Public open weekends at the ATC
Our Open Weekends are for everyone: families, couples, friends - anyone with an interest in history will enjoy the day.
Please note, tickets are CARD or CASH but food and purchases are CASH only,
Feedback 30/3/2023 Pre-history
"I just wanted to get in touch to say a huge thank you for such an amazing day at the open day today!
It was our first visit and we loved it! We all learnt a huge amount whilst having fun in the sunshine! The volunteers were all so knowledgeable, friendly and kind and made the day so memorable!
The organisation was superb and the ticket price along with the refreshments cost made it an affordable day out and fantastic value for money!
We will definitely be back for the next open day and Apple Days!"
2025 Public Events:
Prehistory Weekend 10am - 4pm
5th and 6th April 2025 - Tickets available on the day
Dark Ages open weekend 10am - 4pm
26th and 27th July 2025 - Tickets available on the day
Apple weekend 10am - 4pm
27th to 28th September 2025 - Tickets available on the day
Tickets to all events £10 per adult.
£5 for children. Under 4's free
No dogs allowed on site due to livestock. Please contact us if you need to bring an assistance dog.
Tickets available on the gate (cash or card) - no booking or pre-purchase necessary.
Scrummy tea and cake available.
BBQ with vegetarian options (cash only for BBQ food)
Full programme of events nearer the time.
It is advisable to bring cash for the traders on site including BBQ due to variable phone and WiFi signals.
Earthkin Events
We are delighted to be the hosts of Earthkin events and seasonal celebrations.
It is always a night to remember with music and performances to fit the season.
Ellie is also a celebrant and leads handfastings some of which take place at our centre in our replica historic buildings.
Next event
Winter Solstice 21 December 2024
For any concerns regarding accessibility, please contact Ellie by following the link.
story telling at the earth house
In a field on the outskirts of Cranborne village, there is a hill, and it has a door…
One of Dorset’s best kept secrets, the Earthouse is a 200-seat theatre – lit by lamplight and fire-light. Here audiences sit on wooden benches, under an earth roof, held up by 21 huge oak tree trunks… they come to listen to stories. The Ancient Technology Centre works with the Crick Crack Club to bring some of the finest contemporary performance storytellers to this fabulous off-beat venue – turning it into a cinema of the imagination.
‘I was spellbound – I don’t use the word lightly’ THE TIMES
‘the art of storytelling is in the surest, safest hands here’ REMOTE GOAT
For those wishing to book tickets for future storytelling events, we strongly recommend joining the Crick Crack Club's mailing list so you are notified when tickets go on sale.
Due to the nature of the site there are areas which may prove to be challenging to access during a visit and especially when dark or during periods or wet or inclement weather. If you have any concerns regarding accessibility please follow the link and contact the hirer.
Jaminaround
Jaminaround is special night of top quality music and storytelling in the unique, enchanted and intimate setting of our Earthouse. Find out more when their next event is.
Due to the nature of the site there are areas which may prove to be challenging to access during a visit and especially when dark or during periods or wet or inclement weather. If you have any concerns regarding accessibility please follow the link and contact Jaminaround.
Castle hill heritage skills cic
Heritage craft courses and events for all ages
Castle Hill Heritage Skills CIC is a not-for-profit organisation based in Dorset, UK established in September 2024.
They will be hiring the Ancient Technology Centre for heritage skills experiences.
As a Community Interest Company all profit after expenses is directed towards training and resources for Castle Hill Heritage Skills CIC and for the ongoing maintenance and building work at the Ancient Technology Centre in Dorset to ensure their fantastic education, events and spaces for hire can continue for generations to come.
Click on the picture to be linked to their website for more details on heritage courses at the ATC in 2025.
the sheaf of arrows, cranborne
A local, family run, independent pub offering guests at the Ancient Technology Centre a special rate
The Sheaf will offer a 10% discount on rooms for guests and tutors of the Ancient Technology Centre (Proof of ticket required).
Meal deal options available for groups working at the Ancient Technology Centre.
Contact the Sheaf directly for booking and more details.
