Posted on January 30, 2023 by beth

A new visitor and educational facility is set to open on the Somerset Levels from Monday 13 February. Avalon Archaeology is an exciting new addition to the Avalon Marshes Centre. Visitors can explore replica historic buildings including a Saxon longhall and a Roman villa. An Iron Age roundhouse is currently under construction. A Viking trading vessel and the world’s oldest archaeological excavation hut can also be seen. Avalon Archaeology has been developed by the South West Heritage with the support of generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Interior of Saxon longhall with wood carvings and open fire
The dining room of a typical Roman villa in Somerset and frescoes, heated by a working hypocaust underfloor heating system
Saxon longhall with open fire based on a building from the time of King Alfred excavated at nearby Cheddar and decorated with carved woodwork and murals of the period and furniture based on Anglo-Viking designs
Viking trading vessel – a full-scale waterline replica with mast and rigging based on the Skuldelev 3 wreck from Denmark

Avalon Archaeology has been created as a labour of love by a team of volunteers working one day a week since 2015, with only a short enforced break as a result of Covid-19. It began as a small part of the award-winning National Lottery-funded Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership Project. The project was intended to give volunteers practical hands-on experience of traditional building techniques. Over 110 volunteers have contributed their time and expertise to the reconstructions.

A volunteer wood carving
A volunteer painting a mural for the longhall. It tells the story of King Alfred in Somerset
Dr Richard Brunning and the volunteers take delivery of ‘Walrus’

Funding from the Heritage Fund is allowing the site to open throughout 2023 and the development of a sustainable business plan for the site’s longer-term future.


“We are delighted to have supported this project to create an archaeological hub at Avalon Marshes. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, people will be able to get involved with and learn about the exciting heritage and archaeology right on their doorstep, helping to bring history and heritage to life,” STUART MCLEOD, DIRECTOR ENGLAND – LONDON & SOUTH AT THE NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND

“At Avalon Archaeology history is brought to life through archaeological reconstructions that allow people to get a unique, hands-on experience of our local heritage.

“It’s thanks to the skill and dedication of many volunteers that we have these wonderful reconstructions. And now, through the generosity of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re able to share them with the local community and visitors to the area,”

Dr Richard Brunning, an archaeologist with the South West Heritage Trust, who led the project

Visit Avalon Archaeology

Admission is via bookable guided tours available from Monday 13 February.  Two tours will run daily on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10.30 am to 12.00 pm and 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm

For more information about Avalon Archaeology and to book go to avalonarchaeology.org.uk.