Festival of Archaeology
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July 2026
Nottingham Castle
Time: 10 am – 5 pm (last admission 4 pm)
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Excavations at the Castle in 1976 which led to the site being designated a Scheduled Monument, Andrew Hamilton, who instigated those excavations, and Gavin Kinsley, an archaeologist who has been actively involved in research for the Castle, are conducting GUIDED TOURS OF WHAT WAS, FOR 500 YEARS, THE PRINCIPAL ROYAL CASTLE IN THE MIDLANDS. With a series of expert speakers and knowledgeable guides the Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Nottingham’s rich archaeological heritage.
These exclusive TOURS will only be available on the festival weekend and may be booked without charge by those who have purchased an entrance ticket to the Castle.
The perfect time to make use of your ‘Pay once visit all year round‘ ticket once again in July.
Standard admission applies. Adult: £18, Kids Go Free (15 years & under, up to 3 children per paying adult).
The exclusive series of FREE tours throughout the day – and you will need to reserve your free place.
- Historic remains of the former Royal Castle – Talk / Tour with Andrew Hamilton or Gavin Kinsley (Sat/Sun) –Reserve your place– It is a unique opportunity to learn about this site from the creation of the Castle in 1068 until its partial demolition in 1651.
- Nottingham Castle seen through the excavations of Christopher Drage – Talk by Ann Inscker (Sat) – Reserve your place
- Changing Landscapes of Castle Rock – Talk by Scott Lomax (Sun) – Reserve your place
Please note, you will need to show or purchase your ‘Standard Admission’ ticket for Nottingham Castle on entry.
Family Activities
Have a go at building your own LEGO castle, design your own medieval shield, and get hands-on with history by exploring our fascinating artefact handling boxes.
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July
Drop in sessions 11 am – 3pm – no booking required
Historic remains of the former Royal Castle (ADD ON)
Talk / Tour with Andrew Hamilton or Gavin Kinsley
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July
Each hour from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm (approx. 1 hour)
It is a unique opportunity to learn about this site from the creation of the Castle in 1068 until its partial demolition in 1651.
Free Tour (Standard Admission for Nottingham Castle required)
Nottingham Castle seen through the excavations of Christopher Drage (ADD ON)
FREE Talk with Ann Inscker
Saturday 25th July (11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm)
Free Talk (Standard Admission for Nottingham Castle required)
Changing Landscapes of Castle Rock (ADD ON)
FREE Tour with Scott Lomax
Sunday 26th July (11.20 am, 12:30 pm or 2 pm)
Free Talk (Standard Admission for Nottingham Castle required)
Standard admission applies for Nottingham Castle
Adult: £18, Kids Go Free (15 years & under, up to 3 children per paying adult)
The perfect time to make use of your ‘Pay once visit all year round‘ ticket once again in July.
If you haven’t already, book your standard admission ticket here:
We are also running a series of FREE activities throughout the day – and you will need to reserve your free place for each activity also:
ADD ON GROUNDS TOUR (SAT / SUN)
