Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology at South West National Trust places this July (13-28 July)
The National Trust is proud to support the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) Festival of Archaeology, the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology, which this year has as its theme,
Archaeology and Community, taking place from 13 – 28 July 2024 (unless otherwise indicated)
National Trust properties 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.
Martin Papworth, National Trust South West Archaeologist, said: ‘The Festival is such a great opportunity for everyone, whatever age, to ignite their imagination and get involved in ancient things. Through archaeology, we can touch the past and make it come to life. Through small things made great with new meaning…a bump in the ground, a fragment of pottery. Come to the National Trust properties taking part and be inspired by what there is to enjoy.’
- Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath, Somerset
Over the last 12 months we've been exploring the building and uncovering original features on the lower ground floor. With the Cold Bath now revealed, along with original stone floors and vaults below the Great Octagon there's plenty of archaeology to find out about.
From 13 - 25 July pop-in into the Card Room for free to learn more about the discoveries. There's a family friendly spotter sheet for adventurers to find items around the building, plus a sorting station and Cold Bath colouring in sheets.
For adults we're also offering mini guided tours of the basement and a talk from the archaeologist who uncovered the Cold Bath.
- Bath Assembly Rooms - Festival of Archaeology Walk and Talk at Bath Assembly Rooms (18 July)
Have you heard about the mystery of the Cold Bath? As part of our involvement in the Festival of Archaeology, we've arranged for Marek from Wessex Archaeology to give a talk about the history of Bath Assembly Rooms and how the Cold Bath was uncovered.
This talk will involve a walk around the building to put it in the wider historical context, then you'll visit the lower ground floor to see the Cold Bath and learn about the works in that area.
6pm arrival for a 45 minute talk and walk, followed by time for questions.
- Bath Assembly Rooms – Mini hard hat tours (20&21 July)
As part of the Festival of Archaeology we're offering mini hard hat tours.
These mini tours will last 30 minutes and will only cover the lower ground floor. It will focus on the Cold Bath and other discoveries that have been made as part of the uncovering works. You'll be able to see the original stone vaults under the Great Octagon and some original stone floors.
These tours have limited places and are suitable for over 18s only, this specialist tour costs £7.50 per person (both members and non-members).
- Brean Down, Somerset (27 & 28 July)
Get involved with lots of exciting activities which will bring different chapters of the Down's history to life, from searching for pottery remains at the site of the Roman temple to dressing up as an officer at the World War II fort.
No need to book, visit the welcome centre to find out how to get involved
- Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath, Somerset
From Monday to Friday during the fortnight of the Festival of Archaeology, our team of volunteer archaeologists will return to further the excavation on the Bason of Water.
In 2023 the team dug in the Pasture to discover the edges of the Bason of Water and what looked like the start of an ancient cascade. This year the team will continue with this dig, hoping to uncover more of the cascade and uncover the viewing platform of the Bason.
Visitors will be able to see the dig in progress and chat with the archaeologists as they work to hear more about what they've discovered and what it means for the garden.
There will also be a heritage explorer trail so younger visitors can explorer archaeology spots around the garden.
- Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath, Somerset (16 & 18 July)
As part of Prior's activity for the Festival of Archaeology we're offering visitors the opportunity to join a guided walk around the garden.
The walk will focus on the influence of water in the garden, much of it hidden from view. It will take in other features also not seen, but often in plain sight. Walks will last approx 1hr, free to attend but normal admission fees apply.
Join us at Tyntesfield as we celebrate the Festival of Archaeology. Find out about the lost conservatory, the dig that took place in 2013 and try your hand at some archaeology skills.
*There will be an opportunity for visitors to handle collection items, and a trail for exploring the archaeological sites of importance across the estate.
To find a National Trust event visit, check booking times etc please check the website: Festival of Archaeology 2024 | National Trust