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Calling all history buffs! Celebrate the Festival of Archaelology at National Turst places in the South West
If the two of you share a passion for history and are looking for something to fuel that interest in a bit for escape from the pressures of wedding planning, read on! The Festival of Archaeology is the biggest archaeological celebration in the UK and is organised by the Council for British Archaeology. Whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, there are plenty of opportunities to discover more about the places in the Trust's care, taking place during the summer.
National Trust places in the South West will be running activities ranging from guided walks, finds handling, talks, children’s activities, surveying and excavations to help members and visitors to find out more about archaeology.
At Chedworth, visitors have opportunity to connect with Roman Britain through hands-on experiences that bring archaeology to life. The Festival of Archaeology programme allows guests to handle 1,800-year-old artefacts, discover archaeological treasures in the dig box, and witness the conservation team cleaning one of Britain's finest mosaics.
James Ball, Chedworth Visitor Experiences Manager, says: "We're particularly excited to display some of the Roman Empire's rarest coins and offer behind-the-scenes insights into post-excavation processes. The highlight will be exclusive tours led by former National Trust archaeologist Martin Papworth, who will share first-hand accounts of his groundbreaking discoveries, including Britain's only known 5th century mosaic."
Meanwhile, Dunster Castle has 1,000 years of history, but how did it all begin? From Norman conquest to English Civil War, become a heritage explorer and trace the castle’s earlier story, as well as having the opportunity to watch on as one of the archaeologists conducts a geophysical survey of Green Court, searching for remains of the medieval castle.
Cat Lodge, National Trust South West Archaeologist, says: "The Festival is such a great opportunity for everyone, whatever age, to ignite their imagination and get involved in all thing's archaeology. Archaeology helps us tell the stories of the places that we care for, revealing their longer histories of use and people. Through the earthworks of lost landscapes, buildings, buried remains and artefacts, we can make connections with past communities and understand more about the lives that they led. Come to the National Trust properties taking part and be inspired by what there is to enjoy."
Here are a few of the other places taking part in the South West, please check website for details:
Barrington Court
Heritage Explorer Challenge From 19 July – 3 August
Pick up a free trail sheet at Visitor Reception and see if you can complete this self-led heritage explorer challenge. Discover six archaeological features around the estate which help to tell Barrington Court's story. Whilst you are exploring, pop into Strode House to find the timeline of Barrington Court. This tells the story of the property from the Romans to the present day.
Heritage Explorer Challenge From 19 July – 3 August
Pick up a free trail sheet at Visitor Reception and see if you can complete this self-led heritage explorer challenge. Discover six archaeological features around the estate which help to tell Barrington Court's story. Whilst you are exploring, pop into Strode House to find the timeline of Barrington Court. This tells the story of the property from the Romans to the present day.
Montacute House
From 19 July – 3 August
Discover six fascinating historical features in and around the gardens that you may well never have known were there. Pick up a free leaflet from Visitor Reception and uncover some fascinating nuggets of history. It won't give you all the answers, but will make you think, and ask questions.
From 19 July – 3 August
Discover six fascinating historical features in and around the gardens that you may well never have known were there. Pick up a free leaflet from Visitor Reception and uncover some fascinating nuggets of history. It won't give you all the answers, but will make you think, and ask questions.
Dunster Castle and Watermill
Ground penetrating radar - 21 & 22 July
Watch on as an archaeologist conducts a Ground Penetrating Radar survey of Green Court. Building on a geophysical survey undertaken by the Dorset Unit Archaeology Unit in 1999, will they be able to find evidence of the earlier castle?
Heritage Spotter Trail - 19 - 23 July
Almost everywhere you look, there's some archaeological evidence waiting to be found. From the coat of arms to the waterwheels, become a heritage explorer and see how many key features you can spot.
Medieval Tours - 23 July | £3 (normal admission applies)
Dunster Castle has 1000 years of history, but how did it all begin? From Norman conquest to English Civil War, trace the earlier castle story.
Ground penetrating radar - 21 & 22 July
Watch on as an archaeologist conducts a Ground Penetrating Radar survey of Green Court. Building on a geophysical survey undertaken by the Dorset Unit Archaeology Unit in 1999, will they be able to find evidence of the earlier castle?
Heritage Spotter Trail - 19 - 23 July
Almost everywhere you look, there's some archaeological evidence waiting to be found. From the coat of arms to the waterwheels, become a heritage explorer and see how many key features you can spot.
Medieval Tours - 23 July | £3 (normal admission applies)
Dunster Castle has 1000 years of history, but how did it all begin? From Norman conquest to English Civil War, trace the earlier castle story.
Gloucestershire Newark Park
How Archaeology Helped Decode Newark Park – 17, 22, 24 July
Join a guide on a free walk and talk around the outside of the house at Newark Park and learn how archaeology reports have revealed the history behind the Tudor Hunting Lodge and how much you can see today. Find out how an archaeological dig changed our understanding of the terrace and which questions are still unanswered.
