Herts Archaeology Festival
Join us for the 2nd Annual Herts Archaeology Festival!
Learn about archaeology from industry professionals, participate in family friendly activities and demonstrations and take a tour of the baths with UCL Senior Lecturer and archaeologist Kris Lockyear.
Entry to the bath talks and unguided visits require tickets. Capacity is limited, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Entry to the outdoor fair is FREE.
Please note: There is very limited parking available on site with a small number of accessible parking spots. We strongly advise taking public transportation, cycling or carpooling.
Baths Visit Schedule
10:00-10:30: Roman Baths Talk and Tour with archaeologist Kris Lockyear
10:45-11:45: Unguided baths visit
11:45- 12:15: Roman Baths Talk and Tour with archaeologist Kris Lockyear
12:30-13:30: Unguided baths visit
13:30-14:00: Family Friendly Tour of the Baths
14:15-15:15: Unguided baths visit
15:15-15:45: Roman Baths Talk and Tour with archaeologist Kris Lockyear
16:00-17:00: Unguided baths visit
Exhibitors
Herts Archaeology Festival features a wide range of exhibitors from the region including museums, archaeological groups and archives. Here are a few of the confirmed exhibitors for 2026:
Welwyn Archaeological Society
The Welwyn Archaeological Society (WAS) was founded by Tony Rook and his wife Merle in 1960 after the discovery of Roman tiles on a spoil-heap during the construction of a motorway. WAS was instrumental in the excavation and preservation of Welwyn Roman Baths. The group includes amateur and professional archaeologists, united in their passion for exploring the past. New members are always welcome.
Community Archaeology Geophysics Group
CAGG was formed in 2013 following a grant from the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council. The grant was to run a one-year ‘jointly authored’ research project entitled Sensing the Iron Age and Roman Past: Geophysics and the Landscape of Hertfordshire. The original project bought together researchers from the Institute of Archaeology, UCL with members of local archaeological societies including the Welwyn Archaeological Society (WAS), the East Herts Archaeological Society (EHAS), the North Herts Archaeological Society (NHAS), the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (SAHAAS), the Chess Valley Archaeological and Historical Society (CVAHS) and the Leighton Buzzard and District Archaeological and Historical Society (LBDAHS).
Walkern History Society
Walkern History Society (WHS) works with the local community to inform, foster and promote interest in the history of the village of Walkern. We have regular meetings, offer talks and tours, organise and take part in many events. In 2024 we proudly opened a heritage centre (The Pigeon Hut) to showcase local artefacts and archive material, and to help place our village's long and fascinating history in context. We are thrilled to again be part of the Herts Archaeology Fair.
St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society
St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society, also known as the ‘Arc and Arc‘ was formed in 1845 and celebrated its 175th Anniversary in 2020, making it one of the oldest such groups in the country. With over 700 members, we are also one of the largest. From the start, we’ve been the meeting point for people curious about the history of St Albans and its surroundings. Like the first members, we seek to promote an interest in and the study of local history.
East Herts Archaeological Society
We are one of the oldest archaeological societies in this part of the country, with publications and records that go back to 1899. Our aims are to foster interest in the county’s archaeology and history, to promote and assist in excavations and historical investigations, and to help protect ancient buildings and monuments in East Herts.
St. Albans Museums
St. Albans Museums celebrate the rich history of St. Albans from prehistory to present. Discover the Roman heritage of St Albans at Verulamium Museum or visit St Albans Museum + Gallery for cutting edge art installations, historic exhibitions and touring blockbuster shows.
Herts Record Society
Herts Record Society was founded in 1985. Its purpose is to publish texts relating to Hertfordshire that would not otherwise be easily accessible. Its publications will appeal to anyone who appreciates the county and its past.
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS)
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) is the archival department of Hertfordshire County Council. HALS is a joint service of Hertfordshire County Record Office and the Hertfordshire Country Local Studies Library. HALS collects and preserves archival materials from 1060 onward and welcomes researchers to explore the rich history of the county.
North Hertfordshire Museum
North Hertfordshire Museum, based in Hitchin, has a large collection of archaeological material from across the district, of which only a tiny proportion is on display. We are especially strong on Palaeolithic, Iron Age and Roman finds. We are open Tuesday to Sunday and entry is free.