Dig into the Past with the Festival of Archaeology this Summer

Image © National Trust Images

Bradford Council and the National Trust are inviting families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages to step back in time and explore the hidden stories beneath their feet during the Festival of Archaeology 2025 - a celebration of discovery, creativity, and heritage.

The Council for British Archaeology runs the festival each summer, supporting organisations to run their own events throughout the two-week period. The theme for 2025 is “Archaeology and Wellbeing”.

National Trust Archaeologist Mark Newman said “Archaeology is all around us -woven into the places we live in and love. Yet, the layers of past lives often go unnoticed, hidden in plain sight. The Festival of Archaeology offers a wonderful opportunity to become more aware of these stories and secrets that surround us every day.
At East Riddlesden Hall, we’re excited to host a range of archaeology-themed events for all ages, including a discovery trail, storytelling sessions, and a hands-on sandbox dig site for families. I’ll also be leading a walk and talk on 30 July to explore the rich history of the site. I hope you’ll join us.”

Running over two weeks, the festival will feature a diverse programme of events hosted by Bradford Council and East Riddlesden Hall, culminating in the national festival finale - organised in partnership between the Council for British Archaeology and Bradford Council - held at Cliffe Castle Museum and Park.

Neil Redfern, Executive Director of the Council for British Archaeology, added “We are delighted to be closing this year’s Festival of Archaeology at Cliffe Castle in the heart of Keighley. Not only is the museum packed with amazing exhibits and archaeology, but the park is a fantastic setting for our festival finale. We’re proud to support and celebrate Bradford in its year as UK City of Culture, and we invite 

everyone to come along, get inspired, and discover how archaeology can spark curiosity and fire the imagination.”

Highlights of the Bradford Council programme include:

• 29 July – A guided walk from Bracken Hall Countryside Centre exploring prehistoric rock art on Baildon Moor
• 30 July – A series of expert-led archaeology talks at Cliffe Castle Museum
• 2–3 August – A two-day festival finale featuring living history demonstrations, craft workshops, and the acclaimed Ice Age Art Now exhibition

The festival will run alongside the British Museum Partnership Exhibition Ice Age Art Now, on display at Cliffe Castle Museum throughout the summer. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the oldest art found in the UK, with some as much as 24,000 years old. 

Additional family-friendly activities inspired by Ice Age themes will run throughout the summer, offering creative and educational experiences for all ages.

This year’s Festival of Archaeology is a unique opportunity to connect with the past, celebrate local heritage, and explore the stories that shape our landscapes and communities.