Victorian Weekend: An Immersive Living History Event
22 & 23 August 2026
Encounter the Ragged Victorians across the Museum — from the rat catcher and his scurrying companions to sharp-eyed street urchins, rogues and wandering vagabonds. Watch the Rifle Brigade put new recruits through their paces with drill and discipline, and take your place in the Victorian schoolroom, where neat handwriting and good behaviour are expected at all times.
Explore historic buildings and the heritage farmyard to see how ordinary Victorians lived and worked — and for a lighter moment, brave the swing boats for a taste of traditional fairground fun (additional charge applies). But stay alert… quick fingers and cunning characters may be closer than you think.
People You’ll Meet
Keep an eye out for shady characters as you explore the museum. You may encounter a rat catcher and his rats, street urchins, rogues and vagabonds lurking around the site..
Encamped within a small country village, with a view to exercise the Battalion and attempt to grab some recruits from the local populace. It has also been rumoured that the local peelers may also appreciate some support from the Regiment due to reports of some down and out characters hanging around the cottages and public houses!
Discover how working-class Victorians lived and worked, but stay alert — pickpockets may be about!
Experience a Victorian School Day
Step into a traditional Victorian classroom and discover what school life was like in nineteenth-century Britain. Take your seat at a wooden desk, practise handwriting on a slate, recite your times tables and follow the strict rules set by the schoolmaster.
Ride the Victorian Swing Boats
Step back into the lively atmosphere of a traditional Victorian fairground and enjoy a ride on the swing boats. Climb aboard and see how high you can swing, just as Victorian families once did at travelling fairs and celebrations. A perfect way to experience the lighter side of Victorian life.
Additional charge applies.
Meet the Re-enactors
The Ragged Victorians pride themselves on their commitment to understanding the realities of working-class life in the nineteenth century. Drawing on historical research and real accounts, they bring to life the streets, homes and workplaces of the Victorian poor — from casual labour and domestic service to street trading and daily survival.
We are also joined by the Victorian British Army Rifle Brigade Regiment. A network of dedicated re-enactment societies committed to accurately portraying nineteenth-century Britain. With carefully researched uniforms, drill and equipment, they bring the discipline and daily life of the Victorian British Army to life.
Event Information
This is a Premium Admission Day
Free entry for COAM Annual Members
Activities take place between 11am and 4pm
General Museum Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer.