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Festival of Archaeology: Dig in and discover

Uncover 4,000 years of history with hands on activities in our Summer of Play area in the Kitchen Garden.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Wednesday, 23 July – join National Trust Rangers to have a go at wattle and daub – getting a taste for how some of the original buildings at Badbury Rings Iron Age fort would have been made. Find out more about this amazing site and how they're looking after it for everyone to enjoy.

Thursday, 24 July - Discover what it's like to do an archaeological dig. Join our house team to have a go at digging in our recreation trenches to discover pottery, coins and more. See real archaeological equipment and tools and find out about the discoveries they've helped to uncover.

Times

The basics

Suitability

Suitable for children

Meeting point

Find us at the stretch tent in the Kitchen Garden, part of our Summer of Play activities.

Accessibility

These events are located on a grassy area with uneven surfaces.

Upcoming events

Event

Henrietta's Garden 

Join us this year in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Henrietta Bankes’ vision of the Japanese Garden, filled with cherry blossom, bamboo and acers.

Event summary

on
12 Jul to 27 Sep 2025
at
09:30 to 16:00
+ 77 other dates or times
Event

Formal Garden Tours 

Come along to one of our volunteer-led Formal Garden tours to discover the history, horticulture and highlights of the season.

Event summary

on
13 Jul to 24 Oct 2025
at
11:30 to 12:30
+ 119 other dates or times
Event

Henrietta's house and garden tour 

Discover how Henrietta Bankes, an influential member of the family, made her mark at Kingston Lacy in the house and garden and feel like one of her guests. Book a place on a guided tour running monthly during March- September.

Event summary

on
15 Jul to 9 Sep 2025
at
09:45 to 11:15
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Nordic walking at Kingston Lacy 

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking. When trained in the right technique to use the poles effectively, it increases use of the upper body and enables you to work harder but it feels easier!

Event summary

on
15 Jul to 16 Dec 2025
at
10:00 to 11:00
+ 23 other dates or times