DIG

DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure where young explorers are taken back in time to discover the archaeological history of York. DIG gives kids the chance to become trainee ‘diggers’ and discover the most exciting artefacts from 2000 years of York’s history. The attraction features four special indoor excavation pits, all based on real-life digs in the city. The excavation pits are filled with replica Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds. Children can grab a trowel and explore how people lived in these times.

DIG was developed by the creators of JORVIK Viking Centre.

History of DIG

DIG – An Archaeological Adventure is an educational resource owned by the York Archaeological Trust, which aims to increase understanding of archaeology and related matters. The Attraction is located in St Saviour’s Church.

DIG – An Archaeological Adventure experience

Your experience starts in the Briefing Hut, where you will learn about the world of archaeology and what you will be doing during your DIG adventure. Following your briefing, it’s time to visit the DIG pits and start uncovering the past. This is where the fun really starts. Each child is handed a trowel to dig in the synthetic soil to discover artefacts from the four major periods of York’s fascinating history. An Archaeologist is on hand to assist and answer any questions.

Explore the World of Archaeology

Once you have unearthed the exciting discoveries that await you in the excavation pits, an archaeologist is on hand to help you examine real archaeological finds. Look out for animal bones, pieces of Roman house tiles and even a Viking-age poo. Kids can get hands-on with history and actually touch finds from previous York Archaeological Trust digs. Artefacts include pottery, bone and even antlers. You will discover what these artefacts tell us about the lives of people who used them.

2000 Years of History

At DIG, you can pick up a trowel and step into the role of an archaeologist for the day. Visitors explore four different excavation pits, each representing a distinct period from York’s past. As you dig, you uncover objects and clues that reveal how people lived in the city during different eras.

Each of these pits is inspired by genuine archaeological digs carried out by the team at York Archaeology. Together they recreate nearly 2,000 years of York’s history, helping visitors understand how the city has evolved over time through the lives of the people who once called it home.

Blake Street
The journey begins almost two millennia ago during the Roman occupation of York. This excavation area draws inspiration from discoveries made at Blake Street, where archaeologists uncovered part of a 2nd-century Roman military structure. At that time, the city was known as Eboracum and served as an important Roman fortress. Soldiers stationed here played a key role in shaping the early development of the city. Finds from Blake Street and other Roman sites around York help historians understand daily life within the fortress and the routines of the troops who lived there.

Coppergate
The next pit moves forward to the Viking era. It is based on the internationally known excavation at Coppergate, the site that led to the creation of the JORVIK Viking Centre. Archaeologists uncovered the remains of Viking houses, workshops and yards filled with artefacts that reveal how people lived more than a thousand years ago. These discoveries provide detailed insights into Viking life in York, including the food people ate, the crafts and trades they practised and the types of games children enjoyed.

Fishergate
The timeline then moves into the medieval period. This pit reflects archaeological work carried out at Fishergate, where researchers uncovered the remains of St Andrew’s Priory. The priory once supported a community of priests and included a nearby burial ground containing the graves of individuals connected to the site. Like many religious houses across England, the priory closed during the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. The remains found here offer a window into the daily life of a medieval religious community.

Hungate
The final excavation brings the story much closer to modern times, focusing on the Victorian era just over a century ago. This section is based on excavations at Hungate, a densely populated area where many working families lived in tightly packed housing. During the 19th century the district was considered one of York’s poorer neighbourhoods. Archaeologists discovered everyday items such as pottery, toys and household tools that illustrate how residents cooked, worked and entertained themselves. Hungate also featured in a well known social study of working class life, and these artefacts help preserve the stories of the people who lived there.

DIG Deeper – Adult Only Tours

DIG Deeper is a special adults only tour that takes place each afternoon, offering a more detailed look at York’s fascinating archaeological history. While DIG is well known as a family attraction, the final session of the day is designed specifically for adults who want to learn more about the work carried out by York Archaeology. During the tour you can meet real archaeologists, ask questions about their discoveries and methods, and even try your hand at excavation using tools such as a trowel and brush in the indoor digging pits. Participants also have the chance to handle replica versions of some of the most remarkable artefacts uncovered during excavations in York.

St. Saviour’s Church

The church of St. Saviour has a fascinating history that can still be explored today. The church has stood on this site since the 11th century. The present building dates from the 15th century, although some earlier stonework survives. During the Georgian and Victorian periods, St. Saviourgate was one of the most fashionable streets in York and St Saviour’s was a very popular place to worship. In 1845, the church was extended to accommodate its growing congregation. By 1901, the parish was in decline and the church bordered on one of the main slum districts of the city. St Saviour’s was eventually declared redundant in 1954, and the medieval glass and church fitments were dispersed.

A new lease of life

In 1975, St. Saviour’s Church was acquired by York Archaeological Trust. It was initially used for the storage of finds. In 1990 the Trust set up the Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) to complement its existing York attraction, JORVIK Viking Centre. Over the following decade, thousands of people visited the Archaeological Resource Centre. In April 2006, DIG – An Archaeological Adventure was opened. The Attraction continues to showcase the history of York through the amazing archaeology discovered in the city.

Admission Prices and Offers

Purchase your tickets to DIG from The Official Website. DIG is a proud member of Blue Peter’s Badge Attractions, any Blue Peter badge holder can gain free entry into JORVIK DIG when accompanied by a full paying adult.

DIG is one of the many attractions fantastic attractions in and around the city of York included with York Pass.

Learn More

The JORVIK Group Pastport

Exploring the history of a city like York can be an expensive day out or short break, luckily The JORVIK Group offer the Pastport. The Pastport ticket gives you entry to some of the best city-centre attractions in York including JORVIK Viking Centre, Barley Hall and DIG: An Archaeological, throughout the year, for one discounted price. Pastport covers 2,000 Years of history, and multiple York Attractions all for 1 Great Price.

Attractions in York

DIG is one of the many attractions that you can experience in the city of York.

Travelling to DIG York

York City centre is encompassed by its ancient walls and is accessible on foot. DIG is located in the St. Saviour’s Church on St. Saviourgate, right in the heart of the modern city of York. The attraction is well signposted.

Travelling by Train

DIG is a 15-minute walk from York Railway Station and the route is well signposted. York Railway Station has great links to major cities across the UK. See the Raileasy website for details.

Travelling by Coach

If you would like to travel by coach we recommend that you try National Express.

Nearby Accommodation

There are lots of places to stay in and around the city of York. Find hotel accommodation at Booking.com or Travelodge are always a good option for good quality, family-friendly budget hotel accommodation.

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