
Hand built by a dedicated group of volunteers using traditional techniques, Avalon Archaeology is a lovingly crafted reproduction of Somerset’s heritage in the heart of the Avalon Marshes.
With our guide you’ll explore the site before it opens, seeing a richly decorated reconstructed Roman dining-room and Anglo-Saxon longhall, as well as a waterline replica of a Viking ship. Filled with hand crafted furniture and art, you will immerse yourself in thousands of years of heritage and discover the detective work behind its recreation.
The tour will last for approximately 1 hour, after which you can enjoy the site at your own pace. You can use this time to visit the world’s oldest excavation hut and watch short films on local archaeology in the Bulleid and Gray Cinema or see the current progress of the construction of our Iron Age roundhouse.
The tour price includes free re-entry to the site during normal opening hours for the whole of 2023 once we open in the spring, and a 10% discount on food and drink at Marshes Hub Tea Stop on the day of the tour.
Photography is encouraged but be mindful of other visitors around you.
To join the tour, bring your ticket to the Welcome Kiosk at Avalon Archaeology. Part of the tour will take place outside, so dress appropriately for the weather.
After your visit, you can make use of the Avalon Marshes Centre and visit the Somerset Crafts gallery. You can also journey onto Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve and see replica wooden prehistoric trackways.
Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs into the site except for assistance dogs. Dogs are welcome in the wider Avalon Marshes Centre and must be kept on a short lead at all times. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the main area of Shapwick Heath, which is the closest nature reserve to the site.
Key information
COST
Your ticket entitles you to free entry to the site throughout 2023, during normal opening hours.
Adult £6.50
Concessions £4.50
Child (aged 5-17) £2.00
Child (under 5) Free
*Concessions:
Over 60s
Students aged 18 to 25
Those receiving benefits including Income support, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit
Accompanying carers are not required to purchase an admission ticket
DATE AND TIME
10/03/2023
TWO tours per day at 10.30 – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 2.30pm
WHERE
Avalon Marshes Centre
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Entry tickets can be purchased online (to ensure a place) or on the day at Welcome Hut.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/avalon-archaeology-discovery-tour-tickets-518598200177
ACCESSIBILTY
The reconstructed buildings are accessible but feature some uneven surfaces and narrow spaces that may make turning in larger electric wheelchairs difficult. A manual wheelchair is available on site for visitors to loan if there are issues. Generally, light levels may be lower than you may be used to in modern buildings, and visitors are welcome to use a torch.
Please contact us at avalon@swheritage.org.ukif you want to discuss special requirements.
Go to www.avalonarchaeology.org.ukfor more details, or visit our blog the see the latest work of our dedicated volunteers at https://avalon-archaeology.com/.
ORGANISED BY
SW Heritage
ENQUIRIES
PHOTO CREDIT
SW Heritage Staff