How Archaeology Helped Decode Newark Park – 17, 22, 24 July
Join a guide on a free walk and talk around the outside of the house at Newark Park and learn how archaeology reports have revealed the history behind the Tudor Hunting Lodge and how much you can see today. Find out how an archaeological dig changed our understanding of the terrace and which questions are still unanswered.
Chedworth Roman Villa
From 19 July-3 August 2025
Join in a programme of hands-on activities and expert insights into Roman Britain this Festival of Archaeology.
Handle Ancient Artefacts
Touch genuine 1,800-year-old archaeological treasures including original mosaic pieces, Roman pottery, jewellery, roof tiles, and ancient bones. Volunteers will share the stories these objects tell about daily life in Roman Britain. Suitable for all ages. Happening daily.
Archaeological Dig Box
Experience excavation for yourself. Pick up a trowel and discover what it feels like to uncover objects, just like professional archaeologists. Happening daily.
Conservation in Action
21- 24 July & 28-31 July
Watch the conservation team clean the Grand Dining Room Mosaic, one of the finest in Britain. Chat with the team about their work and techniques.
Rare Roman Coin Display
Saturday 19 & 26 July
View some of the rarest coins produced by the Roman Empire. An expert will explain their significance and identify any Roman or ancient coins you bring along.
After the Dig
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July
Discover what happens once artefacts are excavated. See how objects are cleaned, preserved, and recorded. Learn about the detective work that brings ancient Roman Britain to life.
Discovery Tours with Dr Martin Papworth
Saturday, 26 July
Former National Trust archaeologist Martin Papworth will lead tours sharing first-hand accounts of his discoveries at Chedworth. Hear about his excavation of Britain's only known 5th century mosaic, a discovery that changed our understanding of Roman Britain's final chapter. Learn about luxury finds including ancient glass from a perfume bottle and marble traced to the Emperor's Quarry in the Sea of Marmara. Martin will also discuss his latest research on the mysterious South Range. Tour times: 11:30, 13:30, 15:00. Capacity: 30 people per tour. Admission: Normal admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust members.
From 19 July-3 August 2025
Join in a programme of hands-on activities and expert insights into Roman Britain this Festival of Archaeology.
Handle Ancient Artefacts
Touch genuine 1,800-year-old archaeological treasures including original mosaic pieces, Roman pottery, jewellery, roof tiles, and ancient bones. Volunteers will share the stories these objects tell about daily life in Roman Britain. Suitable for all ages. Happening daily.
Archaeological Dig Box
Experience excavation for yourself. Pick up a trowel and discover what it feels like to uncover objects, just like professional archaeologists. Happening daily.
Conservation in Action
21- 24 July & 28-31 July
Watch the conservation team clean the Grand Dining Room Mosaic, one of the finest in Britain. Chat with the team about their work and techniques.
Rare Roman Coin Display
Saturday 19 & 26 July
View some of the rarest coins produced by the Roman Empire. An expert will explain their significance and identify any Roman or ancient coins you bring along.
After the Dig
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July
Discover what happens once artefacts are excavated. See how objects are cleaned, preserved, and recorded. Learn about the detective work that brings ancient Roman Britain to life.
Discovery Tours with Dr Martin Papworth
Saturday, 26 July
Former National Trust archaeologist Martin Papworth will lead tours sharing first-hand accounts of his discoveries at Chedworth. Hear about his excavation of Britain's only known 5th century mosaic, a discovery that changed our understanding of Roman Britain's final chapter. Learn about luxury finds including ancient glass from a perfume bottle and marble traced to the Emperor's Quarry in the Sea of Marmara. Martin will also discuss his latest research on the mysterious South Range. Tour times: 11:30, 13:30, 15:00. Capacity: 30 people per tour. Admission: Normal admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust members.
Dyrham Park Festival of Archaeology
19 July – 3 August
To tie in with the festival of archaeology, there will be a range of themed guided walks, and a display in the house of previous archaeological finds from the 270-acre site on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
19-31 July
The dig from previous years continues, unearthing more of Prior Park's watery past (and present) in the pasture, around the site of the Bason. Chat to volunteers about their findings. The dig will take place in the first week, but the site will remain uncovered the full two weeks to allow visitors a chance to see it for themselves.
29 & 31 July
Guided Archaeology Walks led by the lead archaeologist from recent excavations.
19 July – 3 August
To tie in with the festival of archaeology, there will be a range of themed guided walks, and a display in the house of previous archaeological finds from the 270-acre site on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
19-31 July
The dig from previous years continues, unearthing more of Prior Park's watery past (and present) in the pasture, around the site of the Bason. Chat to volunteers about their findings. The dig will take place in the first week, but the site will remain uncovered the full two weeks to allow visitors a chance to see it for themselves.
29 & 31 July
Guided Archaeology Walks led by the lead archaeologist from recent excavations.
Most events are included with standard admission. Booking may be required for guided tours. To find out more and check specific dates and times please check the website at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/festival-of-archaeology
