The Butser Gathering
Adult ticket £18, Child £9
THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING NEW
Imagine a place where a Roman can sit beside a Viking, an Iron Age warrior can chat with an Anglo-Saxon, and someone you've never met stops to ask how you made your costume.
Where people share their passions openly, celebrate each other's creativity and enthusiasm, and feel free to step into the world of the past.
Welcome to The Butser Gathering.
We're creating a relaxed, welcoming gathering where history, imagination and community come together in one extraordinary ancient landscape.
Come dressed as a Stone Age hunter, Bronze Age settler, Iron Age warrior, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, medieval character - or anyone inspired by the people and periods of Britain's past.
Whether you've spent months researching and creating your outfit, you're an experienced reenactor, or you're putting together your first historical outfit, you're welcome here.
There are no competitions, no strict period theme and no pressure to perform.
Just come, dress up, explore, share your passion and connect with others.
COME FOR THE COSTUMES. STAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
The Butser Gathering is about more than what you wear.
It's about the conversations, friendships and shared enthusiasm that costumes can create.
Ask someone about their outfit. Tell them what you love about theirs. Share the story behind your character. Talk about the research, craftsmanship and inspiration that went into bringing it to life.
Discover a common interest with someone you've never met.
Whether you're a lifelong reenactor, a history enthusiast, a creative beginner or simply curious, we want you to feel welcome.
Enjoy food and drink, play games, explore the site, get involved in activities or simply soak up the atmosphere and make new connections.
COME AND JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Come with friends.
Come with family.
Come on your own.
Come dressed from the past.
Bring your imagination, your enthusiasm and your curiosity.
Join The Butser Gathering.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Food and drink
Opportunities to meet people and share your passion for history
A relaxed atmosphere where you can spend the day your way
Ancient board games
Ancient crafts and activities
An ancient landscape to explore
Historical costumes from across the ages
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday 14th November
Time: 11:00 - 20:00
Location: Butser Ancient Farm
Dress: Historical dress encouraged - inspired by a real historical period, people or culture.
Parking: £10 per vehicle - limited to 50 spaces.
Tickets: £18 Adult, £9 Child, Under 5s go free
THE BUTSER GATHERING CODE
We're creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their passion, and we ask that everyone follow The Butser Gathering Code.
Celebrate creativity: Appreciate the imagination, research and effort behind people's historical dress, whatever their experience level.
Be welcoming: Start conversations, share enthusiasm and make room for others.
Encourage, don't judge: Everyone has different levels of knowledge, experience and resources. Help people feel part of the community.
Share your passion: Talk about your character, your period, your research and your craftsmanship.
Respect the past and each other: Help us create a gathering that celebrates history while making everyone feel welcome.
The Butser Gathering is something we create together.
GETTING HERE
Please plan your journey
Winter weather can make on-site parking limited.
Where possible, we encourage visitors to arrange a taxi or drop-off, particularly if they want to enjoy a drink during the event.
Clear information about parking and drop-off arrangements will be provided before your visit.
Please don't assume parking is available unless it has been confirmed as part of your booking.
The Butser Gathering isn't designed to be a one-off event.
We're bringing the community together for the very first time this November, and we want the people who join us to help shape what The Butser Gathering becomes.
The costumes you wear, the conversations you have, the people you meet and the passions you share will all become part of its story.
This is where it begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There will be a bar at this event, along with a selection of food traders offering food and refreshments to purchase. You are welcome to bring your own food, but alcohol cannot be brought onto the site.
We accept both cash and card payments, although we recommend bringing some cash as signal can be unreliable on site.
Free drinking water is available from taps around the site, so please bring a reusable bottle.
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Historical dress is encouraged and forms part of the experience. Costume weapons are welcome as part of your outfit, provided they are clearly for display and are not sharp, functional or capable of causing injury.
Live, sharpened or functional weapons are not permitted.
Please be mindful of other visitors, particularly children, when carrying costume weapons, and follow any instructions from Butser staff. We reserve the right to refuse or remove any item we consider unsafe.
No shooting or handling of weapons as demonstrations is permitted unless specifically arranged as part of the event programme.
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Parking is limited, so parking must be booked in advance to help us manage the available spaces.
Where possible, we encourage visitors to car share or arrange drop-offs. If you are attending with friends or family, please consider travelling together where you can.
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Butser Ancient Farm is a completely wheelchair accessible site, although please be aware that paths are rustic and many areas are grass. For more accessibility information, see our accessibility page.
Mobility Scooters: If you use a mobility scooter, please be aware that we don’t recommend using large or bulky scooters if possible due to large crowds.
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If you need a carer, you’re entitled to a free adult ticket to cover them. Please book your other ticket(s) as normal, and then email admin@butserancientfarm.co.uk with your order number and one of the following: evidence of Middle or Higher rate DLA for care and/or mobility; PIP receipt; Access Card +1; evidence of Armed Forces Independent Payment or War Disablement Pension; D/deaf or blind registration; evidence of carer registration; a medical professional’s letter.
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The site opens at 11 am. Please do not arrive before this time, as the gates may remain closed until the event opens.
Last entry is at 5 pm. Please make sure you arrive before this time, as we will not be able to admit visitors after last entry.
The event finishes at 8 pm.
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We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are non-refundable, except where Butser Ancient Farm needs to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
Your event ticket includes access to the event from 11 am until 8pm.
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This event is suitable for all ages. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the event together.
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Unfortunately, we do not have a designated changing room. If you need to change during your visit, you are welcome to use the toilet facilities.
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Please keep your personal belongings with you throughout your visit. Butser Ancient Farm cannot accept responsibility for lost, damaged or unattended belongings.
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Historical dress is encouraged for this event! Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sensible, comfortable footwear suitable for uneven and potentially muddy ground. You may wish to consider layering up underneath your historical outfit to stay warm and comfortable throughout the evening.
You may also wish to bring a blanket or cushion if you would like to make yourself more comfortable when sitting outdoors.
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Please be aware that there will be open fires during this event. Please supervise children carefully and follow any safety instructions given by our event team.
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There will be a bar at the event, as well as opportunities to purchase hot drinks, snacks and gifts from our shop.
We accept cash and card payments, but we recommend bringing some cash as card machine signal can be unreliable on site.
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No alcohol may be brought onto the site. Alcohol will be available to purchase from the event bar.
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Dogs are welcome at this event but must be kept on leads at all times. Please ensure that dogs are supervised and do not disturb other visitors, livestock or event activities.
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Tickets are non-refundable. Refunds will only be offered if Butser Ancient Farm needs to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Please note that this is a special event and is not included with annual pass admission.
Your event ticket provides access to this specific event and does not include general admission to Butser Ancient Farm outside of the event.