Inviting visitors to discover the city's hidden history, Gloucester Festival of Archaeology returns this summer 2026, with an exciting fortnight of events and activities – many of which are free!
Gloucester Civic Trust, Gloucester BID, Gloucester Cathedral and the city's heritage organisations, museums and community groups come together for a programme highlighting the city's unique archaeological heritage, from Iron Age settlements to Roman ruins.
Taking place across two weeks of the summer holidays, history fans can embark on guided walks, enjoy living history experiences, take in exhibitions, listen to expert lectures, and see inside historic sites often closed to the public.
Aiming to make archaeology accessible, the festival kicks off with Family Day, which is set to transform the city centre into a huge, hands-on heritage experience full of free and low-cost interactive activities taking place across multiple venues, including a mini excavation outside Gloucester Cathedral, a 3D archaeology trail on the Gate Streets, and a festival village at The Folk of Gloucester.
The festival's programme of expert lectures includes talks on King Henry VIII, The Stone Age, Gloucester's rivers, Gloucester Cathedral's world-famous Cloister, and the Roman Colonia of Gloucester.
Other activities throughout the fortnight include walking tours, an archaeological dig in action, a quiz at Llanthony Secunda Priory, a picnic at St Oswald's Priory, and even archaeology-themed cocktails at Crimson Spire inside Hotel Indigo.
Gloucester Civic Trust volunteer, Marc Waters, said: 'The Festival of Archaeology showcases everything that makes Gloucester such an extraordinary historic city.
'By working alongside our heritage partners, sponsors and volunteers, we're able to create an inspiring programme that encourages people of all ages to explore, discover and celebrate our shared heritage.'
Gloucester Festival of Archaeology takes place from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 2 August 2026.
To see the full programme of events and activities, and to book tickets, visit gloucestercivictrust.org/gloucester-festival-of-archaeology.
