There's been an English civil war, (roundheads versus cavaliers, or "Parliamentarians" & "Royalists" if you prefer), re-enactment at Basing House, Old Basing, every year for ages, but this year they seem to be making a big event of it all. I passed the village on my way home from work this afternoon & the fields around it looked like a mini festival. A platoon of Cromwell's finest paraded through Basingstoke town centre this morning too -very surreal as they passed McDonalds.
I've always fancied going, but never have & unfortunately probably can't make it this year either, but if you're in the area & fancy doing something a bit different, it could be quite interesting. Lots to keep the kids entertained etc.
Basing House is on the outskirts of Basingstoke, Hants, off junction 6 of the M3, (about 30 miles from London), though I'm not sure the motorway would've appeared on Ollie Cromwell's maps.
Both armies come courtesy of the Sealed Knot re-enactment society, who've been doing this stuff for decades & are apparently pretty good at getting killed for the weekend.
Day tickets are a tenner for adults, (Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday). Other prices & more details here:
http://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/site/whats-on/the-battle-of-basing-at-basing-house-p625411
