History Re-enactment Weekend at Beaulieu

The History Re-enactment Weekend returned on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.

History comes alive with this immersive family-friendly weekend with The Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment. Visitors step back in time to the Civil War period as the Regiment re-created the life and times of the turbulent 17^th Century.

This event includes admission to all the Beaulieu attractions, which remain open until 6pm.

The event

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 are 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. From history buffs to curious families 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.

Drill displays in the parkland arena include firing muskets and three cannon firings.

TICKETS & PRICES

Type	Advance	On The Day
Adult	TBC	TBC
Child* (Age 4-16)	TBC	TBC
Family**	TBC	TBC
Adult with Disability	TBC	TBC
Child* with Disability	TBC	TBC
Carer	FREE	FREE

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

Living History Stations

From pikemen and musketeers to an artillery crew, visitors can view Civil War military displays as they would have been set up in the 17th century.

The mess tent is brought to life as the Colonel of the Regiment dine, while civilian counterparts showcase traditional 17th-century domestic crafts.

Demonstrations showcase a range of 17th-century artisans, including a flax tent maker, an alehouse, a warrener and an apothecary.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Living History stations throughout the day, where they can also encounter patrols from the Regiments around the Beaulieu site.

10am: Living History Opens and Troops Muster
Troops muster for informal drill, complete training obligations and receive a briefing for the day ahead.
11am: Horse Drill Display
A horse drill display takes place in the Parkland Arena.
11.30am: Infantry Drill Display
An infantry drill display takes place in the Parkland Arena.
12pm: Kids' Drill
Children take part in drill activities at the Military Living History Station.
1pm: Dinner – Feeding of the Troops
The troops gather for dinner.
1.30pm: Officers' Dining
The officers gather for their meal.
2.15pm: 'Drum Jam'
Mass drummers perform alongside music from the Civil War at the Civilian Living History Station.
3pm: Skirmish
A skirmish takes place in the Parkland Arena.
3.45pm: Kids' Drill
Children take part in further drill activities at the Military Living History Station.
5pm: Living History Closes
The Living History activities came to an end for the day.

Timetable is subject to change.

Sir Richard Grenvile’s Regiment of Horse

NEW for this year, Sir Richard Grenvile’s Regiment of Horse attended the History Re-enactment Weekend, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Civil War cavalry demonstrations.

Try your hand at archery!

NEW for 2026, visitors could step back in time and experience a skill that once played a vital role in England’s past. As part of the English Civil War-themed activities, visitors were invited to try their hand at archery, just as soldiers would have done during the English Civil War.

Free archery sessions ran from 10.30am to 5pm*, with a friendly instructor from New Forest Activities on hand to provide guidance.

No booking was required; visitors simply visited the archery range on the day, took aim and put their skills to the test.

Prizes were awarded in the under-14 and over-14 categories.

*A short break for lunch took place at 1pm for 30 minutes. At peak times, there could be a queue.

Falconry

Visitors can observe the timeless artistry of falconry as Lord Montagu’s falconer exercises his birds on the Lawns of Palace House.
Cloister Tours

Visitors can join a free informal tour of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks from over 800 years ago!