Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology at National Trust places in the South West
(19 July - 3 August unless otherwise indicated)
 
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 our care, taking place during July (unless otherwise indicated).

National Trust places in Somerset 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.  
 
Dunster Castle has 1000 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 our archaeologists conducts a geophysical survey of Green Court, searching for remains of the Medieval castle.
 
Cat Lodge, 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 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 Somerset, 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.
 
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.
 
Dunster Castle and Watermill
Ground penetrating radar - 21 & 22 July
Watch on as one of our archaeologists conducts a Ground Penetrating Radar survey of Green Court. Building on a geophysical survey undertaken by the Dorset Unit Archaeology Unit in 1999, will we 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.
 
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.


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: Festival of Archaeology 2025 | National Trust