Dig up the past

Get a taste for Archaeology with the help of the National Trust

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‘DIG in’ to activities across the country this July to celebrate the Festival of Archaeology with the National Trust.

Hosted by the Council for British Archaeology and supported by the National Trust, the festival is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of archaeology, with this year’s theme being Archaeology and Wellbeing.

From 19 July to 3 August, discover more about the fascinating world of archaeology and get stuck into a range of activities at selected National Trust properties, from guided walks and talks, finds handling, children’s activities, surveying, and excavations.

Sutton Hoo in Suffolk is home to the discovery of the Great Ship Burial in 1939, a story told in the Netflix film The Dig, starring Ralph Fiennes as archaeologist Basil Brown. Explore the new exhibition which tells the untold stories of the real people featured in the film, including some of the film's costumes, jewellery and props. Families can have-a-go at sand tray archaeology, learn how to uncover the secrets of the past and see what artefacts can be discovered. On 26 and 27 July, immerse yourself in the adventure of Anglo-Saxon Wargaming, see hundreds of miniature soldiers lined up for battle and even paint your own to take home.