Discover the techniques for uncovering ancient history, ranging from children’s excavations in York to guided walks along the Thames and residential courses in Wales
Vindolanda, Northumberland
As the north-western frontier of the Roman Empire, Northumberland is dotted with Roman sites, including numerous forts that housed the soldiers guarding these tumultuous borderlands. Many sites are still under excavation, such as Vindolanda and Magna forts just south of Hadrian’s Wall. The first modern excavation began at Magna last spring, and the excavation season at both sites runs from April to September. Visitors can observe archaeologists at work Monday to Friday (volunteers are also accepted, though 2024 slots are fully booked). One of Vindolanda’s most significant treasures is the Vindolanda writing tablets, thin hand-written wooden notes about life there 2,000 years ago, which will be showcased as part of the new Legion: Life in the Roman Army exhibition at the British Museum in London (until 23 June). Admission is £12.50 for adults and £6 for children. Visit vindolanda.com for more information.
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, York
Known as Eboracum to the Romans, Eoforwic to the Anglo-Saxons, and Jorvik to the Vikings, York boasts two millennia of history beneath its streets. Young, curious archaeologists can uncover this history for themselves at DIG, which features four excavation pits – Roman, Viking, medieval, and Victorian – each based on real digs around the city. Equipped with trowels, children can scrape away the (synthetic) soil to reveal replica finds like Latin inscriptions or pottery shards. Organized by York Archaeology, which also operates the nearby Jorvik Viking Centre, this Easter the educational charity is offering hands-on Kids Dig York sessions for accompanied eight- to 12-year-olds at its excavations at Willow House (25 March-6 April, £65 for one adult and one child). Admission to DIG is £9 for adults and £8.25 for children. Visit digyork.co.uk for more information.
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
The discovery of the Anglo-Saxon royal burial site at Sutton Hoo – often likened to England’s answer to the Valley of the Kings – in 1939 marked one of the most significant archaeological finds in British history. This remarkable event was portrayed in the 2021 film The Dig, featuring Ralph Fiennes as the amateur archaeologist Basil Brown, who uncovered the treasures of a king interred in his ship beneath a series of muddy mounds in the Suffolk countryside. While most of these 1,400-year-old riches are now housed at the British Museum, visitors to Sutton Hoo can explore the burial mounds, view replicas of the intricately carved helmet and jeweled clasps, and delve into Anglo-Saxon life through costume-making workshops and Gruesome Graves tours. For an immersive experience, guests can even stay overnight in one of the apartments at Tranmer House, once the residence of Edith Pretty, portrayed by Carey Mulligan in the film. Admission is £15 for adults and £7.50 for children. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/sutton-hoo for more information.
Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire
Experimental archaeology takes the exploration of the past one step further by attempting to replicate ancient techniques and practices. Butser Ancient Farm, nestled in the South Downs, was established in 1972 as an experimental research site focusing on prehistoric and Roman agriculture and construction methods. Today, visitors can explore recreated dwellings representing 10,000 years of history, all based on genuine archaeological findings from the surrounding area. These include a Saxon hall inspired by one discovered at Church Down Chalton and an earth-walled Bronze Age roundhouse modeled after remains found at Dunch Hill in Wiltshire. The farm also features heritage crops, rare-breed sheep, bronze casting workshops, Saxon cookery classes, and the popular Beltain Celtic Fire festival, which is consistently sold out. Open to the public on weekends and during school holidays, admission is £12.30 for adults and £8.30 for children. Visit butserancientfarm.co.uk for more details.
The Scottish Crannog Centre, Perthshire
Approximately 2,500 years ago, stilted wooden roundhouses known as crannogs dotted the lochs of Scotland, their remains preserved by the water to this day. The Scottish Crannog Centre, located on the shores of Loch Tay, provides an immersive glimpse into this ancient way of life. Unfortunately, the crannog at the original site on the southern shore was destroyed by fire in 2021. However, in April, the center will unveil a new Iron Age village at nearby Dalerb, featuring houses meticulously crafted from hazel branches or built with dry stone walls. This year, construction will commence on three crannogs that will eventually emerge from the water. The outdoor museum will also offer demonstrations on pottery making, yarn spinning, and fire-starting. Its collection includes artifacts unearthed on-site, such as a wooden dish containing residue from 2,500-year-old butter. Reopening in April, admission is £15 for adults and £10 for children. Visit crannog.co.uk for more information.
