Longwoods 2025 Visitor Information & Schedule

The Upper Thames Military Reenactment Society and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority present the Battle of Longwoods on May 3rd and 4th, 2025. Re-enactors from across North America come together to recreate military and camp life in Southwestern Ontario during the War of 1812. Enjoy tours, demonstrations, and a daily battle.

The gates will open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am and the site will be open until 4:00 pm. A variety of activities are available each day. There will be period merchants open daily, and visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the Ska-Nah-Doht Village. Children’s games and rope making near the cabins will be available all day. In addition to the battle, we will have demonstrations from the surgeon, a performance by the Crown Forces Drums, Artillery presentations, camp tours, and more!

The 2025 schedule is still being finalized, but below you can see last year’s schedule to give you an idea of the activities on offer:

10:00Gates Open to Public
10:00Battalion Drill
British Forces perform their daily drill in preparation for the Battle of the Longwoods.

Battlefield
11:15Camp Tour
Join a British officer to explore how the officers and men of the British army lived in camp in 1812.
Pavilion
11:30Surgeon
Surgical knowledge was rapidly changing in the early 19th C. Our surgeon will demonstrate how to deal with common wounds and diseases of the time.
Pavilion
12:30War Council
British officers negotiate with Indigenous leaders about the upcoming battle.
Ska Nah Doht Village
1:15Camp Tour
Join a British officer to explore how the officers and men of the British army lived in camp in 1812.
Pavilion
2:00Music Demonstration
Hear a sample of military music from the Drums, Crown Forces, 1812.
Battlefield
2:15Cannon Demonstration
In the early 19th C artillery was an important part of military strategy. See how these guns were loaded and fired and how they were used.
Battlefield
2:30Battle Demonstration
British, Indigenous, and American Forces will demonstrate the military tactics of the period.
Battlefield
3:00Mini-Militia
Following the battle, youngsters who want to be soldiers will be trained in the drill and discipline required of a soldier in 1812.
Battlefield
4:00Gates Close