Festival of Archaeology at Guisborough Forest

Step back in time and discover the hidden history of Guisborough Forest during this three-day celebration as part of the Festival of Archaeology. 

Join Forestry England, Wessex Archaeology, Guisborough Community Heritage group and volunteers for a fascinating programme of talks, guided walks, hands-on activities and fieldwork sessions exploring the forest's rich heritage and archaeological past. All activities are FREE.

Throughout the festival you can: 

🔍 Learn the basics of archaeology, stratigraphy and pottery identification 

🚶 Join guided walks and ask questions of foresters and archaeologists. There will be a mixture of challenge to suit most abilities including the use of our Harrison Close Trail which is suitable for prams, wheel chairs and adapted bikes. 

🏺 Explore heritage displays and handling collections 

🎨 Take part in children's self-led mindful activities

📖 Discover the stories behind Guisborough Forest's historic sites 

⛏️ Get involved in practical archaeological fieldwork sessions. These will involve preliminary investigations around a heritage feature and the opportunity for social time and chats with experts (booking required). 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a budding archaeologist, or simply looking for a family-friendly day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

 What's happening

📅 Thursday 23 July 2026 

10:00am – 11:00am:🏺 Introduction to Archaeology 

Discover the basics of archaeology and learn how archaeologists uncover and interpret evidence from the past.  

11:30am – 12:30pm:🌲 Guided Walk with Guisborough Community Heritage Group

Join the team for a guided walk around the Heritage features on our most accessible trail, Harrison Close Wood. The trail is approximately 1.6k in length and is accessible to most wheelchairs, prams and has rest stops every 100m.

11:30am – 12:30pm:🏺 Heritage Drop-in Activities 

Explore archaeological finds from the handling collection, visit the heritage group display and enjoy self-led children's craft activities 

1:30pm – 3:00pm:⛏️ Archaeological Fieldwork Session 1 (Booking required) 

Get hands-on experience with Wessex Archaeology helping to begin investigate historic features within the forest. 

1:30pm – 3:30pm:🏺 Heritage Drop-in Activities Continue 

Drop in throughout the afternoon to explore artefacts, displays and or bring your own pieces to help identify and date them

📅 Friday 24 July 2026 

10:00am – 11:00am: 📚 Introduction to Stratigraphy 

Learn how archaeologists use layers of soil and deposits to understand the story of a site with Wessex Archaeology. 

11:30am – 12:30pm:❓ Ask an Archaeologist 

Bring your questions and chat with professional archaeologists about discoveries, techniques and local history.  

11:30am – 12:30pm:🏺 Heritage Drop-in Activities 

Handling collection, heritage displays and self-led children's crafts.  

1:30pm – 3:30pm: ⛏️ Archaeological Fieldwork Session 2 (Booking required) 

Continue uncovering a local heritage site and recording the archaeological features discovered within the forest. 

1:30pm – 3:30pm:🏺 Heritage Drop-in Activities Continue 

Visit the displays, handle artefacts or bring your own pieces to help identify and date them

3pm – 4pm:⛏️Cleveland Mining Heritage Society talk 

Discover the basics of archaeology and learn how archaeologists uncover and interpret evidence from the past.  

📅 Saturday 25 July 2026 

10:00am – 11:00am:🏺 Introduction to Pottery 

Learn how pottery helps archaeologists date sites and understand life in the past.  

10:00am – 1.30pm:🚶 Guided Heritage Walk (Booking required) 

Challenge walk to Roseberry Topping with North Yorkshire Moors National Park staff. Explore the heritage features and history on this guided walk. This walk will be 9k in length with a stop for lunch. 

11:30am – 12:30pm:🏺 Heritage Drop-in Activities 

Handling collection, heritage displays and children's self-led crafts.  

1:30pm – 3:30pm: ⛏️ Archaeological Fieldwork Session 3(Booking required) 

A final opportunity to take part in a practical preliminary investigation and chat to experts whilst enjoying being in the trees. Click here to book.

1:30pm – 3:30pm:🏺 Heritage Drop-in Activities Continue 

Drop in to explore artefacts and enjoy family-friendly activities. 

Please note: Activities and timings may be subject to change as additional walks, talks and exhibitors are confirmed. Archaeological fieldwork sessions must be booked in advance and spaces will be limited. All sessions are FREE.