Ilam Park: Festival of Archaeology Weekend Dig
Discover our hidden history buried in the ground at Ilam Park this Festival of Archaeology!
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Join us for a special weekend of hands‑on heritage as Derbyshire Scouts lead a live archaeological dig in the parkland. Across two days, six test pits will be excavated, with Scouts uncovering, cleaning and recording finds on site. Visitors can watch the dig in action, chat to the young archaeologists and learn more about Ilam Park’s past.
Two activity gazebos will offer something for all ages, including replica Roman pottery handling, clay coil‑pot making, and mini sand‑pit excavations for younger children. Encouraging budding archaeologists make their own discoveries!
Test Pit Tours Meet the team and hear what’s being uncovered.
Saturday: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Sunday: 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Activities run 10:30am–3pm each day. Normal admission and parking charges apply.
Times
The basics
- Accessibility
We are proud to offer a circular accessible path (1 mile), a changing place, an accessible path, and step free access to our Coach House Kiosk and Stables Bookshop.
- Meeting point
Along the Accessible Path by the bridge. Ask at welcome for directions.
- Suitability for children
All families welcome.
- What to bring and wear
Dress for the weather, either sun hats or raincoats!
- Other
Ilam Park is open to everyone and there is no admission charge. There is only a charge for car parking £6 for 4 hours and £8 all day, National Trust members and blue badge holders park for free.
Upcoming events
Ilam Park: Little Explorers Club
Step into the countryside with your little one at Ilam Park’s free monthly preschool nature club. Each session is set in the Coach House, with gentle adventures into nature, hands‑on seasonal crafts, and cosy story time.
Ilam Park: 2026 Guided Walks: Map Reading for Beginners
Join us for the day and learn a skill that has been used to travel the world for thousands of years!
Dovedale Big Litter Pick
Join us for a few hours at Dovedale and get your steps in, picking litter along the valley so the National Nature Reserve remains a great place for nature and people alike.
Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Earthly Delights Art Installation
A new and exciting art installation is coming this summer! Celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Ilam Hall, Earthly Delights intertwines the stories of the past and present with an hub of plantlife.