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 an Iron-Age roundhouse under construction, a richly decorated Roman dining room, an Anglo-Saxon longhall, and a waterline replica of a Viking ship. Filled with handcrafted 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 1.5 hours and includes time to enjoy the site at your own pace. The price includes free re-entry to the site during normal opening hours for the whole of 2023.
To join the tour, bring your ticket on paper or on your mobile to the Welcome Hut 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.
Accessibility
The reconstructed buildings are accessible but feature some uneven gravel 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. Visit our website for more information about accessibility: https://swheritage.org.uk/avalon-archaeology/visiting-2/accessibility/.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you want to discuss special requirements.
Go to www.avalonarchaeology.org.uk for more details, or visit our blog the see the latest work of our dedicated volunteers at https://avalon-archaeology.com/.
~ PLEASE NOTE: the road from Shapwick to the Avalon Archaeology site will be closed between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm on weekdays from 4 - 15 March 2024.
Avalon Archaeology will only be accessible from the north during those dates and so you may need to divert your route if approaching the site from the south. ~