CONFIRMED FOR 2025
Our hands-on experiences allow visitors to actively engage with history in a meaningful and memorable way.
Whether you’re exploring a Second World War trench, learning a historic dance, or training to become a secret agent in our SOE Training Camp, the experiences at the festival provide a deeper understanding of the past and offer a chance to truly immerse oneself in history.
ADD-ON TO DAY TICKETS
Purchased separately, experience tickets are additional to your day tickets.
SOE TRAINING CAMP
Our hugely popular SOE Training Camp is back for 2025! This unique experience is the perfect opportunity for kids and adults to learn the skills and techniques of espionage from the Second World War. During the camp, you will be put through your paces as you learn self defence, codes and signals, explosives training, and weapons handling. This is a rare opportunity to learn exciting and unique skills, and it’s perfect for kids and adults who love adventure and espionage. SOE Training Camp is suitable for children and adults aged 7+. Under 13s must be accompanied by an adult. If the accompanying adult is not participating, they do not require an additional ticket.
NEW FOR 2025! MEDIEVAL APOTHECARY – Over 18’s only
Step into our medieval apothecaries’ garden and discover how plants have been used through the centuries,from healing cuts and bruises to dyeing fabrics and creatinginks. Choose from three experiences.
MAKING SIMPLES
A hands-on workshop making herbal preparations with seasonal plants grown locally.
We will be learning about remedies used historically and by modern herbalists including infusions, decoctions, tinctures, vinegars, oxymels, and infused oils and balms. Join our Apothecaries and channel your inner Herbalist and make simples to take home. Suitable for ages 18+
MAKING INK, PIGMENTS AND WRITING MATERIALS
A hands-on workshop considering the pigments, inks, parchment and paper used to record our world in historical manuscripts. Join our Apothecaries and channel your inner Scribe to cut a quill from a feather, use plant pigments to create a mini manuscript. Suitable for ages 18+
PREPARING AND USING DYE STUFFS
A hands-on workshop considering the use of plants to create the historical textile and leather dyes which coloured our world. Join our Apothecaries and dye a sample to take home and use. Suitable for ages 18+
THE VICTORIAN ‘WILD WEST’ EXPERIENCE
In 1887, ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody brought his Wild West exhibition to the people of Victorian Britain, painting a picture of the American frontier as a place of sharpshooters and daring deeds – a picture which lived on in tin can alleys and Hollywood movies. Choose from four have-a-go activities that will transport you to the Victorian ‘Wild West’. Parents do not have to take part with their children, but they should remain at the activity area.
Learn to lasso, gun twirl, and quick draw in our Cowboy Circus Skills workshop. This fun activity is suitable for all ages. This activity lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Our Have-a-Go Archery school offers a unique opportunity to try out Native American bows used on the American plains. Our instructors will be on hand to hone your technique, whether you’re an experienced archer or you’ve never picked up a bow before. Suitable for ages 3+. This activity lasts approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Become a true warrior with Tomahawk Axe Throwing and test your eye to see if you can hit the target in this thrilling (and safe!) activity. Suitable for anyone over 1.2m tall. This activity lasts approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Fancy yourself a John Wayne? Don’t miss our gun slingin’, quick drawin’ Wild West Shooting Range for a chance to have a go with an iconic Colt Peacemaker revolver in a Victorian-style shooting range. Suitable for anyone over 1m tall. This activity lasts approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
THE WW2 TRENCH
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the Second World War. It is 1945, and the troops must secure the area after years of conflict. Join them to discover what it was like for the people on the ground in this immersive and unique experience. Please be aware, there will be smoke, loud noises and the sound of gunfire during the experience.
HISTORIC FAIRGROUND
The historic fairground will be returning to Chalke History Festival! Step back in time and enjoy a ride on the Big Wheel and the Helter Skelter from Downs’ Traditional Steam Fair. Imported from Eli Bridge of America in 1935, the Big Wheel was operated at Butlins holiday camp at Bognor Regis until 1970 when Allan Downs Jnr. acquired the ride. The Helter Skelter was built by Supercar of Warwick in 1952 and spent many years in various amusement parks until it was rescued by Arthur Price and family. One of only a handful of original examples left in existence, it has been lovingly restored and has since travelled all over the world. Additional tickets to be purchased on the day.
