Step Back in Time at Milton Keynes Museum’s History Festival
2026-04-27T14:55:18Z
Looking for a brilliant family day out this May? Milton Keynes Museum is bringing history to life once again with the return of its much-loved History Festival — and it’s set to be bigger, louder and even more hands-on than ever.
📅 Saturday 9 May & Sunday 10 May
Travel Through 2,000 Years in One Weekend
For one special weekend, the Museum grounds will transform into a living timeline, packed with re-enactors from across the centuries. From Romans to the Civil War, you’ll get to see, hear and experience what life was really like in the past.
And this isn’t a “look but don’t touch” kind of event — far from it. Here, history is something you can truly get stuck into.
Hands-On Fun for All Ages
Kids (and grown-ups!) can dive straight into history with interactive activities, including:
- Trying your hand at pottery
- Handling real historical artefacts
- Learning women’s self-defence techniques
- Watching live demonstrations like smelting and Roman leatherwork
New for This Year 👀
The Ancient Craft group will be joining the festival, showcasing:
- Flint knapping
- Stone Age fire lighting
- Bronze casting
Meet the People of the Past
Throughout the weekend, you’ll encounter a fascinating mix of historical characters:
- Romano-British life (43–120 AD) brought to life by The Vicus
- Roman traders selling goods — maybe even a torc or two!
- Anglo-Saxons arriving on site
- Medieval life explored by Chanz Des Reis
- English Civil War soldiers, including Robarte’s Regiment of The Sealed Knot
Did you know? Nearby Newport Pagnell played a key role during the Civil War as a fortified Parliamentarian town.
Watch Out for Highwaymen!
Keep your eyes peeled as you explore — not everyone roaming the grounds is friendly. You may encounter highwaymen demanding you “Stand and Deliver!”
Consider yourself warned…
Discover Local History Along the Way
The festival also celebrates the rich heritage of the local area, with plenty of surprising facts to uncover:
- The historic Bull Inn in Stony Stratford could once stable up to 70 horses
- The Bloomer locomotive, now at the Museum, was developed by James McConnell
- Its predecessor was so wide it damaged stations — earning the nickname “Mac’s Mangle”
A Perfect Family Day Out
Museum Director Bill Griffiths sums it up perfectly:
“This is always an absolute highlight of our annual calendar, and this year will be no exception, after all, it’s not every day you get to chat with a Roman trader, or experience the drama of the Civil War.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Even better? Your ticket doesn’t just cover the festival…
🎟️ Pay once and enjoy free entry to the Museum for a whole year
Plan Your Visit
With live demonstrations, immersive experiences and plenty of surprises around every corner, the History Festival is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and keep the whole family entertained.
👉 Find out more at: miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
Top tip: Wear comfy shoes, bring your curiosity… and maybe keep a close eye on your valuables. Those highwaymen mean business!
