Festival of Archaeology Launch at Westonbirt Arboretum

Spectators sit round watching a demonstration that can't be seen with smiles on their faces.

Sat 18 Jul - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Events at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum - Westonbirt Arboretum

Launching the UK‑wide celebration of Archaeology and Nature

This year, Westonbirt Arboretum is proud to be a launch venue for the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology, a national programme celebrating the 2026 theme of Archaeology and Nature.

From landscapes shaped by human activity to the plants, animals, and environments that shape archaeological sites, this year’s theme invites fresh ways of seeing the places around us.

For one special day only, we’re opening our gates to everyone with free entry to the arboretum.

Pre-book a guided walk

Guided walk tickets cost £1 per person. To book your place please first select your free day admission ticket then on the next 'Extras' booking page you can add a walk to your booking.

Walks will leave from the Festival information point located in the main arena on The Downs.

Time	Guided walk
10:00am	Silk Wood
10:30am & 1:30pm	The Westonbirt Story
11:00am & 2:00pm	Old Arboretum (not bookable - first come first served)
11:00am & 1:00pm & 3:00pm	Cotswold Archaeology walk
11:30am & 2:30pm	Plant Collectors
1:00pm	Myths and Legends - SOLD OUT

Talks

Talks will be taking place in the Great Oak Hall. Pre-booking is recommended. Please follow the links below for more information and to pre-book your free place via the Council of British Archaeology website.

Time	Talk	More information and book
10:00am	Festival of Archaeology launch	First come first served
11:00am	In Conversation with Jonathan Mullard, author of Forgotten Forests	Pre-book free place
12:30pm	In Conversation with Susan Greaney, author of Stonehenge - The Story of an Icon	Pre-book free place
2:00pm	Cathy Tattersfield, "A Few Gloucestershire Songs"	Pre-book free place
3:30pm	Wyl Menmuir - In Conversation with Wyl Menmuir, author of The Spirit of Stone	Pre-book free place

Workshops

Join in with creative crafts, family activities and lively Morris dancing as we celebrate heritage, nature and community together. From art inspired by traditional Australian styles to imaginative woodland activities and energetic dance workshops, there’s plenty of fun for all ages to get involved in.

Time	Workshop	Location
10:30am & 2:00pm	Countryside art workshop inspired by traditional Australian Art	Learning Centre - drop in
10:30am - 4:00pm	If trees could talk family drop in activities	Learning Centre - drop in
11:30am	Boss Morris dance workshop	Pre-book free place
2:30pm	Boss Morris dance workshop	Pre-book free place

Demonstrations

Drop by to watch fascinating bronze casting techniques, learn about traditional coppicing, and experience the process of a charcoal burn as heritage crafts are brought to life before your eyes.

Time	Demonstration	Location
10:30am & 1:00pm & 3:30pm	Ancient Craft bronze cast	The Downs - Experimental tent
9:00am - 5:00pm	Coppice demonstrations and charcoal burn	Coppice compound

Community Archaeology, Heritage and Nature Tipi

Step into the Heritage Tipi and discover a welcoming hub of stories, objects and conversations celebrating the rich heritage of Gloucestershire and beyond. From fascinating archaeology handling collections with organisations like Corinium Museum and Cotswold Archaeology, to living memories and community storytelling projects such as Roots and Reflections and Kahaani, the tipi is a place to explore the past through people, artefacts and shared experiences.

Re-enactment

Regia Anglorum - one of the country’s leading early medieval re-enactment groups. Their local branch will bring the past to life with authentic clothing, displays and expert knowledge. Visitors can step into the world of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to discover how people lived, worked and fought over a thousand years ago.

Other events near you

Looking for more Festival of Archaeology events near you? From hands-on workshops to talks and tours, there’s plenty to explore. See what’s on in your area here.