14th – 26th of July 2025

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 The Folk of Gloucester, we will be shining a light on the amazing Priories and Friaries in Gloucester and the archaeology that has been undertaken. 

whats on

Explore Gloucester’s ‘hidden’ history with lots to see and do, including:

Discover Fascinating Talks

Explore Gloucester’s hidden history with talks on Gloucester Docks, Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries and much more.

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Explore the 3D archaeology trail

Saturday July 26th, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Various venues in the Gate streets

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Get involved in Hands on Archaeology

Sunday 20th of July 10:30am to 4pm.

This is a unique chance to join an Archaeology dig run by Gloucestershire Archaeology.

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Archaeology meets Antiques Roadshow

Saturday July 20th | 11-4pm

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.

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Meet Elsie Clifford Trailblazer Archaeologist

Saturday July 19th | 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Archaeology Discovery Centre, Bell Walk, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester.

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The Tudor barber-surgeon is ready to see you!

Friday July 25th, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

St Michaels Tower, Southgate Street, Gloucester

Come along and discover the Horrible History of Tudor Medicine.

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Doc Saurus: Fossil Hunter

Saturday 26th of July 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1HP.

Dig for fossils, uncover hidden treasures, and learn fascinating facts about ancient civilisations.

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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

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Archaeologist for a Day Family Activities!

Saturday July 26th | 11am – 4pm

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Meet the Detectorists!

Saturday July 26th, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

St Michaels Tower, Southgate Street, Gloucester

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Meet the Archaeologists and find out how you can get involved!

Saturday 26th of July 10am to 4pm.

St Michaels Tower, Southgate Street, Gloucester

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+ Lots of free activites!

FREE Activities taking place at the Museum of Gloucester, Eastgate Shopping Centre and  Gloucester Cathedral on Festival Day which is the 26th of July.

Gloucester Festival of Archaeology

july, 2025

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Blackfriars Tour

Sunday 20th and 27th of July at 2pm

Book onto a fascinating tour of Blackfriars Priory, guided by a Civic Trust tour guide.
Learn about the site’s rich history as you move through the various rooms, from the towering North Range, originally a 13th Century Dominican church, to the ancient Scriptorium. This fascinating building is believed by historians to be the oldest standing purpose-built library in Northern Europe and is of international significance.

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. 

Queen’s Award

Heritage Lottery Fund