
Archaeology has a pretty mixed understanding, from Lara Croft through to dull experts pottering over fields drawing rocks. Somewhere in-between comes Time Team, who mix tweed, jumpers, hair and sometimes not finding much of public interest, alongside the drama of limited time and the occasional unexpected gem. None of these are of course the reality of archeological work, which it’s hard to explain to the general public. Archaeologist: “I’ve been here up a hill for two weeks, and having now found a scatter of worked quartz it makes the aching back, bad weather, hours of recording work, camping, mud and of food worthwhile – because someone lived here!” Public: “And that’s important to me because?... Can I see a mummy or Saxon helmet now please?”

There are so many talks, walks, tours, re-enactments, hands on experiences, activities and unusual opportunities that you’re spoilt for choice. So in July do just one thing you wouldn’t usually, and be surprised how interesting the muddy, recording and analysing parts of archaeology can be.
Find out what’s on around the country using the Council for British Archaeology’s nifty map and search tool.