Enjoy a walk in the countryside with our resident archaeologist talking through points of interest.

This year we are excited for the return of our Archaeology Walks Programme with seven walks taking place between April and July. Three walks take place on Saturday mornings, three on midweek mornings and one on a Thursday evening. Walks include Kingley Vale and Kithurst Hill along with some old favourites like Cissbury Ring, Highdown and Chanctonbury Ring.

For most of these walks our resident archaeologist James Sainsbury will be bringing along genuine artefacts from the museum collections, giving attendees the opportunity to handle items in the locations they were originally found.

From James
“We are all extremely lucky to live in an area that not only has outstanding natural beauty, but also outstanding archaeological remains. I hope during these walks I can communicate and share my passion for these ancient places and the peoples who once lived, walked, loved and died within the landscapes we inherited today”

Arundel Park & Arun Valley
Created in the early Norman period by the Earls of Arundel, the lack of inhabitants and agriculture means that the Park is rich in archaeological remains, including an important later Iron Age-Roman transition settlement. After exploring the Park, we will enter the Arun Valley proper, traversing a landscape of hidden Prehistoric, Roman and Medieval activity. If conditions are suitable we will then push on to The Bridge Inn for a short rest, before returning to Swanbourne Lake via the valley bottom, which holds secrets of its own.

7 miles/4.5hrs – This longer walk is only suitable for those with good levels of fitness and mobility, and involves some steep climbs and descents.

Please Note
The walks are of varying difficulty – Please note the length before booking as some involve more climbing than others! It is advisable to bring water to all of the walks, and a bite to eat on Tuesday and Saturday sessions. Dogs are welcome on a lead.