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Gloucester Festival of Archaeology
In partnership with Gloucester Cathedral and several organisations and heritage venues in Gloucester. Working together we bring a host of activities designed to appeal to residents and visitors alike by encouraging everyone to look up and down and explore the city for the day through a range of run and low-cost activities.
Through a series of talks and events in amazing venues like Gloucester Cathedral and Museum of Gloucester, we will be shining a light on the archaeology.Â
whats on
Explore Gloucester’s ‘hidden’ history with lots to see and do, including:
Family Day
Saturday 18th July
Kicking off this year’s Festival is Family Day. Activities from 10am-4pm throughout the city.
Discover Fascinating Talks
Explore Gloucester’s hidden history with talks on Gloucester Docks, Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries and much more.
Discover Fascinating Talks
Explore Gloucester’s hidden history with talks on Gloucester Docks, Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries and much more.
Archaeologist for a Day Family Activities!
Saturday July 18th | 11am – 4pm
Join us for a miniature archaeological ‘dig’ in front of Gloucester Cathedral.
FREE, drop in
Lego Gloucester Cathedral
Saturday 18th July
Can you spot Harry Potter in the Cloisters, and Edward Jenner in the Nave?
Gloucester Cathedral
Explore the 3D archaeology trail
Nautical Archaeology Society
Saturday July 18th | 10am-4pm.
St. Michael’s Tower, The Cross, Gloucester, Gl1 1PA
Find out More
Finds in the Museum
Saturday July 18th | 10-4pm
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP
Come and meet Kurt Adams, Finds Liaison Officer, to record your finds and receive expert information about its material, date and significance.
Festival Village at The Folk
Saturday July 18th | 10am-4pm
The Folk of Gloucester, 99-103 Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2PG
Find out More
Kings Bastion Tours
Tuesday July 21st | 10.30am, 11.10am & 11.50am.
Meet in Kings Walk Shopping Centre.
Step through a trapdoor into Gloucester’s past and explore the secret Roman and medieval remains below King’s Walk. Tickets: Adults £8, Children £5.50. Booking Required.
Andrew Armstrong Talk
Tuesday July 21st | 11am
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP
Learn more about the Kings Bastion with the City Archaeologist. Tickets £8. Booking Required.
Eastgate Chamber Tour
Friday July 24th | 2pm
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP.
Tickets: Adult £8, Children £5.50. Booking Required.
Llanthony Quiz Night
Saturday July 25th | 7pm
Llanthony Secunda Priory, Priory Juncation, Gloucester GL2 5FA
Join us at Llanthony Secunda Priory for a fun and interactive Festival of Archaeology Quiz Night. Tickets £5. Booking Required.
Roman Soldier Eastgate Tour
Saturday July 25th | 2pm
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP.
Join auxiliary Roman soldier Lucius for a fascinating visit underground to the Eastgate Chamber to see how and why the original City walls were built and what happened to them through the centuries. Tickets: Adult £8, Children £5.50. Booking Required.
Kings Bastion Tours
Tuesday July 28th | 10.30am, 11.10am & 11.50am.
Meet in Kings Walk Shopping Centre.
Step through a trapdoor into Gloucester’s past and explore the secret Roman and medieval remains below King’s Walk. Tickets: Adults £8, Children £5.50. Booking Required.
Linda Proud: Author Talk
Thursday July 20th | 2pm-3pm
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP
Tickets £5, Booking Required
The Tudor barber-surgeon is ready to see you!
Friday July 31st | 10am – 4pm
St Michaels Tower, Southgate Street, Gloucester
Come along and discover the Horrible History of Tudor Medicine.
Meet the Archaeologists and find out how you can get involved!
Uncovering the Story of St Mary de Crypt’s Wall Paintings
Saturday July 26th | 11-3pm
St Mary de Crypt Church, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1TP
Handling Session
Saturday August 1st | 11am-12pm
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP
Find out More
Mediaeval Walking Tour
Saturday August 1st | 2pm-3.30pm
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP
Find out More
Discovery Centre Drop In
Saturday August 1st | 2pm-4pm.
Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP
Find out More
+ Lots of free activites!
FREE Activities taking place at the Museum of Gloucester, The Folk of Gloucester and Gloucester Cathedral on Family Day which is the 18th of July.
Gloucester Festival of Archaeology
july, 2025
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Blackfriars Tour
Sunday 20th and 27th of July at 2pm
Eastgate Chamber Tour
Tuesday 22nd of July 11am and 2pm, Saturday 26th of July 10:30am, 11:30am, 2pm and 3pm.
The history of Gloucester from the 2nd century through to the 18th century is visible in the Eastgate Chamber. On Saturday 26th of July, we are opening it, especially for the Archaeology festival.
You will see the archaeological remains of the 2nd-century Roman gate and the 4th-century walls.
Remains of the 11th-century Norman gate are to be seen as well as the 13th-century tower and the 16th-century horsepool. Learn about the many uses of the medieval tower and the significance of the Eastgate during the Siege of Gloucester in 1643.
It’s a fantastic chance to explore a space that has so much to tell of Gloucester’s history.
Gloucester Cathedral Crypt Tours
Various times throughout the Festival
Gloucester Cathedral
Discover the hidden underground level of the Cathedral, explore the passages and side chapels used by monks 900 years ago and see the chamber where bones were later stored. Purchase tickets on the day at the welcome desk.
Available daily, Hourly between, 11.30-3.30. Please check Cathedral opening hours before planning a visit (please check website) .
Llanthony Priory Tour
Tuesday, 22nd of July at 2 pm.
Step into the footsteps of Canons and let the echoes of history guide you through these ancient walls. From breathtaking architecture to serene courtyards, every corner tells a story waiting to be explored.
Take part in a fascinating 60-90 minute tour of the Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. Learn about the people that shaped Llanthony’s history, including Priors and Patrons, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward II, King Henry VII and many more.
Explore the stunning timber-framed Medieval Range with its majestic wind braces and wattle and daub, and experience the Brick Range’s Henry Dene Hall in all its glory, saved from dereliction by its recent restoration.Â
Queen’s Award
Heritage Lottery Fund
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