Axes, Arrows & Castles: One Legendary Weekend with Northern Realms

From Durham to Windermere to Peckforton Castle—Northern Realms brought Viking axe throwing and medieval archery to summer balls and weddings across the realm. Here’s what went down.

Peckforton castle

Donna’s Quest: Walworth Castle, DarlingtonFriday night, Donna saddled up (van, not horse) and headed east to Walworth Castle, where Durham University’s archaeology students were celebrating their summer ball in full regalia.

Now, if anyone knows how to appreciate a Viking throwing axe, it’s a bunch of archaeologists. You’ve never seen joy like a toga-clad undergrad nailing a bullseye after three goblets of wine and a lecture on Bronze Age metallurgy.

Donna held the line solo—axe in hand, wit at the ready—making sure every guest got their moment of axe-wielding glory.

The only thing sharper than her throwing form? Her one-liners.

Phoenix’s Journey: Cragwood Country House, Windermere

Meanwhile, Phoenix was standing by the water’s edge at Cragwood Country House Hotel, a picture-perfect venue nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere.

It was wedding time. The kind with heartstring-tugging vows, wildflowers, and some seriously keen guests itching to try their hand at medieval archery. And try they did.

With bows strung and arrows loosed, laughter filled the air, alongside a few competitive grunts and battle cries from uncles who were very sure they were Robin Hood reincarnated.

One couple even asked if they could sign the wedding register using a longbow. (They were politely told ‘no’… for now.)

Together Again: Peckforton Castle, Cheshire

On Sunday, the gods smiled and the team reunited under the towering spires of Peckforton Castle—an actual castle turned luxury wedding venue.

And this wedding? Straight out of a saga. Medieval-themed, beautifully styled, and buzzing with excitement.

Both axe throwing and archery were in full swing—guests in gowns and doublets queuing up to test their might. The bride nailed a bullseye on her second throw. The groom nearly took out a hay bale. The kids? Absolute naturals.

It was joy, power, and pure Norse-style celebration from beginning to end.

What We Learned:

• Archaeology students love axes.

• Archery makes everything more romantic.

• Castle weddings were clearly invented by Odin himself.

• Donna and Phoenix can conquer half of England in 48 hours and still smile like maniacs at the next event.

Whether you met us at Walworth, Windermere, or Peckforton—thank you.

You brought the energy.

We brought the weapons.

Together, we made memories worthy of the sagas.

Until the next castle...Skol.