckland Abbey's kitchen.

Event summary

on
23 Aug to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 13:00
+ 2 other dates or times

Summer of Music - Choirs in the Great Barn 

Join us for a Summer of Music as we fill the Great Barn with song!

Event summary

on
30 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00

Monastic Buckland: A guided tour 

Uncover the monastic past at Buckland as you take a walk with our volunteer Brian. You will discover fascinating architecture at every turn and understand better the story of Buckland Abbey before the dissolution of the monasteries.

Event summary

on
4 Sep to 2 Oct 2025
at
14:00 to 15:30
+ 1 other date or time