11 brilliant battle re-enactments perfect for history fanatics

When history comes to life

Battle re-enactments are a serious pastime for history fans and take place the world over. If you enjoy getting up-close-and-personal to history, why not take a trip to the scene of the action?

Read on as we take a look at the top events and reveal the other historic highlights to see while you're in the area. 

The battle: Battle of Hastings

The most famous date in English history is 1066: when the Norman army led by William the Conqueror landed on the Sussex coast and marched up to meet King Harold’s army near Hastings. The defeat of the English on that day transformed the country's language and culture. Every year in October, English Heritage stages the biggest event in its calendar with a re-enactment at Battle Abbey. Over 500 re-enactors get involved, with replica encampments, falconry displays and markets for visitors to enjoy in between. For young wannabe warriors, there are archery classes and sword schools too.

What to see: Hastings, UK

A trip to Hastings means a fascinating journey through English architecture from the medieval (the old courthouse was built in 1450) through to Victorian times. The castle, built by William the Conqueror himself, sits on top of West Hill with fantastic views across the beach and sea. Britain’s steepest funicular railway, from the old town to the castle, means you can ride up in style.

The battle: Mount Vernon re-enactment, Virginia, USA

Every year in May, the Mount Vernon estate hosts a Revolutionary War Weekend that features battle re-enactments and recreations of life during this transformative time. Hundreds of troops go head-to-head with regiments of British cavalry, infantry and artillery. Although no actual battles took place on the estate, the weekend offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself in American history. 

What to see: Mount Vernon, Virginia, USA

Situated on the banks of the Potomac river in Virginia, Mount Vernon was the family residence of the first American president George Washington. The wooden Palladian mansion, built by Washington’s father in 1734, remained the presidential home until the great man's death in 1799. As well as tours of the house, there are boat cruises, old town visits and combined trips to Washington DC.

The battle: Battle of Naseby, Northamptonshire, UK

During the English Civil War the Parliamentarians under Oliver Cromwell met the Royalists commanded by Prince Rupert near the village of Naseby, Northamptonshire on 14 June 1645. The Parliamentarians won and it was a turning point in the war and sealed King Charles' fate, leading to his execution. Experts in English Civil War re-enactments, The Sealed Knot, put on stunning annual shows, rich in colour, history and drama, at numerous Civil War sites around the UK.

What to see: Northampton, UK

The village of Naseby is just 14 miles (22.5km) north of the county town of Northampton. Situated in the heart of England, this market town is known for its leather working and shoemakers and there's plenty to see in the area. This impressive town hall was built in 1861 in the Gothic style by architect Edward Godwin. Just north of Northampton is the stately home of Althorp where Princess Diana grew up and is buried.

The battle: Battle of Waterloo, Belgium

Putting an end to the French Emperor Napoleon's ambitions, British and Prussian forces met the French army at Waterloo 10 miles (16km) south of Brussels on 18 June 1815. The infamous clash is re-enacted on the historic battlefield annually – an event which has been known to attract some 6,000 spectators and around 2,000 actors, including many from France, Poland, UK, Germany and Russia. The five-year anniversaries are even larger affairs, with the battle's bicentenary in 2015 involving 6,000 performers.

What to see: Waterloo monument, Belgium

Designed by Jean-Baptiste Vifquain, the Lion’s Mound monument was completed in 1826 to commemorate the allied victory at Waterloo. It comprises an artificial hill with a cast-iron lion on top. It’s a short hike to the summit, 226 steps in all, but once you get there, the magnificent view of the whole battlefield area will make it worthwhile.

The battle: Battle of Britain, UK

Be transported back to September 1940 when the famous Spitfire planes took on the German Luftwaffe over the skies of England during the Second World War. The annual airshow events at Headcorn Airfield, Kent comprise aerial displays with Battle of Britain-era aircraft, family-friendly attractions, re-enactments and unique flying experiences you can sign up for.

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What to see: Tunbridge Wells, UK

Just 20 miles (32km) east of Headcorn is the elegant spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Relax in the beautiful English countryside, enjoy the Regency architecture and even try the iron-filled waters – they may be good for you but can you stand the taste? Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor, hence the name Royal, and to this day it's retained its charm with elegant Georgian shopping streets such as The Pantiles, pictured here. 

