As you delve deeper into your love for history, you might find that the traditional museum tour or history book is no longer enough to satiate your curiosity. What if you could actually set foot on the very sites where significant battles took place, hear the meticulously researched narratives from professional military historians, and touch the relics of a bygone era? Today, let’s journey together through some of the most iconic battlefields in the United Kingdom. We’ll explore where you can enjoy guided tours led by military historians, immersing yourself in the captivating stories and events that shaped the history of this great nation.
Battlefields of the English Civil War
For your first historical exploration, we recommend starting with sites from the English Civil War, a series of armed conflicts and political machinations that took place between 1642 and 1651. Directed by military historians, you’ll delve into this turbulent period of English history, marked by the struggle for power between the monarchy and parliament.
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Edgehill in Warwickshire
The Edgehill Battlefield in Warwickshire offers an unrivalled view into the first pitched battle of the English Civil War. The Battle of Edgehill took place on October 23, 1642, and it was notable for its inconclusive outcome, which set the stage for a protracted war. Guided tours, led by military historians witness the sites of key military tactics and the extensive artillery duel that took place here.
Naseby in Northamptonshire
Considered the decisive battle of the First English Civil War, the Battle of Naseby is another site worth your visit. Here, you can join a guided tour led by a military historian, who will vividly narrate the events of June 14, 1645. On this day, the Parliamentarian New Model Army, commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, decisively defeated King Charles I’s main field army.
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Battlefields of the War of the Roses
Your historical journey continues with the War of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the throne of England fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Bosworth Field in Leicestershire
You can walk the ground of the Battle of Bosworth Field, arguably one of the most significant battles in English history. This site in Leicestershire offers guided tours led by historians, who re-tell the story of the war that ended on August 22, 1485. This marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the rise of the Tudor dynasty.
Towton in North Yorkshire
Another noteworthy battlefield from this period is Towton, considered hosting one of the bloodiest battles in English history. As you travel through the battlefield, your guide will recount the events of Palm Sunday, 1461, when an estimated 28,000 men lost their lives in the snow.
Battlefields of the Scottish Wars of Independence
Lastly, we shall traverse the battlefields of the Scottish Wars of Independence, a series of military campaigns fought between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
Bannockburn in Stirling
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Battle of Bannockburn site. This battlefield offers guided tours with historians, providing you with a comprehensive recount of the events of 23 and 24 June 1314, where the Scottish King Robert the Bruce achieved a remarkable victory against the larger English army.
Stirling Bridge in Stirling
Finally, pay a visit to Stirling Bridge, the site of another significant Scottish victory. The battlefield offers guided tours that bring to life the historic day of 11 September 1297, when Andrew de Moray and William Wallace led the Scottish army to a surprising victory over the English.
These are just a handful of the many historical battlefields in the UK that offer guided tours with military historians. Each tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the past, and truly appreciate the epic tales of war, victory, and loss that have shaped our world. These sites serve as important reminders of the tumultuous path of our collective history, and the enduring spirit of the people who lived through these events.
Battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars
The Battle of Waterloo, a defining moment in European history, is another must visit for history enthusiasts. This battlefield in Belgium, although not in the UK, is accessible through various UK-based battlefield tour operators. This decisive battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the beginning of a prolonged period of peace in Europe.
Anglia Tours, a leading educational travel company in the UK, offers guided history tours to various Napoleonic battlefields, including Waterloo. Here, you can tread the ground where the Allied forces, led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, clashed with Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army on 18 June 1815.
On this battlefield tour, military historians offer an insightful narrative of the events that led up to the battle and its aftermath, including the formation of the Seventh Coalition and the exile of Napoleon. You can view tour details on their website or call email to speak expert guides for more information. For a quote trip, you can also email team at Anglia Tours.
Battlefields of the World Wars
The World Wars, although a grim period in human history, were significant in shaping the political and social landscape of the 20th century. A number of key battles of these wars took place on the Western Front, extending from the Belgian coast to the Swiss border.
Several UK-based tour operators such as Guild Battlefield offer guided tours to these battlefields, led by expert military historians. These battlefield guides provide a detailed recount of the major events of the wars, bringing you face to face with the harsh realities of the battles that took place.
These battlefield tours take you through various sites, including the infamous trenches and the war memorials dedicated to the fallen soldiers. You can visit their website or call email to speak expert guides and book your place on a battlefield tour.
Exploring historic battlefields offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding of the pivotal events that have shaped our world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or simply a curious traveller, guided history tours led by military historians provide a unique and immersive experience.
From the English Civil War to the War of the Roses, the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Napoleonic Wars, and the World Wars, each battlefield bears testament to the resilience of humanity amidst conflict and adversity. If you’re interested in delving deeper into these significant periods of history, a battlefield tour could be the perfect trip type for you.
For a more personalised experience, it’s advisable to call email and speak expert guides before your visit. They can provide more information about the trip and offer a quote trip according to your preferences. Whether you choose to explore on your own or with a group, the stories of these historic battles await you. Embark on a journey back in time and witness how these battlefields have stood the test of time, serving as lasting reminders of our shared history.
