In 1651, the Battle of Worcester brought the English Civil Wars to a dramatic close.
Now, 375 years on, Worcester and Worcestershire is marking the anniversary with a programme of events, exhibitions and living history experiences that explore the stories, places and people connected to this defining moment.
From large-scale re-enactments to expert talks and hands-on workshops, this is your guide to commemorating the anniversary across Worcester and the wider county. Planning a cultural break in Worcestershire? There’s no better time to discover the county’s 17th-century heritage.
Oak Apple Day and Royal Carriage Trail
Monday 25 May (10am–4pm) | Trail runs Friday 22 – Sunday 31 May | The Commandery
Mark the restoration of the crown during May half term with a family-friendly day of living history. Oak Apple Day commemorates the return of Charles II to the throne in 1660.
Expect musket firing, pike drills and expert talks on Bank Holiday Monday. Throughout half term, follow a trail of decorated miniature carriages and create your own Oak Apple mobile to take home.
Usual admission applies, plus £3.50 for trail and activity bag.
The Sealed Knot at Hartlebury Castle
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July (11am–5pm) | Hartlebury Castle
Witness a spectacular Civil War skirmish as The Sealed Knot recreate The Battle of Hartlebury. The castle grounds will transform into a 17th-century encampment, complete with demonstrations, displays and interactive activities.
A great opportunity to see tactics, drill and daily life brought vividly to life.
Advance booking recommended via hartleburycastle.com.
Commemorative Parade and Drumhead Service
Thursday 3 September | Worcester City Centre to Fort Royal Park
Join the Battle of Worcester Society as they parade through the city to Fort Royal for a Drumhead Service of Remembrance. This moving event honours those who fought and died in and around Worcester during the English Civil Wars.
Free to attend. Just turn up.
The Last Battle – 375th Anniversary
Saturday 5 September (10am–4pm) | The Commandery
Commemorate the deciding battle in the former Royalist Headquarters. Enjoy a full day of talks, living history displays and crafts, alongside a parade of 17th-century soldiers through the city.
Discover Civil War weaponry with musket and pike drills from Worcester Reenactors, explore battlefield surgery techniques, and choose your side before decorating your own wooden standard to take home.
Included with admission.
Talks, Tours and Workshops: Dig Deeper into the 17th Century
Looking to explore the era in more detail? Worcester’s museums, archives and historic venues are hosting a packed programme throughout the year.
The Realities of 17th-Century Cosmetics
Saturday 14 March (2–3pm) | Tudor House Museum
Dr Sharon Young examines beauty, fashion and cosmetics of the period.
Suggested £4 donation; free to Friends. Booking via tudorhouse.org.uk.
17th-Century Cathedral Library and Archive Tours
Weekdays (10am–4pm) | Worcester Cathedral Library and Archive
Explore Stuart-era books and original documents.
By appointment. Charges apply.
The City of Worcester in the 17th Century
Until 15 May | Worcester Cathedral Library and Archive
A free display revealing Worcester’s social history through archive materials.
The Battle of Worcester – Behind the Scenes Tour
15 May (7–8.15pm) | The Hive
Get up close to original documents and archaeological finds linked to the battle.
£6, booking required.
17th-Century Papercutting Workshop
16 May & 19 September (10.30am–12.30pm) | The Commandery
Learn intricate papercutting techniques to decorate a trinket box.
£22.50. If you’d like to look around The Commandery, you can get half-price general admission from the shop on the day of the workshop.
Battle Wound Treatment During the English Civil War
Saturday 20 June (4–5pm) | The Commandery
Medical historian Kevin Goodman demonstrates surgical techniques used before antiseptics and antibiotics.
£10, book via Museums Worcestershire.
The Civil Wars in 100 Objects
Sunday 12 July (1–2pm) | The Commandery
Professor Andrew Hopper explores how objects reveal stories of conflict, religion and political change.
£10.
