Saturday 17th July–Sunday 1st August

As part of the 2010 Festival of British Archaeology, the Thames Discovery Programme will be undertaking a number of activities based on the archaeology of the foreshore, including lectures, talks, demonstrations and fun days out for all the family along the river Thames.

Open Weekend at the Tower of London
Photo by N. Cohen

Archaeology Weekend
Tower of London
Sat 17th & Sun 18th July, 10am – 4pm

The City of London Archaeological Society (COLAS), featuring the Thames Discovery Programme, celebrates ‘Fun on the Foreshore’ with two days of free events and activities at HM Tower of London, including a rare opportunity to visit Tower Beach. COLAS stands include museum-quality artefacts and handling collections, as well as replicas, activities and games, covering everything from bones and burials, through shoes and coins, to exploring a spoil heap, making a mosaic and dressing-up as a Roman Londoner. Activities are held in the open space between Tower Moat and the river wall, between 11:00 and 16:00 each day. HM Tower of London and Thames21 will enable access to Tower Beach (weather and environmental conditions permitting), between 12:00 and 14:00 on Saturday, and 12:30 and 14:30 on Sunday, with a team of environmentalists and archaeologists to answer questions and identify finds; please visit www.hrp.org.uk to confirm access times. Sturdy footwear is recommended, a plastic bag and wet wipes may come in handy, metal detectors are strictly prohibited!

Hands-on Thames Finds at the Museum of London
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July

11.45–12.30pm, 1.45-2.30pm & 3.45-4.30pm. Try sorting and identifying objects found on the foreshore in this interactive activity run by the Thames Discovery Programme. Events free but bookable in advance with the Museum of London.

Archaeology Family Day at Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley
1st August, 11am – 3pm

Public display about the Thames Discovery Programme and family Roman lamp making activity. Free drop in event, booking not required.

For further enquiries please call: 01322 526574.