The battle: Battle of Wolin, Poland

The Festival of Slavs and Vikings usually takes place during July or August every year and commemorates the medieval conflicts between these two rival powers of old Eastern Europe. This includes the 1043 Battle of Wolin, when the Danish king Magnus the Good sacked the Polish island of Wolin, just off the Baltic coast. As well as battle simulations, visitors can see exhibitions of traditional weapons and armour at the festival.

What to see: Wolin Island, Poland

The island of Wolin has its own national park, which is home to a bison reserve, beautiful beech tree forests, steep cliff walks and amazing sandy beaches. Visit the resort town of Międzyzdroje, explore early 19th century Prussian sea defences and climb Kawcza mountain where you will get breathtaking views over the Baltic.

The battle: Battle of Vinegar Hill, Ireland

Inspired by the success of the American Revolution, the Irish rebelled against British rule on 21 June 1798. The uprising was suppressed by 13,000 British soldiers who mounted an attack on the rebels at Vinegar Hill with a death toll of between 10,000 and 30,000. Every year, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre stages a stunning re-enactment of that gory day, known as Rebellion Day.

What to see: County Wexford, Ireland

County Wexford is famous for its natural beauty. Visit the rolling dunes of Curracloe Beach, where Steven Spielberg filmed Saving Private Ryan, or try your hand at water sports at Rosslare Beach. The town of Enniscorthy boasts the Pugin-designed cathedral of St Aidan, while at the Irish National Heritage Park you can find 40 acres of forests and join in falconry and archery. 

The battle: Battle of Almansa, Spain

The Battle of Almansa, Albacete took place on 25 April 1707 between Philip V of Spain and his Hapsburg rival Archduke Charles of Austria. It led to Philip gaining control of most of eastern Spain. The colourful re-enactment is an annual event that takes place in this Eastern Spanish province in April. 

What to see: Albacete, Spain

While in the province of Albacete, visit the plains of La Mancha, made famous by Cervantes in his great novel Don Quixote. The traditional windmills, as featured in the story, still exist at Campo de Criptana. The region is also famous for its natural beauty and the Solana de la Covacha prehistoric caves – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are one of the highlights. 

The battle: Battle of Aquileia, Italy

The ancient Roman city of Aquileia is situated in Italy’s northeast coast on the Adriatic. It was founded in 180 BC as a Roman fortress town against the fierce Carnic Celtic nomads. Every year on the third weekend in June, the Tempora in Aquileia organise 500 actors playing Romans and Celts to take you on a three-day journey full of the warfare, sights and sounds of life two thousand years ago. 

What to see: Aquileia, Italy

Once one of the largest and richest cities within the Roman Empire, Aquileia is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica, built around AD 313, is a treasure trove of mosaics and the ancient city includes a forum, meat market, defensive walls and an amphitheatre.

The battle: Battle of Kawanakajima, Japan

Kawanakajima in North Shinano Province was the site of the bloodiest skirmish between warlords Shingen Takeda and Kenshin Uesugi, who fought in 1561. The 16th century was known as the age of civil war, and considered the height of Japanese chivalry and romance. The re-enactment, a tradition since 1979, is free to watch but for a fee you can learn how to be a samurai.

What to see: Mount Fuji, Japan

The awesome grandeur of Mount Fuji is not to be missed. Situated 62 miles (100km) south of Yamanashi, the sacred mountain is swathed in woodland known as the ‘sea of trees’. The area is also close to the Fuji Five Lakes formed by volcanic eruption.

The battle: Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA

When General Robert E. Lee marched his troops north into Pennsylvania in July 1863, they were met with terrifying force by the unionists under General George Meade at the town of Gettysburg. The unionist victory turned the tide of the Civil War. Every year around the start of July, the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association puts on an evocative display comprising soldiers, cavalry demonstrations and cannon fire.

What to see: Gettysburg memorial, Pennsylvania, USA

A visit to the battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will send shivers down your spine as you step back in time. At the Gettysburg National Military Park you can check out a host of monuments, including this statue of union general Samuel Crawford. Take a trip to the visitors’ centre too which includes a bus tour of the battlefield, a museum of artefacts, film and an immersive panoramic painting.

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