Heritage Textiles Weekend 2027

Join our expert tutors for the FOURTH annual Heritage Textile Weekend.

Vanessa Bunton: Experimental Archaeologist, educator, living historian, tutor, mud-larker, heritage skills across time periods,

amber crafting & historic textiles.

Nic DeRushie: Author, teacher, experimental archaeologist, Bronze & Iron Age textile specialist and reconstructed clothing expert.

Sally Pointer: Experimental archaeologist, heritage educator, traditional crafter, historic clothing across time periods, author

and avid hedge-botherer.

Jalea Ward: Loom maker, experimental archaeologist, living history demonstrator, costumer, reenactor and weaving through time.

They will teach 2.5 hour sessions over the course of the weekend, meaning you will learn 4 heritage textile skills by the end of the weekend.

We will also have a guest lecturer in the evening of Saturday 5th June, before a communal meal which you are welcome to stay for. 

You have the option of paying extra to stay the night in the communal sleeping area of the Viking Longhouse (limited to 12 people) or a campervan on the Ancient Technology Centre car park (limited to 5 spaces) and the potential of pitching a tent in the Ancient Technology Centre grounds (to be confirmed!)

Bring your lunch for both days.

Please NO NUTS - in either your lunch or snacks. 

No dogs on the Ancient Technology Centre site. 

Park in Cranborne Middle School Car Park and take everything you need up with you for the day / weekend. Drop off only at the Ancient Technology Centre Car Park as it is Blue Badge parking only.

More details coming soon!

Countdown to ticket release date... 1st September 2026

There is the option to pay for your ticket in 3 instalments and spread the cost. 

FAQs

We have had enquires about whether guests can wear replica costume items they have made, and the answer is the more the merrier! We are all going to be at the event to celebrate heritage textile methods and archaeological finds so please do share yours.

You will have to arrange your own transport to and from the venue including overnight accommodation if necessary. The closest train station is Salisbury a 30 minute drive away. Please note it is only possible to stay overnight at the Ancient Technology Centre on Saturday 5th June 2027. There are numerous camp sites, B&B's and Air BnB's available local to Cranbourne with a quick online search.

We are an inclusive not-for-profit company and want all of our attendees to have the same accessibility for the weekend of workshops. If you require anything to make your weekend more accessible please let our directors know at castlehillheritageskillscic@gmail.com and we will endeavour to work with the venue and tutors to meet your requirements.

All profit from the sales of these tickets goes straight back into the ongoing maintenance and building projects at the Ancient Technology Centre. Once you have visited you will realise what a special place this is and how we have to work to conserve it for the future generations of visitors.

Refunds will only be issued up until the 15th of May 2027. You can only stay over in the Viking Longhouse, the grounds or in a campervan if you are on the course.

Please get in touch with Castle Hill Heritage Skills CIC if you have any issues.

castlehillheritageskillscic@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you there.