AN extravaganza of heritage events aim to turn you into an ardent fan of archeology.

The Festival of British Archeology, runs from Saturday July 18 to Sunday August 2, hoping to prove that archeology is for all.

Events take place across the UK (visit festival.britarch.ac.uk to find out where) while in North Devon you'll be able to learn more about local heritage at Arlington Court, the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon and on Exmoor.

Arlington Court

National Trust property Arlington Court was recently revealed as a nationally important example of a picturesque garden in an archeological survey of the grounds by garden historian, Jonathan Lovey.

He said: "The garden was designed to capitalise on the natural beauty of Arlington by creating designed, framed views from the house and pleasure grounds across the valleys to Woolley Wood and Deerpark Wood. There are also carefully planned 'incidents' in the landscape such as a flower garden, meant to be discovered by the visitor. It truly is a rare gem and a good example of a picturesque type of landscape."

On Saturday (July 18) and Sunday (July 19) Jonathan will be explaining his findings at Arlington at 11am and 3pm. There will also be a tour of the garden and grounds at 12.30pm to point out the discoveries made by the archaeological survey, with local amateur archaeologist and volunteer at Arlington, Terry Green. He will reveal where the first house built at Arlington was located.

Meanwhile in the house there will be regular talks from 11am to 3pm about the architecture and interiors of the current house, including a virtual slide show tour of the Georgian cellars.

The event will raise money for the National Gardens Scheme from garden admission fees and any donations received on the day. All the walks and talks are free to attend with normal admission.

On Friday July 24 from 11am to 3pm there will be a Fun Friday — Archaeology For Mini Diggers children event. This is a drop-in workshop and a chance for youngsters to pretend to be archaeologists getting their hands dirty looking for finds in the grounds. Details: 01271 850296.

Barle Valley Archaeology Walk

On Saturday July 18, Exmoor National Park Authority is offering a free guided walk along the Barle Valley from the 19th century designed landscape garden at Ashcombe to Cow Castle Iron Age Hillfort.

The walk will be about 7km/4½ miles and anyone who would like to join in should be at the Exmoor National Park Authority car park at Ashcombe, Simonsbath SS77403944 for a start at 11am prompt.

Walkers should take a packed lunch, drinks and wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing for the weather.

Details: Jessica Turner on 01398 322289 or Faye Glover 01398 322273.

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

On Thursday July 23, 10am to 4pm, you can visit the museum on Barnstaple's Square with any artefacts you might have found for experts to identify. You can also have a go at a mini excavation.