DIG
DIG is an exciting attraction where pupils become trainee archaeologists. A visit to DIG lets students explore 2,000 years of York’s history in a hands-on way.
Experience Archaeology at DIG
At DIG, pupils can handle finds, explore replica excavation sites, and discover how archaeologists use evidence to understand the past. Students will get the opportunity to:
- Learn how materials survive and how archaeologists sort and identify finds
- Dig in replica excavation pits to uncover artefacts from Roman, Viking, Medieval, and Victorian York
- Investigate everyday life in the past through hands-on activities.
Downloadable resources:
Workshops
Workshops extend your DIG visit with interactive, 45-minute sessions designed to spark pupils’ curiosity. Suitable for all Key Stages, these workshops can be tailored to your learning objectives.
Maximum group capacities:
- Under 12s: 24 pupils
- Ages 13–18: 18 pupils
View pricing and planning information here
Choose from the options below when booking a workshop to complement your DIG visit.
DIG Workshops
Tracks of the Past
Follow the earliest settlers in Yorkshire through the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Examine tools, homes, and diets to see how life changed over time.
Life in a Roman Town
Explore York as the Roman fortress of Eboracum. Analyse evidence from homes, workshops, and streets to understand everyday life in the Roman period.
Traders, Looters or Settlers?
Investigate Viking finds, tree rings, and other evidence to understand why Vikings came to Britain. Conduct hands-on analysis to form your own conclusions about settlers, traders, or raiders.
Ways to Visit DIG
Key Stage 1-3
At DIG, your class will put their enquiry skills to the test, using scientific thinking to consider objects from our fantastic collection and discussing their own interpretations of life in the past. Pupils will encounter fascinating artefacts from the Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian periods, and have a go at unearthing and identifying finds for themselves.
If you are visiting DIG to support a history topic such as the Romans, Viking or Prehistory, we recommend enhancing your visit to DIG with a workshop.
Key Stage 4-5
DIG introduces students to archaeological remains as an important type of evidence for supporting interpretations of different periods of history. We welcome Key Stage 4 and 5 groups visiting as part of subject-specific topics in Viking or Roman history – please tell us about your learning objectives before booking so that we can advise you on the best activities for your trip.
Home Educators
We welcome Home Educator visits to DIG. Choose to visit as a family and join one of our tour slots throughout the day or, if you’re part of a home educating association, book out a tour slot together for groups with over 15 children. Contact our Reservations Team to discuss your specific requirements for your visit.