Have you ever wonder what it feels like to be in the 11th century? Think Knights in shining armour on horseback and the whole royal family sitting on the long table to feast. Well, you can visit one located just outside New York City; the Lyndhurst Medieval castle in New Jersey, built to orchestrate the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.

Visitors will be ushered into the castle with the music of Trumpeters and Heralders. It is like a step into the past because once you are inside the castle, the workers there are all in medieval costumes and the best part of the replication would be the ancient speech spoken by them. Visitors have to make a selection for the Knight that they want to support during the tournament and the hostess will then arrange the visitors to the relevant check-in areas.

Upon checking in, crowns made from cardboard will be given to the visitors and the colours will match the Knights that they support. The King of the Castle, King Philippe and his daughter, Princess Leonore come and join the table for group pictures. The pictures are then sold to the tables as a memento of the evening.

The crowd is free to explore the castle before the show. The arena is shaped like a stadium with the dining tables surrounding the “battleground”. The tournament is a death battle and the last standing Knight wins so be prepared to see a lot of fighting and action while you feast.

The feast is also an enjoyable part of the experience; there is no cutlery and you will have to eat with your hands! Serfs and wenches will then start to usher out the foods in rounds. The food is served in large trays and visitors get to feast like the people from the 11th century.

Once the main course is served a mesh cloth surrounding the battleground will be placed on the floor to prevent dust from the ground kicking up into the crouds. The main course consists of roasted chicken, spare ribs and baked potatoes; plus a separate vegetarian menu is available if request during the reservation. There is even a round of dessert afterwards and if the visitors prefer to have alcoholic beverages, the barmaid will appear to serve them.

There are six Knights battling in the tournament all on horseback. Numerous skills are shown by the Knights as they perform stunts with their lances on horseback. The horses themselves are quite the performers with their tricks during the battle.

Throughout the feasting session, the serfs and wenches prompt the crowd to cheer for their respective Knights. The winner of the tournament shall become the new Knight for the King, based on the storyline played out in the castle. After the event, all the characters will be present around the arena, making themselves available for pictures.

The tickets for the Lyndhurst Castle are priced beyond average but you will definitely get your money’s worth. Experience history by re-living the history itself at the Lyndhurst Castle!