News release | For Immediate Release

Wednesday 13 May 2026

Oak Apple Day is to be celebrated on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May at The Commandery.

Step back in time to 1660 and celebrate King Charles II’s return to the throne on Bank Holiday Monday in a fantastic day of family fun bringing history to life in Worcester.

The day – also known as Pinch-bum Day, Shick Shack Day, or Bumping Day – marks the historic moment when the monarchy returned following the English Civil War.

This year’s celebrations are part of a wider programme of events across Worcestershire to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester in 1651, where The Commandery was at the heart of the action as the Royalist Headquarters. This pivotal last battle of the English Civil War saw Charles II defeated and forced into exile. Where better to mark Charles’ restoration to the throne than right here at The Commandery?

Visitors can watch dramatic musket firing demonstrations in the gardens and take part in interactive pike and cannon drills that allow children and grown-ups alike to step into the role of a Civil War soldier.

The brilliant Worcester Reenactors will transport visitors back to the 17th century with living history demonstrations and insightful talks about Oak Apple Day and Worcester’s place in the English Civil War.

Pop into Little Al’s Kitchen at The Commandery café to enjoy tasty treats and refuel through the day or bring along a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful walled gardens.

Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, says: “Oak Apple Day is a wonderful day out, with something for all the family. We’re especially excited to invite people to join the celebrations in 2026 as part of a year of activities marking the 375th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester.”

General admission to The Commandery applies; there is no advance booking required for Oak Apple Day, which takes place from 10am – 4pm on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May. There is free admission to those with a season or Worcester Residents’ pass to The Commandery.

There are even more fun activities for everyone to enjoy every day throughout the May half-term holiday. Families can enjoy exploring The Commandery together searching for fantastically decorated mini royal carriages around the building. From dragons to swans, they’ll have never seen carriages quite like these! In the craft room, children can even make their very own oak apple leaf mobile to take home (general admission + £3.50 for crafts). There’s no need to book – visitors can just turn up and get stuck in.

For further information, please visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Images attached show:

  1. A musket firing demonstration in The Commandery gardens
  2. Children in costume getting hands on with history at The Commandery
  3. Mini royal carriages in the garden

Opening hours:

The Commandery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm, and Sundays from 10am – 3pm. On bank holidays, it is open from 10am – 4pm.

Events listing:

Oak Apple Day | Bank Holiday Monday 25 May, 10am – 4pm.

Step back in time to 1660 and celebrate Charles II’s return to the crown on Bank Holiday Monday in a fantastic day bringing history to life in Worcester.

Delve into an exciting day of living history for all the family – there’ll be:

  • Fantastic reenactors to encounter as you make your way around The Commandery
  • Musket firing in the gardens
  • Pike and cannon drills for children (and grown-ups!) to get hands-on with
  • History talks about Oak Apple Day and the English Civil War from Worcester Reenactors and The Battle of Worcester Society
  • Enjoy fun family activities: can you find all the beautifully decorated royal carriages around the building? Then, create your own Oak Apple mobile in the craft room (additional £3.50 per child for craft activities)

What is Oak Apple Day?

This spring tradition marks the anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following the English Civil War – and has a special connection to the city of Worcester, the scene of the deciding battle in 1651. Nine years after Charles II hid from Parliamentarian troops in an oak tree following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester, he returned to the throne on 29 May 1660 – this became the annual celebration of Oak Apple Day.

English Civil War 375

In 1651, the Battle of Worcester brought the English Civil Wars to a dramatic close. This final clash which ravaged the heart of the city, left England without a monarch and changed the course of the country’s history.  Now, 375 years on, Museums Worcestershire has joined with Visit Worcestershire to create and promote a programme of exciting events connected to this defining moment to entertain residents and to attract visitors into the city and county.
A full list of events taking place across Worcestershire can be found at visitworcestershire.org/blog/civil-war-375-whats-on.

The Commandery’s History

The Commandery was founded as a monastic hospital around 1085 by Saint Wulfstan. In 1651, Charles II marched into Worcester and set up his Headquarters in the city, with the commander-in-chief the Duke of Hamilton billeted at The Commandery. The building has also been a family home, a school for the blind, and a printing works.

For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.