Uncovering Wandlebury: Two Upcoming Archaeology Events at Wandlebury Country Park
This May, Wandlebury Country Park in Cambridge offers two public events that bring the archaeology of this ancient Iron Age hillfort to life. Whether you are looking for a full day of family activities or a focused lunchtime talk, both events are free to attend and open to all.
Event 1: Archaeology Open Day, Saturday 2 May, 10am–4pm
The Archaeology Open Day provides a hands-on introduction to the ongoing excavations at Wandlebury. Once an important Iron Age hillfort with a roundhouse village, Wandlebury remains an active research site. Cambridge University’s Department of Archaeology and the Cambridge Archaeological Unit have been carrying out digs here since 2024, and this open day is an opportunity for the public to engage directly with that work.
On the day, visitors can expect:
- Guided tours of the excavation sites
- The chance to speak with archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology and the Cambridge Archaeological Unit
- A range of hands-on activities suitable for all ages
- The opportunity to see real archaeological finds from Wandlebury up close
The event is based at the Education Centre/Stables, where directions to the dig sites will be provided. It runs from 10am to 4pm, giving visitors plenty of time to explore at their own pace.
Practical information: Free entry, with a suggested donation of £3. No booking required. Car parking is payable on arrival.
Event 2: Wandlebury Archaeology Excavations – Past, Present & Future, Saturday 9 May, 11am–12pm
A week later, Dr Oscar Aldred will deliver a talk presenting the findings of the most recent research excavations at Wandlebury, set in the context of earlier investigations carried out in the 1950s and 1990s. The talk offers a comprehensive look at the site’s long history of archaeological study and what new excavations are revealing about life at Wandlebury across different periods.
Since 2024, the Department of Archaeology and the Cambridge Archaeological Unit have been working at Wandlebury as part of a five-year research project. This work is training the next generation of archaeologists while adding to knowledge of the middle Iron Age hillfort, the periods of occupation before its construction, and the ways the site was used after the Iron Age. The talk will include a first public showing of finds from this year’s excavations alongside material from the earlier digs.
Following the talk, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
You can read more about the findings on our blog here.
Plan Your Visit
Both events take place at Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge, CB22 3AE. Neither requires advance booking, and both are free to attend with a suggested donation of £3. Car parking is charged on arrival, CPPF members can park for free all year.
