Kirkby Thore Archaeology Open Day
Date
16th May 2026
Time
10:00
History is being uncovered at Kirkby Thore!
Join us on site for a rare opportunity to visit a live excavation, explore early medieval discoveries, and meet the people bringing this period to life. From archaeology in action to reenactors sharing insights into daily life, this is your chance to experience the past in a completely different way.
What you will experience:
👉 Watch archaeology in action at the A66 site
👉 Tour an active archaeological excavation
👉 Opportunities to speak directly with archaeologists
👉 Early medieval reenactors sharing insights into daily life
👉 Hands-on family-friendly activities
👉 The option to book onto a free guided tour of the site
Please note: this is not a volunteering opportunity
Image: archaeologists working on an excavation site at Kirkby Thore
Kirkby Thore, the site of our A66 excavations, is providing important new evidence for early medieval activity. This is a period that is often less visible in the archaeological record, which makes discoveries like the ones we are uncovering here particularly significant.
The work taking place across the A66 is helping to build a clearer picture of how communities lived, adapted, and interacted with the landscape we now call home.
This event offers a rare opportunity to visit site, meet early medieval reenactors, and explore what life in Cumbria may have been like during this period.
Alongside this, you will be able to speak with archaeologists, take part in hands-on family-friendly activities, and book onto a free guided tour of the excavations.
Practical Information:
- Date: Saturday 16 May 2026
- Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours, but as long or short as you like!
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: The site is outdoors with uneven ground, which may be challenging for wheelchairs and prams. We are working hard to make site as accessible as possible. Please contact us before booking so we can advise on current site conditions work to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
- Clothing: Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothes.
- Facilities: Accessible toilets and handwashing available. No refreshments on site – bring your own drinks/snacks.
- Weather: Goes ahead in most conditions. In extreme weather, visits may be rescheduled.
- Photography: Welcome for personal use. Please avoid photographing other visitors without permission.
