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Festival of Archaeology in the Pasture at Prior Park

Join the team of archaeologists as they continue the work from last year uncovering the Bason of Water and cascade.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

From Monday to Friday during the fortnight of the Festival of Archaeology, our team of volunteer archaeologists will return to further the excavation on the Bason of Water.

In 2023 the team dug in the Pasture to discover the edges of the Bason of Water and what looked like the start of an ancient cascade. This year the team will continue with this dig, hoping to uncover more of the cascade and uncover the viewing platform of the Bason.

Visitors will be able to see the dig in progress and chat with the archaeologists as they work to hear more about what they've discovered and what it means for the garden.

There will also be an heritage explorer trail so younger visitors can explorer archaeology spots around the garden.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Everyone is welcome

Meeting point

Come to visitor reception for the trail sheet and then make your way to the Pasture for the dig.

What to bring and wear

The event is outdoors on a steep hill so please wear sensible footwear.

Accessibility

Located on a steep hill, the Pasture is uneven and access is via gates.

Other

Please note the dig will only take place Mon to Fri on both weeks and is subject to the weather.

Upcoming events

Event

Dam management during Invasive Species Week 

Visit Prior Park this week to find out more about the dams restoration project and management of invasive crayfish.

Event summary

on
23 May to 25 May 2024
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Guided walks - dams and crayfish 

Join volunteers for a guided walk around the restored dams to learn about the restoration project and the role American signal crayfish played.

Event summary

on
23 May to 25 May 2024
at
11:00 to 11:15
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

May half term - Endangered animal trail 

Have fun this half term by finding the hidden animals and guessing which endangered species they are.

Event summary

on
25 May to 2 Jun 2024
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Hidden Prior - A guided walk around Prior Park 

Join our archaeologist for a guided walk around Prior Park learning about the hidden water ways in the garden.

Event summary

on
16 Jul to 18 Jul 2024
at
11:00 to 12:00
+ 1 other date or time