Become an archaeologist for a day!
You can still purchase Experience Days, and packs will be sent out to you.
Dates are supended at present due to the Coronavirus Outbreak.
We will resume dates as soon as the Government restrictions are lifted.
Adventure, Explore and Dig on a real Archaeological Excavation...As seen on TV!
You can still purchase Experience Days, and packs will be sent out to you.
Dates are supended at present due to the Coronavirus Outbreak.
We will resume dates as soon as the Government restrictions are lifted.
Adventure, Explore and Dig on a real Archaeological Excavation...As seen on TV!
Experience Day Packs can be bought at any time (often as birthday or Christmas presents) and are valid for at least one year. Dates for the Experience Days will normally be available between the start of April until the end of October, and dates can be booked at a later time. Group bookings can also be made and tailored to meet your needs.
Coronavirus Update on 31 March 2020
Under the latest Government restrictions relating to social distancing, all Experience Day dates are currently suspended until these restrictions are lifted.
What does this mean?
The Purchase of new Experience Days
You can still purchase Experience Days through this website and these can be taken whenever the Government restrictions are eased to allow the resumption of organised outdoor activities. Any Experience Days purchased this year will be valid for a period of 2 years. Note: We are already well placed to ensure social distancing when restrictions are lifted because we limit the number of participants attending on any one date and so can ensure at least 2 metres between participants at all times.
Experience Days already purchased but date not yet agreed
With immediate effect the validity date of all Experienced Days already purchased will be extended to 24 months meaning that they can be taken either later this year or anytime next year.
Experience Days already purchased with April - June dates agreed
Dates already booked for April, May and June will have to be rearranged to later in the year or next year. We will inform (by email or telephone) anyone already booked in April, May and June to let you know about the postponement.
Experience Days already purchased and July onward dates agreed
We will be continually monitoring the situation and latest Government advice. We will contact anyone with dates booked from July onwards to inform them of any change to their booking should the present restrictions be extended beyond the end of June.
Note: If you wish to postpone your arranged date for July or later in the year then please let us know and we will extend the valid date for a further 12 months so that Experience Days can be taken anytime next year if you so wish.
Last minute changes due to:
Lost City of Trellech Personnel
When restrictions are lifted and Experience Days resume, should we be unable to provide the required personnel (due to self isolation or illness) in order to deliver a safe and fulfilling experience to all participants, we would have to postpone the booking to a later date. In such circumstances we would notify you by email or telephone about the change as soon as possible. We shall also extend the time validity of your voucher for a further 12 months.
Participants
If participants should wish to change a confirmed date for their Experience Day due to self isolation or illness then we will be happy to re-book for an alternative day, but we would request that you give us as much notice as possible either by email or telephone prior to the day. Again we shall also extend the time validity of your voucher for a further 12 months.
Footnote
We want everyone to enjoy our rewarding outdoor experience days, discovering the past, and learning new skills. Under these new Government restrictions it is vital that public health is protected. We will only run Experience Days when it is safe and legal to do so for participants and staff.
Coronavirus Update on 31 March 2020
Under the latest Government restrictions relating to social distancing, all Experience Day dates are currently suspended until these restrictions are lifted.
What does this mean?
The Purchase of new Experience Days
You can still purchase Experience Days through this website and these can be taken whenever the Government restrictions are eased to allow the resumption of organised outdoor activities. Any Experience Days purchased this year will be valid for a period of 2 years. Note: We are already well placed to ensure social distancing when restrictions are lifted because we limit the number of participants attending on any one date and so can ensure at least 2 metres between participants at all times.
Experience Days already purchased but date not yet agreed
With immediate effect the validity date of all Experienced Days already purchased will be extended to 24 months meaning that they can be taken either later this year or anytime next year.
Experience Days already purchased with April - June dates agreed
Dates already booked for April, May and June will have to be rearranged to later in the year or next year. We will inform (by email or telephone) anyone already booked in April, May and June to let you know about the postponement.
Experience Days already purchased and July onward dates agreed
We will be continually monitoring the situation and latest Government advice. We will contact anyone with dates booked from July onwards to inform them of any change to their booking should the present restrictions be extended beyond the end of June.
Note: If you wish to postpone your arranged date for July or later in the year then please let us know and we will extend the valid date for a further 12 months so that Experience Days can be taken anytime next year if you so wish.
Last minute changes due to:
Lost City of Trellech Personnel
When restrictions are lifted and Experience Days resume, should we be unable to provide the required personnel (due to self isolation or illness) in order to deliver a safe and fulfilling experience to all participants, we would have to postpone the booking to a later date. In such circumstances we would notify you by email or telephone about the change as soon as possible. We shall also extend the time validity of your voucher for a further 12 months.
Participants
If participants should wish to change a confirmed date for their Experience Day due to self isolation or illness then we will be happy to re-book for an alternative day, but we would request that you give us as much notice as possible either by email or telephone prior to the day. Again we shall also extend the time validity of your voucher for a further 12 months.
