While all archaeological sites contribute to our understandings of the past, certain sites have been instrumental in one way or another in influencing the development of archaeology as a field of study. It may be that a site gave its name to a period in prehistory, a type-site, or that the site significantly changed the way in which we think about the past. This is a collection of those historically important sites. > Read more

The most visible role of English Heritage is its stewardship of over 400 significant historical and archaeological sites, from the well known prehistoric site of Stonehenge to the World's earliest iron bridge. Membership of English Heritage offers free entry to all of their sites, while an Overseas Pass offers reduced entry to some of these. This tour provides a guide to the archaeological sites managed by English Heritage. > Read more

Scattered throughout Europe are a handful of archaeological sites that over the years have revealed some remarkable fossilised fragments of Europe's earliest hominin ancestors. While the date and identity of these remains are constantly being reconsidered, they nonetheless provide important clues about the origins of humanity in Europe. Some of these sites are open to the public. > Read more

There are a many important and interesting archaeological sites that make for a good day out from London. For some of these sites, Stonehenge for example, there are many companies that provide transport or formal day trips for tourists in London, for others the public transport network will get you there and back. This tour provides a guide to some of those sites that are well worth a day trip out of London for. > Read more

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a conservation organisation that works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As one of the largest landowners in the UK, the Trust owns and manages a number of archaeological sites, including Avebury and the Stonehenge landscape, which are listed in this tour. > Read more

Hill Forts are artificially fortified or defended settlements located on hilltops constructed during the Iron Age; some are, however, thought to have originated in the Bronze Age. They are found throughout Europe, and vary greatly in type and density. Some of the larger Hill Forts became more like cities than simple fortresses. During the expansion of the Roman Empire many hill forts were assimilated by the Romans. > Read more

Every now and then an ancient hoard of some kind is found in Britain, usually as a result of someone sweeping a field with a metal detector. The museums in the Irish and British Isles have some spectacular examples of Iron Age hoards, whether hoards of coins or other valuable objects kept for safe keeping or votive hoards. > Read more

Amphitheatres were built by the Romans throughout their Empire, and today some 230 are known about from Wales in the west, to Syria in the east, Scotland in the north, and Libya in the south. Built to impress, they are a defining feature of what would have been a wealthy Roman city or town. A number of well preserved examples are now still used to stage various spectator events. > Read more

Roman theatres are found throughout the Roman Empire, from Syria in the east to Spain in the west, from north Africa in the south to England and Germany in the north. Greek in origin, they were used to stage plays, choral events and orations - hence their small, semicircular design with good acoustics that was often enhanced by being placed up against a hillside. > Read more

Roman villas were the country residences of the wealthy upper classes. Often these grand houses were lavishly appointed with mosaic floors and fresco walls, which have survived until today. Some of the finest villas are to be found in Italy at the heart of the wealth of the Roman Empire. Outside of Italy, the villa was a powerful sign of the Romanization of indigenous populations. > Read more

Of all the remains from the Roman occupation of Britain perhaps the most striking are the mosaic floors. An established Roman tradition of creating images using small square pieces of stone, glass and other materials was used in Britain to decorate the floors of many Roman villas. A number of stunning mosaic floors have been uncovered in England, and can either be seen in museums or visited in-situ at archaeological sites. > Read more

Described as the most important Roman monument constructed in Britain, Hadrian’s Wall stretched from coast to coast along the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. Today much of the mid-section of the wall is still well preserved and can be followed on foot, by cycle or by car. Here we provide a guide to the various sites and museums along the route of the wall between Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle. > Read more

Some of the most evocative Medieval ruins in the British Isles are those of abbeys long since abandoned, usually sometime between 1536 and 1541 when Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of Catholic Monasteries in England, Ireland and Wales. Some abbeys no longer function as a monastery but are nonetheless still in use today, perhaps the most well known being Westminster Abbey in London. > Read more

The Welsh Marches contain highest concentration of motte-and-bailey castles in both England and Wales. This is not that surprising given that the border, known as the Marches, has long been a source of contention between the two nations. From Wat's Dyke to Offa's Dyke and the many later Medieval castles, this self guided tour explores political history of this borderland. > Read more

No other ancient civilisation has held the attention of the West as much as ancient Egypt. Europe’s fascination with Egypt is almost as old as antiquity itself, and dates back to the ancient Greeks and Alexander’s conquering of Egypt. For centuries now Egyptian artefacts have been sold to private collectors and museums. Consequently, today there are numerous collections of Egyptian antiquities all over Europe. > Read more