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 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 rest of the year.

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

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.

Need to Know:

Please note these tours are not suitable for children. Please see our Whats On pages for Family Tours.

Dogs

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.

Bus Travel

A major new pilot project, 'Step, Ride, Thrive,' has launched across the Avalon and Poldens area to provide better access to the stunning Avalon Marshes landscape. This community-led health and wellbeing initiative brings nature within reach by offering public transport to natural spaces.

The #668 bus route will now stop at the Avalon Marshes Centre, connecting it for the first time to Street, Glastonbury, Cheddar and surrounding villages. The service will run weekdays and include a safe new boarding point within the Avalon Marshes Centre car park.

We are offering a special price of £5.75 for those visiting via bus. (Please retain your bus ticket to show at the Welcome Hut on arrival.)

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.

Contact

Please contact us at avalon@swheritage.org.uk 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/.

Visit What's on at Avalon Aracheology for more exciting events.

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For other events at at our sister Museums in Taunton, Bridgwater and Glastonbury visit What's on.