Footnote
We want everyone to enjoy our rewarding outdoor experience days, discovering the past, and learning new skills. Under these new Government restrictions it is vital that public health is protected. We will only run Experience Days when it is safe and legal to do so for participants and staff.
Explore the Lost City of Trellech, once the largest Medieval City in Wales, set in the heart of the Welsh countryside.
Take part in the adventure and discover for yourself ancient relics on the excavation of this forgotten city.
This archaeological adventure will take you on a journey into the past. You will be given equipment and guidance to help you uncover lost artefacts that have not seen the light of day for hundreds of years.
The day will begin with a site tour at which you will be given your diggers packs. After which you can start digging and hopefully find some lost treasures.
After lunch (not included) you will have the opportunity to wash some of the finds including your own discoveries and take part in identifying various artefacts already found. You may also choose to carry on with the excavation at your leisure.
Take part in the adventure and discover for yourself ancient relics on the excavation of this forgotten city.
This archaeological adventure will take you on a journey into the past. You will be given equipment and guidance to help you uncover lost artefacts that have not seen the light of day for hundreds of years.
The day will begin with a site tour at which you will be given your diggers packs. After which you can start digging and hopefully find some lost treasures.
After lunch (not included) you will have the opportunity to wash some of the finds including your own discoveries and take part in identifying various artefacts already found. You may also choose to carry on with the excavation at your leisure.
Itinerary:
- Arrive & Welcome
- Site tour
- Digging
- Lunch
- Digging
- Identifying of Artefacts
- Diggers Pack & Certificate
- Guests depart
Also at the end of the day you will receive a personal certificate as a memento.
Diggers Pack:
- Archaeologist Trowel
- Kneeling Mat
- Story of Trellech
- Piece of Medieval Iron Slag
- Personal Certificate
No experience necessary as all guidance is provided by on site archaeologists.
You will receive confirmation of your purchase, with information about the Experience Day itinerary. A gift voucher is also included confirming that you have bought an experience day plus diggers pack, together with information on how to book your date.
The site is open all year round so you can book for any available day although it is advised to book between the start of May to the end of October when the weather is better.
Gift vouchers are normally valid for 12 months from date of purchase, but may be extended for extenuating circumstances.
Site Location
Summary of the Site:
Discovered a few years ago the site of the Lost City of Trellech lies in the heart of the Welsh countryside between the medieval market towns of Monmouth and Chepstow on the hills above the Wye valley. Once of largest city in Wales it now lies in fields just outside the village of Trellech that is situated on its northern edge. An industrial town producing iron principally for the De Clares army it began life in 1245 A.D. and grew rapidly to become approximately ¼ the size of London. The death of the De Clares in 1314 weakened it and the subsequent effects of climate change, plague and war saw it decline further.
The present site is part of an ongoing excavation. Already the foundations of several houses including one manor house with a round tower and well have been discovered. All the buildings so far have been built in stone and may well have given the city its name of Trellech, Tre meaning town and llech meaning stone, i.e stone town. Substantial remains exist which allow both the archaeologist and the visitor to gain a good idea of how things would have existed. Numerous finds have also been uncovered and continue to do so. Discoveries have included a nearly complete pot over 600 years old, leather shoes, wooden objects, bronze buckles, including a buckle glided in gold as well as numerous pieces of pots, iron and stone.
The present site is part of an ongoing excavation. Already the foundations of several houses including one manor house with a round tower and well have been discovered. All the buildings so far have been built in stone and may well have given the city its name of Trellech, Tre meaning town and llech meaning stone, i.e stone town. Substantial remains exist which allow both the archaeologist and the visitor to gain a good idea of how things would have existed. Numerous finds have also been uncovered and continue to do so. Discoveries have included a nearly complete pot over 600 years old, leather shoes, wooden objects, bronze buckles, including a buckle glided in gold as well as numerous pieces of pots, iron and stone.
Where to Stay:
The Experience Day itselfs lasts for a single day. However, visitors often like to stay in the local area to explore the site and the local area more. Indeed, you may find yourself hooked with the Archaeological bug! If you would like to stay in the local area, there are a number of options provided on the Accommodations page and provided in the welcome information that will be sent to you.
How to Purchase:
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Only £50.00 per person (discounts for additional people)
To purchase an experience day:
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When you purchase (for yourself or as a gift) you will immediately receive a gift voucher confirming that you have bought an Experience Day (date to be mutually agreed) and diggers pack, along with an information booklet.
Experience days can take place at anytime of the year but you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. |
Buy Now:
We offer 5 options for Experience Days. If you have a party larger than 5, please contact Stuart Wilson (Tel No. 01291 625831)
- 1 Person - £50
- 2 People - £85 (save £15)
- 3 People - £120 (save £30)
- 4 People - £140 (save £60)
- 5 People - £150 (save £100)