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Hidden Histories Live!

29 July 2026
(
  • 10:00
  • - 15:00
)

The Festival of Archaeology returns this summer at Brading Roman Villa – Hidden Histories Live!

Community Archaeology Day at Brading Roman Villa Wednesday 29th July 2026, from 10am – 3pm.

Explore, create and discover the secrets of Brading Roman Villa on Wednesday 29th July from 10am to 3pm, for a community learning day as part of the Festival of Archaeology 2026.

Hidden Histories Live!
Hidden Histories Live!
Hidden Histories Live!

Activities will include:

  • Weaving demonstration with historian, Joy Verinder
  • Wood craft demonstration with specialist, Edmund Green
  • An introduction to Archaeology walk and talk with archaeologist, Kelly Wetherick
  • 3D scanning of pot sherds with the University of Southampton
  • Living History and sketching artefacts with Mrs Anna Thorp, played by local artist Lucy Bell
  • Collecting Hidden Histories – Be part of our oral history archive and exhibition, sharing stories of the archaeology digs YOU remember at Brading!
  • FREE activities suitable for the whole community, from 5 to 95, include drawing and sketching, sand archaeology, Lego villa building and pot reconstruction.

Our exciting new project, ‘Uncovering Hidden Stories of Brading Roman Villa’, is part of Past Futures, a project led by Creative Island and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Festival of Archaeology is taking place across the UK from 18th July to 2nd August 2026 with the inspiring theme “Archaeology and Nature.” To find out more click here.

Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for something new to explore, the Festival of Archaeology offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with the past – and the natural world around us.

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Opening Times

Open throughout the year
Opening Days: Tue – Sat
Museum: 10am – 4pm

(last entry: 3pm)
Café: 10am – 3pm

(last food orders: 2.30pm)
Closed: Sun & Mon

Dogs are not permitted inside the museum, visitor centre or café. They are welcome outside in the grounds on leads.

We are a no smoking or vaping site.

Admission

Adult:£15.40
Concessions:

(students & seniors over 60)

£14.40
Child:

(5-15 Years)

£8.15
Family:

(2 adults and up to 3 children)

£39.00

Pay once, visit all year

Book Tickets

Enjoy unlimited visits! With your ticket, you can return to the Villa as many times as you like for a whole year.

If you are a UK taxpayer, an additional way to support the museum is by using Gift Aid.

More Information

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, an additional way to support the museum is by using Gift Aid.

We are able to claim Gift Aid on pay once, visit all year tickets. When you book online or buy your ticket at the museum, we will ask you if you are a UK taxpayer and if you are happy for us to claim Gift Aid on your ticket purchase. As a registered charity, this means we can claim an additional 25p on every £1 which makes a real difference to Brading Roman Villa Trust’s work to continue to protect and conserve the site for the future. All you need to do is give your permission when you buy your ticket. So, if you purchase a family ticket and select Gift Aid, we can claim £9.75 from the government.

By allowing us to claim Gift Aid, you are declaring that you are a UK taxpayer and understand that if you pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HMRC to adjust your tax code.

Find out more about Gift Aid.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, an additional way to support the museum is by using Gift Aid.

We are able to claim Gift Aid on pay once, visit all year tickets. When you book online or buy your ticket at the museum, we will ask you if you are a UK taxpayer and if you are happy for us to claim Gift Aid on your ticket purchase. As a registered charity, this means we can claim an additional 25p on every £1 which makes a real difference to Brading Roman Villa Trust’s work to continue to protect and conserve the site for the future. All you need to do is give your permission when you buy your ticket. So, if you purchase a family ticket and select Gift Aid, we can claim £9.75 from the government.

By allowing us to claim Gift Aid, you are declaring that you are a UK taxpayer and understand that if you pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HMRC to adjust your tax code.

Find out more about Gift Aid.