Dr Edward Shepherd

After growing up on a small sheep farm in North Yorkshire, I read Archaeology at the Universities of York, Buckingham and Birkbeck, with a focus during my Master’s and PhD on the animal remains and architectures from the Early Neolithic in Britain. I have lectured at Birkbeck, University of London, excavated sites within the Stonehenge landscape (alongside others throughout Britain), presented my research at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

I have led over 600 small group tours from London since 2011, visiting sites such as Stonehenge, Bath, Salisbury, Windsor, Glastonbury, Avebury, Lacock etc. I have over 300 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and was a finalist for the ‘World Guide Awards’ in 2016.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling with my wife and four daughters (Ava, Arden, Olive and Lola) to West Cornwall, where we eat ice cream, visit archaeological sites and walk coastal paths.

Thomas Lyons

I currently work in UK field archaeology with Archaeology South East in Essex (part of University College London) and have twenty-five years’ experience in excavation and study in archaeology, along with two university degrees. Much of this has involved commercial field work in England - which accounts for the majority of archaeological work carried out today. I have been lucky enough to participate in numerous teaching and research projects across the UK and throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

For almost twenty years I have been involved in field work in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site at the site of Blick Mead, just near Amesbury. Elsewhere in Wiltshire, I contributed to recent research excavations at the enormous site of Marden Henge in the Vale of Pewsey, an amazing monument comparable to Avebury in size.

I have been leading day tours with Archaeologist Guided Tours to Wiltshire since 2016 and never tire of visiting these special places with people who are often visiting archaeological sites and exploring the English countryside for the first time.

Why choose Archaeologist Guided Tours? Stonehenge Tours

Since 2011, our expert team has worked tirelessly to ensure that each itinerary has been created with our clients experience at the heart of it all! Our expert archaeologists not only offer unrivalled knowledge of the destinations, but are briefed to impassion and stimulate.

Above all, Archaeologist Guided Tours offers memories. Experiences we hope start a lifelong interest and passion in the historic environment of Britain. To this end, in 2024 we have launched our annual Winter Solstice online talk exclusively and free of charge for our tour guests; allowing you to keep informed of all future discoveries from Stonehenge and the broader landscape.

Our Experts

Expert speakers

Our guide lecturers are selected not only for their subject knowledge, but also for their ability to communicate clearly and engagingly for both adult and family audiences. Unlike local guides, our experts are able to place the sites in a much wider historical context.

Special arrangements

We can gain access to places not normally open to travellers during public hours. We work closely with English Heritage to negotiate inner circle access for Stonehenge, if desired.

Travel in comfort

We work very closely with our partners in order to provide our customers with the best in comfort, service standards and warmth of welcome. We have good relationships with hotels, pubs, restaurants and transport operators, allowing us to offer the best experience.

Individuality

Archaeologist Guided Tours offer a truly unique experience. We understand that our guests are interested in the archaeology and heritage of their chosen destinations, but also the landscapes, history and culture.

Family friendly

We welcome adults only and family friendly private tours. Our guides will work closely with you to present a narrative which is engaging for all audiences.

Food and drink

Archaeologist Guided Tours is very proud of its British links, in all cases we prioritize the very best local food and drink.

Fitness

Our British tours should not present problems for anyone who manages everyday walking without difficulty. But please consult us if you have any doubts about your ability to cope as some walking will be needed.

Direct climate action

We are continually working to become a more sustainable business. So far, we think we’re on the right track: where possible we communicate with clients and partners electronically, and when printing is required we only use recycled paper, and we have eliminated all single-use bottles from our vehicles.

Consumer protection

For your protection and to meet our responsibilities under the terms of the Package Travel, Package Holidays, and Package Tours Regulations 1992, all payments made by you will be held separately in our Client Account until the completion of your private tour.