This July, Portland Museum invites you to step beneath the surface of the island — literally and figuratively — as Nature Unearthed transforms the grounds into a living archaeology experience on 29–30 July 2026, running from 10:30am to 3:30pm each day.

This event is part of the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology 2026, celebrating this year’s national theme: Archaeology and Nature. Our programme explores how Portland’s natural landscape shapes its archaeology, connecting visitors with the island’s heritage through hands‑on discovery.

For two days, the museum becomes a place where ancient pigments stain fingertips, microscopes reveal the hidden textures of flint and bone, and simple fibres twist into cordage just as they did thousands of years ago. Young adventurers can follow trails, sift through finds, and earn badges as they uncover the secrets woven into Portland’s landscape.

Inside, the island’s past waits in the half light of the galleries: Roman echoes, Iron Age craftsmanship, maritime relics, and the deep geological story that shaped Portland itself. Touch tables and curated displays invite visitors to get closer than ever to the objects that shaped the island’s identity.

Behind closed doors, the museum team is already sorting artefacts and preparing displays, all to create a festival where every corner holds a discovery.

Admission is just £1 for children and £2.50 for adults, keeping the event welcoming and affordable for all. Please note that access is limited in some areas due to the historic nature of our 17th‑century cottages. A wheelchair ramp is available, and most festival activities take place in the accessible garden. If you require assistance, please contact the Museum Coordinator — we’ll be very pleased to help.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01305 821804

Activities to Enjoy During the Two‑Day Festival

• Hands‑on pottery with Bill Crumbleholme – shape clay and explore ancient ceramic techniques.
• Guild of Spinners and Weavers demonstrations – discover traditional fibre crafts and try your hand at spinning and weaving.
• Microscope investigations – examine flint, bone, sheep teeth, cow teeth, and other archaeological finds up close.
• Ancient pigments with Bournemouth University’s Dept of Archaeology & Anthropology – grind, mix, and paint with natural colours used thousands of years ago.
• Cordage making – twist natural fibres into strong cord using prehistoric techniques.
• Paper crafts and badge making – create your own festival keepsakes and earn activity badges.
• Display board of recent research updates – explore the latest findings and ongoing studies of Portland’s archaeological sites.
• Touch collections – handle real artefacts and experience history in your hands.
• Archaeology I‑Spy trail – a fun, family‑friendly challenge across the museum grounds.
• Experimental archaeology and ancient craft for wellbeing – explore how traditional skills connect us with nature and the past.

Join us for two days of hands‑on discovery and celebrate Portland’s archaeology in a whole new way.