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 could 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 included admission to all the Beaulieu attractions, which remained open until 6pm.

The event

This two-day event featured 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 was living history stations within the displays that showcased 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 offered 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 included firing muskets and three cannon firings.

TICKETS & PRICES

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

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

Living History Stations

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

The mess tent was brought to life as the Colonel of the Regiment dined, while civilian counterparts showcased traditional 17th-century domestic crafts.

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

Visitors were encouraged to visit the Living History stations throughout the day, where they could also have encountered patrols from the Regiments around the Beaulieu site.

10am: Living History Opened and Troops Mustered
Troops mustered for informal drill, completed training obligations and received a briefing for the day ahead.
11am: Horse Drill Display
A horse drill display took place in the Parkland Arena.
11.30am: Infantry Drill Display
An infantry drill display took place in the Parkland Arena.
12pm: Kids' Drill
Children took part in drill activities at the Military Living History Station.
1pm: Dinner – Feeding of the Troops
The troops gathered for dinner.
1.30pm: Officers' Dining
The officers gathered for their meal.
2.15pm: 'Drum Jam'
Massed drummers performed alongside music from the Civil War at the Civilian Living History Station.
3pm: Skirmish
A skirmish took place in the Parkland Arena.
3.45pm: Kids' Drill
Children took part in further drill activities at the Military Living History Station.
5pm: Living History Closed
The Living History activities came to an end for the day.

Timetable was 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!

Visitors stepped back in time and experienced 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 could observe the timeless artistry of falconry as Lord Montagu’s falconer exercised his birds on the Lawns of Palace House. The falconry took place at 1.45pm and 3.45pm.
Cloister Tours

Visitors could join a free informal tour of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks from over 800 years ago! Tours took place at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.