Talks (in programme order)

8. Churchill & De Gaulle: Allies and Rivals
Tim Bouverie | 18:45 – 19:45 | Tue, 23 June

12. Collapse: A Global History of the Second World War, 1931–1941
Jonathan Fennell | 10:00 – 11:00 | Wed, 24 June

20. The Long Death of Adolf Hitler
Caroline Sharples | 11:30 – 12:15 | Wed, 24 June

23. A Thousand Miracles: From Surviving the Holocaust to Judging Genocide
Theodor Meron and Zoe Flood | 14:00 – 15:00 | Wed, 24 June

39. Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire
Paul Beaver | 20:00 – 21:00 | Wed, 24 June

Second World War Morning – The War at Sea: Thursday 25 June

This year’s dedicated Second World War Morning on Thursday 25 June turns the spotlight to the maritime conflict that shaped the course of the war. Featuring leading historians and gripping first-hand accounts, these sessions explore the Battle of the Atlantic, U-boat warfare and the vital convoy system, revealing how control of the seas proved decisive to ultimate Allied victory.

41. WW2 at Sea: Overview of the Maritime War
Stephen Prince with James Holland | 10:00 – 10:45 | Thu, 25 June

45. WW2 at Sea: Wolfpack – Inside Hitler’s U-Boat
Roger Moorhouse | 11:00 – 11:45 | Thu, 25 June

49. WW2 at Sea: Convoys
Chris Gatenby | 12:00 – 12:45 | Thu, 25 June

53. Radar, Huff-Duff and Cables: British Naval War 1940-42
N.A.M. Rodger | 14:00 – 15:00 | Thu, 25 June

57. Advance Britannia: How the Second World War Was Won, 1942–1945
Alan Allport | 15:45 – 16:45 | Thu, 25 June

63. HMS Urge: The Submarine that Vanished
Timmy Gambin | 17:15 – 18:15 | Thu, 25 June

66. Tank Command: How the Tank Changed the Face of Battle
Hamish De Bretton-Gordon with James Holland | 18:45 – 19:30 | Thu, 25 June

The Naughtie Forties
Phil Craig | 20:15 – 21:15 | Thu, 25 June

71. Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa
Saul David | 10:00 – 11:00 | Fri, 26 June

82. Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe
Katja Hoyer | 14:15 – 15:15 | Fri, 26 June

89. “Happy are the Painters”: Discovering Churchill
Philip Mould with James Holland & Al Murray | 17:30 – 18:30 | Fri, 26 June

100. The Hitler Years: Holocaust, 1933–45
Frank McDonough with Paul McGann | 10:00 – 11:00 | Sat, 27 June

109. The Traitors Circle: The Rebels Against the Nazis and the Spy Who Betrayed Them
Jonathan Freedland | 14:00 – 15:00 | Sat, 27 June

127. Hood vs. Bismarck
James Holland with Al Murray | 10:00 – 11:00 | Sun, 28 June

137. Operation Pimento: My Great Grandfather’s Escape
Adam Hart | 12:45 – 13:30 | Sun, 28 June

138. Never Again: Is Britain’s Remembrance Culture Working?
Angela Findlay, Henry Montgomery, James Holland & Al Murray | 13:45 – 14:45 | Sun, 28 June

142. SAS: Great Escapes and an Extraordinary Mission
Damien Lewis | 15:15 – 16:15 | Sun, 28 June

Experiences – some require additional booking

SOE Training Camp – Thursday – Sunday. Check programme for details. Book Now

Our hugely popular SOE Training Camp is back for 2026! This unique experience is the perfect opportunity for kids and adults to learn the skills and techniques of espionage from the Second World War.

The Trench Experience – Thursday – Sunday. Check programme for details. Book Now

Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the Second World War in our immersive Trench Experience.

Performance, Live Music & Living History – included in your entrance ticket

D-Day Darlings

The UK’s premier wartime group, The D-Day Darlings, return to Chalke with their selection of stunning original songs and reimagined arrangements of popular wartime songs, bringing the sound and sentiment of the era up to date. Find out more

History’s Maid

Historian and performer Dr Kate Vigurs brings to life the extraordinary stories of trailblazing women who shaped the course of the Second World War. Through gripping storytelling and meticulous research, she uncovers the courage, resilience and daring of those who operated in the shadows and on the front lines. Find out more

The History Maker

Discover the amazing, true story of the daring British raid on Taranto harbour, based on interviews with Lieutenant Commander John Wellham D.S.C., Pilot of Swordfish E5H of 824 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. Find out more

Royal Navy Beachhead Commandos

Discover the history of the Royal Navy Commandos and their crucial role in major amphibious landings during the Second World War, from intelligence gathering to mine removal. Find out more

The Garrison Artillery Volunteers

Dedicated to rediscovering the technical skills of gunners during the twentieth century. In this thrilling demonstration, the volunteers will show the drills and live firing techniques of the Royal Artillery during the Second World War. Find out more

Join Us At The UK’s Leading History Festival

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