An aerial view above White Horse Hill, with a group of volunteers visible, re-chalking the bronze-age white horse on top of the hill. — Aerial view of volunteers re-chalking the bronze-age horse figure at White Horse Hill, Oxfordshire | © National Trust Images/Mike Calnan/James Dobson

Archaeology

Find out more about the diverse archaeological sites we look after, from the Royal Anglo-Saxon burial ground at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk to Levant Mine and Beam Engine, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

A warm sunset over the burial mounds at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk 1200332.jpg

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Archaeology at the places in our care

From champagne bottles to deliberately blocked tunnels, learn about some of the discoveries at places in our care and the approaches we're using to protect them for future generations.

Sheep grazing around the standing stones at Avebury with autumn trees in the background in Wiltshire.

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Archaeological highlights from our Heritage Records

Explore archaeological highlights from the National Trust Heritage Records Online and discover more about the antiquities in our care from ancient burials to industrial landscapes.

Aerial view of Figsbury Ring Neolithic and Iron Age site, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside on a sunny day in Wiltshire.

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Hillfort archaeology and nature

Discover how hillfort management is helping protect both archaeology and wildlife and learn more about the Iron Age hillforts in our care.

Graffiti carved into the stonework at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

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Mysteries of historical graffiti

Historical graffiti offers a valuable window into the past. From the symbols carved into castle walls to the etchings of Isaac Newton, discover the meanings behind the graffiti at the places in our care.

Sunset view from atop a ridge of grassy hill curving around a flat area with a few trees on the lower ground

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What historic landscapes mean to us

We survey all our sites for any signs of archaeological significance, using aerial photography and expert analysis on the ground. Find out more about our work to explore remnants of the past, and why it's so important to us.

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Metal detecting on National Trust land

Read our policy on metal detecting on National Trust land, including when and where you can do it, and the kind of licence you will need.

View of a Bronze Age barrow on a sunny day at Windmill Hill, Avebury in Wiltshire

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Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology

The National Trust cares for many unique and historic landscapes across the UK. Learn more about the type of archaeological remains we look after from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.