Living History at Kimbolton Castle

Tickets are now on sale for History Alive: Knights, Queens and Time Machines, an immersive living history spectacular bringing nearly 2,000 years of British history to life in the stunning grounds of Kimbolton Castle.

Step through the centuries

History will burst into life at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire this May Bank Holiday as more than 200 re-enactors, storytellers, enthusiasts and performers transform the Castle grounds into a vibrant timeline of Britain’s past.

Set within the grounds of Kimbolton School, Kimbolton Castle is best known as the final home of Katherine of Aragon, providing a powerful and authentic backdrop for a weekend filled with the sights, sounds and stories of history.

Organised by the Kimbolton School Parents’ Association, this two-day event invites visitors of all ages to explore immersive living history camps spanning multiple eras.

Explore living history through the ages

Visitors will be able to discover authentic encampments and displays representing:

• Roman Britain
• The Medieval period
• Tudor court life
• The English Civil War
• Williamite and Georgian pageantry
• The First and Second World Wars

Specialist historical groups will demonstrate how people lived, worked and fought throughout history, combining battlefield tactics with domestic crafts and everyday life.

Spectacular displays & demonstrations

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy thrilling performances and dramatic historical action, including:

• A spectacular Elizabethan four-horse Tudor joust
• A War of the Roses late Medieval grand battle
• Skirmishes featuring muskets and cannons
• Sword and pike drills
• An array of incredible WWII vehicles

Tudor households and Elizabethan performers will appear alongside late Medieval combat displays and English Civil War living history. The Williamite and Georgian eras — reflecting the Castle’s Vanbrugh heritage — will feature horse and cannon displays in the main battle arena.

Twentieth-century history comes alive

Modern history will be strongly represented with large-scale displays featuring:

• British Army and American Forces re-enactors
• The 8th USAAF
• The Matlock Pals
• The Long Range Desert Group (LRDG)
• The 82nd Airborne Infantry Division

Visitors can explore desert jeeps as seen in the hit TV show Rogue Heroes, alongside displays from local heritage groups connected to former WWII airbases including Podington and Kimbolton, helping recreate wartime Britain and base life.

Crafts, stalls & food

Alongside the living history experiences, visitors can browse around 30 traditional period and craft stalls, with more to be announced soon.

Live heritage crafting demonstrations will include:

• Copper work
• Glass work
• Painting
• Traditional artisan skills

A variety of food concessions will be available throughout the weekend, including classic cream teas and refreshments — perfect for enjoying a full day at the event.