Beaulieu tells us:
(All words and photographs from Beaulieu).
History buffs and day-trippers alike are invited to step back in time at A Royal Hunt: History Re-enactment Weekend, a lively and immersive event perfect for all the family. Taking place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July, the popular weekend returns following the success of its debut year. Visitors can experience the sights, sounds and stories of the English Civil War, brought vividly to life by the Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment through interactive displays and authentic re-enactments.
The weekend follows the New Model Army on the hunt for King Charles through the New Forest, leaving visitors to wonder whether he could be hiding somewhere on the Beaulieu Estate. Visitors can encounter a range of 17th century characters at immersive Living History Stations, from pikemen and musketeers to an artillery crew. Guests can step inside the bustling mess tent, observe officers dining as they debate military strategy, and witness the feeding of the troops. Meanwhile, skilled artisans will demonstrate everyday life, including a flax tent maker, an alehouse, a warrener and an apothecary.
The two-day event will feature a packed programme of lively displays. NEW for this year, Sir Richard Grenvile’s Regiment of the Horse will give visitors the chance to experience authentic Civil War cavalry demonstrations. Infantry displays will also take place throughout the weekend, complete with firing muskets and cannons. A live drum jam will showcase how massed drummers boosted morale and helped maintain order, while the ever-popular drill display is not to be missed – and younger visitors can even take part in the kids’ drill.*
Visitors can try their hand at archery, experiencing a skill that once played a vital role in England’s history. These free sessions will be led by a friendly instructor from New Forest Activities. No booking is required, and prizes will be awarded for both the best under-14 and over-14 archer.
The hands-on experiences continue with free, informal tours of Beaulieu’s historic Abbey, offering a detailed insight into its medieval history. Tours run daily at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Visitors can also witness the timeless art of falconry as Lord Montagu’s falconer exercises his birds on the lawns of Palace House at 1.45pm and 3.45pm, a captivating experience for all ages.
This living history event draws inspiration from the classic novel, The Children of the New Forest. Set during the English Civil War, the novel weaves real historical events and figures with the story of four children, offering a unique perspective on how the conflict affected everyday lives. Visitors familiar with the book may recognise scenes and details reflected in the event’s displays.
Tickets for A Royal Hunt: History Re-enactment Weekend are available now at: beaulieu.co.uk/events/history-reenactment-weekend/
Tickets for the History Re-enactment Weekend include admission to the entire Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum and its new gallery, Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story. Visitors can also explore Palace House and its recently refurbished bedrooms, the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey, ride the Monorail, and discover the Secret Army Exhibition. The ticket also covers entry to Little Beaulieu adventure playground, the Brabazon Restaurant, and the interactive exhibition We Had One Of Those, where visitors can step back into the driving seat of cars from their past. To find out more and explore Beaulieu’s full events calendar, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/events
*Displays are subject to change.
