What is it?
Archaeology is a way of studying human activity in the past, mainly through analysing discovered materials and objects. It's a very broad subject that uses subjects such as the sciences, history, geography and linguistics to name a few!
What does it involve?
Practicing archaeology can come in many forms so can involve many things, but essentially the activity will include the examination and discussion of objects and materials.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Archaeology is a great way of getting in touch with history - to examine actual artefacts from past times and understand their origins is a fantastic way of engaging students in historical studies.
What equipment do we need?
As each different archaeological activity will differ, the equipment will change with it. The provider should supply any apparatus needed, but make sure to check beforehand if you are unsure.
Who is it suitable for?
Archaeology can be adjusted to suit all ages!
Costs?
This will depend on the nature of the archaeological activity - some things can be done for free, but some pursuits will require an expert/access to private grounds etc, and will therefore probably have costs to them.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Some archaeological activities can involve sensitive/fragile materials, so it's important that the students involved respect instructions.
How do we include?
Archaeology should be an activity all students can get involved with regardless of ability, but if you have concerns make sure to contact the venue directly.
Doing it abroad?
Archaeology can be practiced all over the world, but you may need to look closely to find a venue that can cater for your group in foreign countries.
Main website:
Visit http://new.archaeologyuk.org for the Council of British Archaeology, and check out individual venue websites for more specific information.
The remains of an ancient Iron Age village in a wonderfully scenic location. On the hill above stands a Bronze Age burial mound with entrance passage and inner chamber.
There is evidence of extensive and permanent settlement on the Isles of Scilly from around 2500 BC. At that time the sea level was lower and much of Scilly formed a single landmass.
One of the UK's first stone-built churches, St. Peter’s, built on land given by King Ecgfrith to St. Benedict Biscop in 673 AD, is the earlier of the twin site (along with St Paul's Monastery, Jarrow.) to come to life.
A fine, late 15th-century stone town house, with an early Tudor façade and panelled interiors.
This fine late 15th century town house, once thought to have been the courtroom of Glastonbury Abbey, now houses both the Tourist Information Centre and the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum, which contains dramatic finds from one of Europe’s most famous archaeological sites.
Ashby de la Zouch is an outstanding example of a late medieval castle developed by a single family as its principal seat up until the Civil Wars of the 1640s. It is also significant for the unusual amount of evidence that survives for the surrounding landscape in the 16th and 17th centuries.
A 21,000-acre mountainous place, acquired in 1951 from the Penrhyn estate, includes the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve renowned for its arctic alpine plants. There are eight tenant upland farmson this land, 9,000 peaks above 3,000 feet and the famous mountain Tryfan where Edmund Hilary trained for his ascent of Everest.
Discover one of England's most complete and unusual keeps as you explore every nook and cranny of this 12th century military stronghold, built by Henry II.
Lose yourself in this 800-year-old warren of passageways and secret chambers.
Once a symbol of royal power, this grand residence became home to coastal defences during the Second World War in its life as a radar station.
David Attenborough described the Museum as "A delightful and remarkable museum, a jewel."
The Museum stands in the heart of the town, just where the beautiful coastlines of Dorset and Devon meet. The building has great idiosyncratic charm. Built in 1900-01 by Thomas Philpot, it was restored and extended in 1991.
Visitors can trace the story of the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a wealth of precious artefacts. There are animated and practical games, and audio-visual screens to bring the past to life for everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents.
A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. A later stone shell-keep crowns its steep mound, giving sweeping views across the town rooftops to the River Dart.
Remains of Roman civilian town, an archaeologist’s paradise!
Tribal capital of the Silures (Venta Silurum) - impressive fourth-century walls standing up to 17 feet (5.2m) high. Excavated houses, forum-basilica and a Romano-British temple also remain.
The West Gate barns area provides car parking, level access to toilet facilities and interpretation panels.
Among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain, Lullingstone provides a unique all weather school visit.
Set in the attractive surroundings of the Darent Valley in Kent, the villa was begun in about AD 100, and developed to suit the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners, reaching its peak of luxury in the mid-4th century.
Inside one of Wrexham's landmark buildings, Wrexham County Borough Museum is the starting point for discovering the eventful history of this region on the English-Welsh border.
The museum's displays and collections tell the stories of Wrexham County Borough and its people from prehistory up to the present day.
Lodge Park
John 'Crump' Dutton built this 17th-century grandstand, fuelled by his passion for deer coursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining.
Set high on a dramatic escarpment of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort is a fascinating tourist attraction in the north east of England. There are some stunning panoramic views to enjoy from the walls of this ancient fortress.
Worcester's principal art gallery and museum hosts a unique programme of contemporary art exhibitions, as well as housing a historic picture collection and an intriguing selection of objects ranging from a 19th century chemist's shop to the wonderful Regimental Museum.
Since its foundation in 1196, Torre Abbey has witnessed, survived and even played a role in some epic moments of history. It's one of the best buildings in the country for the story of Catholicism.
North Down Museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day, each exhibition is dedicated to a particular era of local history. Key artefacts on display include the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell from the important Bangor Abbey settlement and the Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation era maps in Ireland.
Stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists provide evidence for a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Great idea for family days out in Nottinghamshire.
Bayham Abbey makes a fascinating day out on the Kent-Sussex border. The impressive ruins include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse.
Learn about the history of life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through to the Islamic period. Thousands of objects to look through including ancient papyrus and carvings. Free to visit.
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is an excellent place to take history fans, budding explorers and archaeologists, plus any kids who would like to see something a little different.
Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.
Travel back in time and discover the history of the Potteries and of Staffordshire.
See the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found on display, plus the world's finest collection of Staffordshire ceramics, Reginald Mitchell's WW2 Spitfire, Ozzy the famous pottery owl and all sorts of art and craft.
A beautiful medieval site with public access for walks and picnics. We run family-focused events through the year, whether it's history, wildlife and environment or archaeology, there's something for everyone to learn and have fun too!
The largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, used for entertainment and military training by the 20th Legion, based at the fortress of 'Deva' (Chester).
Excavations by English Heritage and Chester City Council in 2004-5 revealed two successive stone-built amphitheatres with wooden seating.
Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning new displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. Its spectacular Victorian building links the modern commercial city centre bustle on Queen Street with the city’s historic past.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.