Avalon Archaeology Discovery Tour

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.