Customs and Medieval Banquet
 

I have two unrelated questions. First, does anyone know where we can enjoy a medieval banquet. I have heard that Edinburgh has at least one, in a castle, but have been unable to find out more about it, such as location, cost and whether it was worth it. <BR>Second - what can we expect at US airport when we return from the United Kingdom? I have heard stories about travelers who admit to having been to farms who have had their shoes confiscated and never returned. I have visions of barefooted tourists padding off to their vehicles. Thanks for any information you can give me.

Returning from Paris last week, I was asked if I'd been on a farm, and I said yes. I was taken over to the Agriculture counter, where I was asked if the shoes I was wearing, or any I had in my luggage, had been the ones I had worn on the farm. When I said (truthfully) no, I was waived on by. Had I been wearing or carrying shoes I'd worn on a farm, I would have had to walk and scrub them on a mat that presumably had bleach or some other detoxifying agent on it. This was at Dulles Airport - I'm sure all airports have somewhat different procedures. <BR>As for medieval banquets, I don't know anything about ones in Scotland, but there are quite a number of them in various places in France during the tourist season. <BR>

I have heard that there is a Medieval Banquet at or near The Tower of London, where you can go to the Tower at night for a nice view afterwards, but I haven't been to it yet.

There used to be a "medieval banquet" (no dogs present, though) at Dalhousie Castle outside Edinburgh, but it's evidently been discontinued. There are some theme restaurants around, and some "Scottish Banquet" offerings with haggis and pipers and the like, but apparently bone-throwing evenings are now passé. Remember Edinburgh in medieval days was probably the unhealthiest city in the world, not especially good to recall. When you're there, ask where the term "gardyloo" comes from.

I would be interested in the medieval banquet in London. Does anyone have any information or a website I can look at?

Nancy, we really enjoyed the medieval banquet at Hatfield House outside of London; we got there on a bus tour (can't remember which outfit) in plenty of time to explore the gardens of this historic home of Elizabeth I. Great rousing show, lots of mead, etc. The bus stopped at several big hotels and we got it at the closest one. There is a description on the applause website, but I would wait till you get there to get tickets because they add a hefty commission. Maybe your hotel could help you. <BR> <BR>http://www.applause-tickets.com/lond...bethanbanq.htm <BR> <BR>We went to one in London near the Tower and it was dark and dismal--you were stuffed into pod-like areas for 12 or so and there were mini-shows for each pod. Bad! <BR> <BR>

Thanks Sue! I saw web sites about the one that was near the Tower & something about it just didn't seem appealing, now I know what it was!! Thanks for your help.