14/07/2010
Kick off the summer holidays by digging for history with great National Trust Festival of Archaeology activities in Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
From mini digs to identifying ancient artefacts, the festival of archaeology celebrates history. Uncover the stories of our ancestors at ancient sites around the region. You can see Bronze Age pottery at Corfe Castle in Dorset and talk to the castle's resident archaeologist.
At Kingston Lacy, you can take in anything you've found yourself and see whether our experts can help you unravel their mysteries.
In Gloucestershire, you can dig for treasure at Snowshill Manor's mini-dig or handle genuine Roman artefacts at Chedworth Roman Villa.
Our archaeologist at Avebury in Wiltshire will be taking people on a walk through the ancient and mystical landscape. Ask questions about the fascinating stone circle and find out how people used to live.
What's on in Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire for budding archaeologists
Dorset
Corfe Castle
Archaeology Days: Sat 17 - Sat 31 July, 10am-4pm
Unlock the Past - The Festival of British Archaeology runs from 17 July - 31July. We will have a small exhibition and a children's archaeology trail on each day but our main days will be Tuesday 27July through to the weekend.
Living history displays, hands on activities, Bronze Age pottery and our own archaeologist on hand.
Normal Admission Charges Apply. Booking Not Needed. Dogs on leads welcome. Children are very welcome, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Kingston Lacy
Archaeology: Sat 24 & Sun 25 July, 11am - 4pm
Part of the National Festival of Archaeology 2010. Learn the techniques of excavation and identification. Bring your own finds and discover their history. Walks (1 mile) / talks by National Trust Regional Archaeologist.
Normal Admission Charges Apply. Booking Not Needed.
Gloucestershire
Snowshill Manor
Archaeology Weekend: Sat 24 & Sun 25 July, 11am - 5pm
Uncover the secrets of the Snowshill landscape. Explore the site with our self-guided tour using old photos and maps. Children can dig for hidden treasure in our mini-dig, enter our drawing competition and have a go at pot-washing, identifying finds and fossils. There's also the chance to
search for water and old structures with our dowsing expert.
Normal Admission Charges Apply. Booking Not Needed.
Chedworth Roman Villa
Meet the Archaeologist: Sat 17 & Sun 18 July, 10am-5pm
Come and handle real Roman artefacts with our archaeologist. Bring your own finds to be identified! This is a must for all budding archaeologists and "Time Team" fans!
Normal Admission Charges Apply. Booking Not Needed.
Wiltshire
Avebury
Festival of British Archaeology: Saturday, 17 July - Sunday 1 August 2010
Come along to one of Britain's finest Archaeological sites and celebrate the Festival of British Archaeology: Whether it's your first taste of making a find with our mini-digs for children, to an intensive day walking in the landscape with our property archaeologist - there is something for everyone.
Please see www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details.