The Battle of Worcester Exhibition
10 August – 28 September (8.30am–10pm daily) | The Hive
View documents and archaeological discoveries that shed light on 3 September 1651.
Free entry.
English Civil War Fiction
Sunday 30 August (1–2pm) | The Commandery
Author Charles Cordell discusses historical fiction inspired by the 17th century, followed by Q&A and signing.
£10.
Ghosts and Apparitions in the English Civil War
Saturday 24 October (4–5pm) | The Commandery
Professor Darren Oldridge explores reports of visions and spectral armies during the conflict.
£10.
Battle of Worcester Society Monthly Talks
Throughout the year | The Commandery / The Hive
A rolling programme of expert speakers covering topics from disease and crime to monastic life in 17th-century Worcester.
Booking required via thebattleofworcestersociety.com.
Civil War in the Vale
Various dates, April – October | The Almonry, Evesham & local sites
A varied programme of talks, guided walks and hands‑on workshops exploring the Civil War story across the Vale of Evesham. Topics range from the life of musketeers and pikemen to key local engagements including Pershore Bridge, Powick and the Siege of Worcester.
Events include family‑friendly workshops, illustrated talks and outdoor walks at historic locations.
Booking recommended via The Almonry Tourist Information Centre or online.
Victory at The Lost Valley
18 July – 6 September 2026 | Aztec Adventure
A Battle of Worcester‑themed adventure golf experience created especially for Civil War 375. Follow a playful narrative inspired by the events of 1651 as you putt your way through The Lost Valley.
Booking details to be confirmed.
When Spetchley Fell to Flame
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 June 2026 | Spetchley Gardens
A powerful living history re‑enactment weekend exploring Spetchley’s Civil War story. Expect period soldiers, demonstrations and storytelling set within the historic gardens, bringing the conflict’s local impact vividly to life.
Advance booking recommended.
Royal Three Counties Show – Civil War Living History
Friday 12 – Sunday 14 June 2026 | Three Counties Showground
Discover Civil War life at the Royal Three Counties Show, where living history groups will animate the Countryside Arena with demonstrations, displays and encounters inspired by the 17th century.
Included with show admission.
Discover History: Civil War Themed Tours
Various dates in August & September | Worcester City Centre
Explore Worcester’s Civil War stories on guided walking tours led by Discover History. Choose from themes including Women at War and Restoring a City, revealing how conflict reshaped daily life, power and place.
Advance booking required via discoverhistory@aol.com.
Sew Civil War
September 2026 | Forge Mill Needle Museum
A programme of talks, demonstrations and workshops exploring textiles, clothing and lace during the Civil War and Commonwealth period. Highlights include a talk with The Sealed Knot and a specialist lecture on Puritan lace.
Further details to be confirmed.
Battle of Upton
Date to be confirmed | Tudor House Museum
An upcoming programme of exhibitions, talks and guided walks exploring the Battle of Upton and its place within Worcestershire’s wider Civil War story.
Details to follow.
Sensory Civil War Experience Day
Thursday 3 September 2026 | The Myriad Centre
An inclusive, sensory‑led experience designed to make Civil War history accessible through sound, touch and storytelling, created for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Booking via info@myriadcentre.co.uk or 01905 729190.
Civil War 375 – Special Talking Newspaper Edition
Monday 24 August 2026 | Worcester Talking Newspaper for the Blind
A special audio edition dedicated to the Battle of Worcester and Civil War 375, sharing stories, voices and reflections linked to the anniversary.
Free access.
Battle of Worcester Anniversary Walk
Thursday 3 September 2026 | Worcester
Mark the anniversary of the battle with a guided walk tracing key moments and locations from 3 September 1651, led by an expert historian.
Advance booking recommended.
Worcester Walks
Daily, Easter – end of October | Meet at the Guildhall
Regular guided walks offering an introduction to Worcester’s history, including Civil War landmarks and stories woven into the city’s streetscape.
See worcesterwalks.co.uk for details.