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Wightwick Manor Living History Weekend: The Battle of Tettenhall 910AD

History comes alive this August at Wightwick Manor and Gardens. Step into 910 AD at Wightwick Manor’s Living History Weekend and witness the Battle of Tettenhall as it’s brought to life with Viking battles, crafts, and hands-on family fun.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join us on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, for an unforgettable weekend of living history as the Vikings of Middle England bring to life one of the most pivotal but lesser-known moments in English history. Travel back over 1,100 years to 5 August 910, when the combined forces of Anglo-Saxon Wessex and Mercia struck a decisive blow against the Northumbrian Vikings - right here in the Smestow Valley.

Throughout the weekend, you will experience dramatic Viking vs Saxon battle re-enactments (at 11:30am and 2:30pm) and a wide range of hands-on historical activities for all ages throughout the day. Try your hand at coin striking, jewellery casting, candle making, rune writing, ancient calligraphy and more. Discover traditional games, household crafts, and learn more about early medieval life through weaponry and armour displays.

Set against the backdrop of Wightwick Manor, a site believed to be within the original battlefield landscape, this is a rare opportunity to experience history in the very place it may have happened. Perfect for families, history lovers and curious minds, it’s a chance to explore the Anglo-Saxon world like never before.

Normal admission charges apply, small charge for some activities. No booking is required. Our car park may become full during busy periods, so please consider car sharing, walking, or using public transport if you are able.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

The event will take place mainly on grassed areas in the gardens, some areas will also be access via sloped ground.

Meeting point

Please check in at our Visitor Reception on arrival where you will be directed to where activities will be taking place.

Suitability for children

Everyone welcome

What to bring and wear

Please dress for the weather of the day - some activities will take place on grassed areas, which may become muddy is wet.

Other

There may be a small extra charge for some activities made directly to the Vikings of Middle England - please bring cash.

Upcoming events

Exhibition - The Rossettis: Siblings and Spouses 

Discover the remarkable creative world of one of Victorian Britain’s most talented families in a major new exhibition at Wightwick Manor, featuring new acquisitions, rediscoveries and rarely seen works from the Rossetti circle.

Event summary

on
28 Jul to 8 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 103 other dates or times

Quantum Theatre presents 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny' - Outdoor Theatre 

Join Quantum Theatre on the lawn at Wightwick Manor and Gardens for a much-loved adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

Event summary

on
29 Jul 2026
at 18:00 to 19:30

Summer of Play - Free family Yoga sessions with Yogi Heather 

Join Heather our onsite yoga teacher Friday mornings throughout the summer holidays for a family friendly yoga class; designed for parents and children to enjoy together.

Event summary

on
31 Jul to 28 Aug 2026
at 10:20 to 11:00+ 4 other dates or times

Summer of Play at Wightwick Manor and Gardens - Family Craft Activities 

Join us every Wednesday in August for family fun and creativity in the great outdoors.

Event summary

on
5 Aug to 26 Aug 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 3 other dates or times