| Where: | Muncaster Castle near Ravenglass, Cumbria |
| When: | May Day Bank Holiday weekend Saturday, Sunday & Monday |
| Time: | From 10.30am -4.30pm |
The ancient seat of the Penningtons for over 800 years, Muncaster Castle is a reputedly haunted very grand family home with extensive gardens and plenty of history. The grounds house a Bird of Prey Centre and the site is open regularly to the public as well as hosting a range of special events around the year, which includes the annual Sausage Festival. Foodies will be aware that Cumberland is famed for its spiral-shaped traditional sausage, so it’s an appropriate location for a tribute to that staple of the English breakfast, the humble banger. Festival goers can taste and then cast a vote for their favourite comestible from a range of different producers, and the entertainments include a variety of themed sports such as Sausage Racing and Tossing, and a Sausage Dog competition (it’s not just for Dachshunds but looking the part can help- one terrier was dressed in a hot-dog costume when we went!). The on-site Hawk and Owl Centre entertain the crowd with flying displays at intervals, and there is music and entertainment on the lawn adjacent to the producers’ stalls and the Crafts Marquee housing Cumbrian artisans and their wares.
Helpful Hints
It’s held on the whole weekend of the May Day Bank Holiday with the same programme for each day. In 2027 it should be on Saturday 1st , Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May (to be confirmed).
In 2026 admission cost £23.70 per person including the tasting pass, castle admission and all the on-site attractions. Tasting was from 12.15- 1.45 pm with the Sausage Dog Competition at 2.45. Parking is free.
There’s plenty to keep you busy all day, and plenty of food alternatives to sausage if that’s not your preference. Vegan options are available.
Click here for the Castle website and to purchase tickets: https://www.muncaster.co.uk
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/muncastercastle
Leave a Reply