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SCOTLAND
Festival of Archaeology Launch, The Scottish Crannog Centre, 13 July
Learn about the Iron Age community who originally settled on the shores of Loch Tay more than 2,000 years ago through hands-on and creative activities for all ages. Listen to storytellers; try traditional foods; see wood-turning, black-smithing, woven hurdle-making, and traditional textile crafts; and even join in a ceilidh at this free family fun day.
SOUTH
Wessex Archaeology events, Amesbury and Salisbury, Wiltshire, 14, 27 & 28 July
On 14 July and 27-28 July, Wessex Archaeology are hosting ‘Ask the Archaeologists’ sessions at Amesbury History Centre and the Salisbury Museum respectively. Handle artefacts, try environmental sampling, and use 3D Virtual Reality headsets. At the Salisbury event, you can also see living history displays and flint-knapping demonstrations. At 2pm on 28 July, Matt Leivers will give a talk at the Salisbury Museum exploring recent work within the wider Stonehenge landscape and asking what the monument was for. All the events are free, and pre-booking is not required; see http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/events for more details.
NORTH-WEST
Youth Hands-on Activity Day, Chester Castle, Cheshire,20 July
Anyone aged 8-16 is welcome to attend this day of discovery with hands-on medieval-themed activities, demonstrations, and a tour of the castle grounds. Learn about the castle’s past and recent conservation work.
EAST ANGLIA
Sutton Hoo Royal Burial Ground tour, Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, 13-28 July
Join a guide from the Sutton Hoo Society on a guided tour of the Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo to learn more about the people who were laid to rest there 1,400 years ago. Tours are daily at noon and 2pm, and are free with site admission.
NORTH
Dig and discover, Skipton, North Yorkshire, 23 July
Craven Museum, in Skipton Town Hall, will host two sessions of archaeology-based family activities (10am-noon and 2-4pm). Excavate artefacts from dig boxes, contribute to their community Lego Build (reconstructing a historic building), and explore local communities of the past through oral history clips, object-handling, and crafts.
CORNWALL
Cornwall YAC relaunch events, Maker, Redruth, and Boden,13, 20 & 27 July
As plans progress to relaunch a Young Archaeologists’ Club in Cornwall, three taster events will be held for budding Young Archaeologists and their families. At Maker Heights Visitor Centre on 13 July and at Kresen Kernow on 20 July, you can meet heritage professionals and take part in archaeological activities. On 27 July you can visit and take part in Meneage Archaeology Group’s excavation at Boden, Lizard; this dig will also have an open day on 14 September (see http://www.meneagearchaeologygroup.org). All activities are free drop-ins, with no need to pre-book.
WALES
Discovering Our Past, Dwˆr Cymru Visitor Centre, Elan Valley, Powys, 28 July
Set within the stunning landscape of the Elan Valley, this one-day community festival will see pop-up stands and stalls from local archaeology and heritage groups showcasing finds from the area and what they tell us about the lives of people who once lived there.
LONDON
Cranford Park Family Day, Hillingdon, 28 July
Once the property of the Knights Templar and Hospitaller, the park will once again ring with the sound of combat at this medieval festival. See the ancient art of falconry in action, watch metal being worked on the community forge, and have a go at archery.
MIDLANDS
Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology, Across the counties, Until 28 July
This month-long celebration includes family-friendly fun, guided heritage walks and self-guided tours, talks from local heritage experts, and a wealth of other activities, exhibitions, and hands-on events across Leicestershire and Rutland.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Archaeology Walk, Divis and the Black Mountain, near Belfast, 20 & 24 July
Join National Trust NI Archaeologist Malachy Conway on a heritage-themed walk around the historic landscape of Divis and the Black Mountain to learn about archaeological finds from the area.
SOUTH-WEST
Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath,13-28 July
Over the last 12 months, Bath Assembly Rooms have been exploring the building and uncovering original features on the lower ground floor, including the Cold Bath and original stone floors and vaults. Come and explore the latest discoveries and enjoy family-friendly activities.
ONLINE EVENTS
#AskAnArchaeologist Day 2024, 19 July
Get your questions ready for #AskAnArchaeologist Day on Friday 19 July: anyone with access to X (formerly Twitter) can ask a question using the #AskAnArchaeologist hashtag, and any archaeologist who has an answer is encouraged to respond. Follow @AskAnArchDay to see some of the day’s top posts and for more information.
A Day in Archaeology 2024, 25 July
Archaeologists, heritage professionals, students, and volunteers will share blogs talking about a day in their life and the paths they took to get to where they are now during this event sponsored by Prospect. Blog posts will stay on the festival website site all year to form a developing resource for anyone interested in a career in archaeology or opportunities to participate.
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