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, a richly decorated reconstructed Roman dining room, a furnished 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 reconstructions have been hand-built by a dedicated group of volunteers, using traditional techniques, and there will be a chance to see the volunteer team at work on the project. 

After the tour, you will have time to enjoy the site at your own pace. 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.

Tickets

Thanks to the pilot project: ‘Step, Ride, Thrive’, we are offering discounted tour tickets available for those arriving by bus. (Please retain your bus ticket to show at the Welcome Hut on arrival.)

Because the volunteer team will be at work on the site, these tours are suitable for ages 16+. You can find family-friendly events on our What’s On page.

Discovery Tours will take place on the following dates at 11.30 am, and 2.00 pm on Saturday dates   

Wednesday 20 May

Wednesday 10 June

Saturday 18 July

Wednesday 22 July

Wednesday 29 July

To join the tour, please bring your ticket (including your bus 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.

The tour will last a little over 1 hour. You are welcome to bring a folding stool with you or use the site’s furniture to sit on.

The tour price includes free re-entry to the site during normal opening hours for the rest of the calendar year.

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.

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. Large print versions of our guides are available at the Welcome Hut. See our accessibility page for more information.

Contact

Please contact us at avalon@swheritage.org.uk if you want to discuss special requirements.