Napoleonic Re-enactment Weekend - Bringing History to Life at Hole Park

One of the most memorable ways to experience history first hand is to attend a living history event.

One of the biggest and best Napoleonic re-enactment events in Kent will again be held in the impressive grounds of the Hole Park Estate in Rolvenden, Kent on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May 2017.

The Napoleonic Re-enactment Weekend, organised by The Napoleonic Association of Great Britain, aims to transport visitors back in history to a time when Europe was in the grip of French dictator Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte … whose plans included invading the United Kingdom via Kent!  The event will include thrilling and skilfully re-enacted battles, a period tented camp, horses, guides and even recruitment and training sessions for children. Stalls and activities, including a Hog Roast and Real Ale tent, in keeping with the historic period (1793-1815), will add to the two-day event’s authentic atmosphere.

New this year will be the opportunity to get even closer to the action by booking onto one of two daily tours specially organised to ensure visitors can experience some of the most interesting elements of the event including preparing canons for fire and a tour of both the French and English encampments!

Napoleon himself, in the person of renowned look-alike John Holmwood, will appear on both days to lead skirmishes and re-enact scenes from this key period leading to the Battle of Waterloo, over 200 years ago.  

As well as thrilling demonstrations of Cavalry Arms Skills, Drills, Artillery Displays, Parades and Skirmishes look out for the beautifully dressed regency ladies, who will be bringing a touch of Jane Eyre to Hole Park.

Included in the admission ticket the Napoleonic Re-enactment Weekend will be entry into the award winning Hole Park Gardens which was crowned Kentish Garden of the Year 2016 by Kent Life and Visit Kent.  At this time of year visitors can enjoy plenty of late spring colour including wisteria, roses, clematis and lavender.