DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

A Living Gateway to York's Underground Past

DIG occupies a converted church building in the heart of York, transforming sacred space into an archaeological playground where children become genuine explorers. Owned and operated by the same team of archaeologists who discovered the Viking-age city beneath York's streets and created the nearby JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG brings authentic archaeological methodology to young visitors. The attraction taps into real discoveries made during York's urban excavations, allowing children to handle replica artefacts and understand the tangible evidence that archaeologists use to reconstruct ancient lives. The museum's three core zones—Learn, Uncover, and Explore—guide visitors through an archaeological journey that mirrors professional practice. Children begin by understanding the context and significance of different historical periods, then move into the hands-on excavation experience, and finally explore what their discoveries reveal about daily life in the past. This structured progression transforms the visit from simple play into genuine learning about archaeological method and historical interpretation.

The Excavation Experience: Digging Without the Mess

Four replica excavation pits form the centrepiece of the DIG experience, each filled with synthetic soil rather than actual earth. This thoughtful design choice eliminates mess while preserving the authentic sensation of archaeological work. Armed with trowels and equipped with the same tools real archaeologists use, young diggers search through the pits to uncover replica finds from four major periods of York's history: Roman occupation, Viking settlement, medieval development, and Victorian expansion. The synthetic medium allows children to dig repeatedly without damaging genuine artefacts or creating the cleanup challenges of real soil. Archaeologists stationed throughout the museum provide immediate guidance and expertise. They help children interpret their finds, explain the significance of different artefacts, and answer the endless questions that genuine curiosity generates. This direct access to trained professionals transforms the experience from a simple treasure hunt into an educational encounter with real archaeological thinking. Children learn not just what objects are, but how archaeologists determine age, use, and cultural significance.

Four Centuries of York Beneath Your Feet

The artefacts children discover represent four distinct historical layers of York's development. Roman finds speak to the city's origins as a military fortress and trading hub. Viking artefacts reveal the Norse settlement that transformed York into a major commercial centre. Medieval objects illustrate the city's role as a religious and administrative power during the Middle Ages. Victorian finds document York's transformation during the industrial era. By excavating across these periods in a single visit, children grasp the concept of historical stratigraphy—the principle that deeper layers represent earlier times—in a way that textbooks cannot convey. The museum's connection to JORVIK Viking Centre creates additional learning opportunities. Children who visit both attractions can compare replica finds at DIG with authentic Viking artefacts displayed at JORVIK, deepening their understanding of York's Norse heritage. This relationship between the two museums reflects the integrated approach to heritage interpretation that characterises York's archaeological community.

Designed for Young Minds and Active Bodies

DIG explicitly targets children aged 5–12, with the experience calibrated to hold attention and sustain engagement across this age range. The digging component typically occupies 30 minutes, with additional interactive displays and exhibits extending the visit to 1–3 hours depending on age and interest level. The hands-on nature of the activity suits younger children's learning preferences, while the historical depth and archaeological context appeal to older primary-school visitors approaching secondary education. The museum provides sensory bags for children who benefit from additional support, demonstrating accessibility thinking beyond standard wheelchair access. Baby-changing facilities, breast-feeding areas, and guide dog welcome policies reflect family-centred design. The synthetic soil means children can participate fully without concerns about allergies, sensitivities, or clothing damage—practical considerations that remove barriers to engagement.

Seasonal Exhibitions and Extended Learning

Beyond the permanent excavation experience, DIG hosts rotating exhibitions that extend its appeal and encourage repeat visits. A major exhibition launching in summer 2025 features Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon School, bringing fictional Viking adventure into dialogue with authentic York archaeology. Visitors can meet character replicas, explore original book artwork and maps, and participate in dragon-themed excavation activities. This blend of popular culture and genuine history demonstrates how contemporary storytelling can enhance rather than dilute archaeological learning. For adult learners, DIG Deeper tours run during school term time, offering afternoon sessions specifically designed for grown-ups. These tours provide deeper archaeological context and interpretation than the family experience, allowing parents and educators to develop their own understanding of York's past. School visits receive dedicated support, with curriculum-linked programming that connects DIG to English, science, geography, history, and STEM learning objectives.