Archaeology Field School at Strata Florida, Ceredigion
This practical training program covers a range of archaeological techniques, including troweling, geophysical surveying, and artifact processing. It aims to be the most inclusive course in the UK, accommodating individuals with various physical and mental health needs. Held in the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, which researchers are discovering was a hub of Welsh culture and the burial site for several medieval Welsh princes, the program offers sessions lasting from one to four weeks, as well as one-day Digger Days. Participants camp at Pantyfedwen Hall, beneath the Cambrian mountains, and this summer they will assist in a new excavation area believed to contain the remains of the Cistercian infirmary and a mill. The program runs from June 17 to July 15, with a one-week residential option priced at £650 or a non-residential option at £495 (bursaries available). Visit strataflorida.org.uk/archaeology-field-school for more details.
Ness of Brodgar, Orkney
Off the northern coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands boast a rich array of ancient structures, ranging from the remarkably well-preserved village of Skara Brae, constructed around 3180 BC, to the Maeshowe tomb and ceremonial stone circles, as well as the expansive Neolithic complex of Ness of Brodgar. This summer marks the final season of excavations at Ness of Brodgar, and visitors can participate in daily weekday tours from June 26 to August 16 (at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm), with open days on July 14 and August 4. At the conclusion of this year’s dig, the trenches will be backfilled, and the narrow strip of land between two lochs will revert to green fields. Dig It Scotland provides information on other archaeological excavations across the country that volunteers can join. The tours are free to attend.
Archaeological experience days in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest conceals a trove of history: from Saxon conflicts and Viking gatherings to medieval royal hunting grounds and Roman estates. Mercian Archaeological Services is dedicated to documenting this rich history through its community Sherwood Forest Archaeology Project. The project has previously conducted excavations in the village of Edwinstowe, where, according to legend, Robin Hood married Maid Marian. Additionally, the project offers introductory archaeology days at King John’s Palace excavations, located at the heart of the ancient woodland. These sessions provide participants with more in-depth training alongside professional archaeologists.
Dates: 15-25 April; Cost: £75 per person; Website: mercian-as.co.uk/intro_days
Guided walks exploring foreshore archaeology in London
Twice daily at low tide, the River Thames transforms into the country’s longest archaeological site. Over the years, mudlarkers have unearthed everything from Bronze Age skulls to Tudor shoes from the foreshore. While you can engage in DIY mudlarking, it requires a permit from the Port of London Authority (new permit requests are currently paused due to high demand), and any significant finds should be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Alternatively, you can join one of the Thames Discovery Programme’s archaeologist-guided foreshore walks along different sections of the river. The upcoming walks are scheduled for February 25 and March 10 and 30.
Navan Centre & Fort, County Armagh
This gentle hill outside Armagh City was the earliest capital of Ulster, known as Emain Macha (Navan Fort), a site believed to have brought Saint Patrick to the area. Last year, archaeologists found evidence suggesting the site could have been in use as early as the fourth century BC. However, in Irish mythology, it was the seat of the demigod Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights. At the Navan Centre, visitors can immerse themselves in the culture by dressing up as Celtic warriors and trying their hand at spear throwing and sword wielding, all while hearing stories of ancient kings and queens who once inhabited the area. Keep an eye out for special events marking Celtic solstice festivals Imbolc and Lughnasadh.
DigVentures, various locations
DigVentures initiated its inaugural crowdfunded and crowdsourced archaeological excavation at the Bronze Age site of Flag Fen near Peterborough in 2012. This approach was a response to cuts in academic funding and aimed to make archaeological work more accessible to the public. Since then, DigVentures has connected enthusiastic diggers with community-supported archaeology projects across the UK. Currently highlighted on its website are projects such as the investigation of a lost medieval village at Sudeley Castle and the exploration of early Roman history at Elmswell Farm in East Yorkshire. Additionally, DigVentures organizes DigCamps for six- to 12-year-olds and DigClub for 12- to 16-year-olds, offering opportunities to uncover clues from the past at locations like Earth Trust in Oxfordshire or Lindisfarne in Northumberland.
Archaeology Festival, held across the country
The Council for British Archaeology’s annual celebration offers a wide range of in-person and online events designed for everyone, from serious historians to aspiring young archaeologists. This year’s festival begins at the Scottish Crannog Centre in Perthshire, focusing on the Iron Age, and concludes two weeks later at Elizabethan Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. Throughout the festival, there will be behind-the-scenes tours, opportunities to handle archaeological finds, sandpit excavations for children, and interactive demonstrations of ancient life at various sites across the country. Additionally, there will be online talks and an #AskAnArchaeologist Day hosted on X (formerly Twitter).
Dates: 13-28 July, with many events offered for free. For more information, visit archaeologyuk.org/festival.
