A Royal Hunt: History Re-enactment Weekend

We are delighted to announce the return of The History Re-enactment Weekend on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.

Join us for an immersive family-friendly weekend where history comes alive with The Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment. Step back in time to the Civil War period as the Regiment re-creates the life and times of the turbulent 17^th Century.

This two-day event features live re-enactments including military displays with firing muskets and cannon fire, officers dining and the feeding of the troops and civilians, plus a live drum jam featuring music from the Civil War.

There will be living history stations within the displays that showcase the lives of civilians and specific military personnel during the English Civil War period, focusing on the story behind the much-loved novel, and later TV show, The Children of the New Forest.

This engaging weekend offers a fantastic opportunity for all ages to learn about and appreciate the rich history of the Civil War era. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious family looking for an educational outing, there’s something for everyone!

The Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment is part of the English Civil War Society, an organisation of enthusiasts that gather to re-enact the English Civil Wars and re-create 17^th Century life.

Please note: Drill displays at 11am and 3pm on the Arena include firing muskets and three cannon firings.

TICKETS & PRICES

*Children under 4 require a ticket, this can be booked online free of charge when booking your adult tickets. 

Living History Stations

From pikemen and musketeers to an artillery crew, see Civil War military displays as they would have been set up in the 17^th Century.

See the mess tent in action as The Colonel of The Regiment dine and see the civilian counterparts showcasing 17^th Century domestic crafts.

Demonstrations showcasing 17^th Century artisans from a flax tent maker, an ale house, a warrener and an apothecary.

2026 Timetable of Features

*2026 timetable coming soon. Please see below for an example timetable of features from 2025!

Make sure to visit the Living History stations throughout the day, you may also be stopped by the Regiments’ patrol around the Beaulieu site!

• 10.15am: Troops Muster – Watch an informal gathering of the troops ahead of the days activities, demonstrating the strategic preparation for battle
• 11am: Drill Display in the Arena – Witness the discipline of the military as the re-enactors showcase drill techniques from the Civil War. Includes firing muskets and three cannon firings.
• 11.45am: Kids Drill – Young recruits are invited to join in the fun at the Living History Stations!
• 1pm: Cloister Tour – Join a free informal tour of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks from over 800 years ago! Meeting point is at the Cloister entrance.
• 1pm: Feeding of the troops and civilians – Enjoy a glimpse into the daily routines of civilians and the traditions of feeding the troops
• 1.30pm: Officers Dining – Witness a re-enactment of the officers dining at the Officers Tent
• 1.45pm: Falconry – Watch Lord Montagu’s falconer exercise his birds on the lawns of Palace House.
• 2pm: Cloister Tour – Join a free informal tour of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks from over 800 years ago! Meeting point is at the Cloister entrance.
• 2.15pm: ‘Drum Jam’ – Experience the sounds of mass drummers and music from the Civil War. Drumming and fifing played a vital role on the battlefield from transmitting orders to keeping time to boosting morale
• 3pm: Drill Display in the Arena – Witness the discipline of the military as the re-enactors showcase drill techniques from the Civil War. Includes firing muskets and three cannon firings.
• 3pm: Cloister Tour – Join a free informal tour of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks from over 800 years ago! Meeting point is at the Cloister entrance.
• 3.45pm: Kids Drill – Young recruits are invited to join in the fun at the Living History Stations
• 3.45pm: Falconry – Watch Lord Montagu’s falconer exercise his birds on the lawns of Palace House.
• 4pm: Cloister Tour – Join a free informal tour of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks from over 800 years ago! Meeting point is at the Cloister entrance.
• 5pm: Event Closes