The stone circle in at Avebury, Wiltshire — The stone circle at Avebury, Wiltshire | © Abby George

Archaeology

Find out more about the diverse archaeological sites we look after, from the Royal Anglo-Saxon burial ground at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk to Levant Mine and Beam Engine, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

A warm sunset over the burial mounds at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk 1200332.jpg

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The best archaeological sites to visit

From hillforts to stone circles, gold mines and medieval castles, there's plenty to explore at the historic places in our care. Discover reminders of the past that tell the stories of our ancestors.

A Roman pipeclay head of the god Mercury, found at Smallhythe Place, Kent

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Five of the best archaeological finds at our places

Artefacts found at the places we care for can help us understand what life was like in the past. Learn about five of our most intriguing finds and what they reveal.

Sheep grazing around the standing stones at Avebury with autumn trees in the background in Wiltshire.

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Archaeological highlights from our Heritage Records

Explore archaeological highlights from the National Trust Heritage Records Online and discover more about the antiquities in our care from ancient burials to industrial landscapes.

Graffiti carved into the stonework at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

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Mysteries of historical graffiti

Historical graffiti offers a valuable window into the past. From the symbols carved into castle walls to the etchings of Isaac Newton, discover the meanings behind the graffiti at the places in our care.

Sunset view from atop a ridge of grassy hill curving around a flat area with a few trees on the lower ground

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What historic landscapes mean to us

We survey all our sites for any signs of archaeological significance, using aerial photography and expert analysis on the ground. Find out more about our work to explore remnants of the past, and why it's so important to us.

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Metal detecting on National Trust land

Read our policy on metal detecting on National Trust land, including when and where you can do it, and the kind of licence you will need.

View of a Bronze Age barrow on a sunny day at Windmill Hill, Avebury in Wiltshire

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Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology

The National Trust cares for many unique and historic landscapes across the UK. Learn more about the type of archaeological remains we look after from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.