DIG An Archaeological Adventure
Unearth history! Kids dig for replica artifacts in a fun, interactive archaeological adventure in York.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
DIG An Archaeological Adventure
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unearth history! Kids dig for replica artifacts in a fun, interactive archaeological adventure in York.
"Kids went nuts. They had a blast. Our guide was bouncing back and forth telling them about what they were finding and what it meant."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your spot, especially for popular times. Essential for a smooth visit! :ticket:
👍 Consider Age Range
Best for primary school ages; older kids might find it less engaging. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Excavation Pits
Digging Area
Kids get to dig for replica artifacts in a simulated archaeological site. Pure excitement!
Interactive Learning Talk
Main Exhibit Area
Engaging and funny presentations bring history to life before the digging begins.
Handling Real Artifacts
Learning Area
Get up close with fascinating historical objects passed around by knowledgeable guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hands-On Fun for Little Archaeologists
Age Appropriateness & Duration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
First time visiting york for 2.5 days. What's the best places to go and visit?
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your spot, especially for popular times. Essential for a smooth visit! :ticket:
👍 Consider Age Range
Best for primary school ages; older kids might find it less engaging. :child:
⏳ Duration is About 1 Hour
The digging part is around 30 mins, so plan accordingly. :stopwatch:
🌧️ Perfect Rainy Day Activity
An excellent indoor option when the weather in York isn't cooperating. :cloud_rain:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Secure your spot, especially for popular times. Essential for a smooth visit! :ticket:
👍 Consider Age Range
Best for primary school ages; older kids might find it less engaging. :child:
⏳ Duration is About 1 Hour
The digging part is around 30 mins, so plan accordingly. :stopwatch:
🌧️ Perfect Rainy Day Activity
An excellent indoor option when the weather in York isn't cooperating. :cloud_rain:
🤩 Enthusiastic Guides
Guides make the experience memorable; they're knowledgeable and entertaining! :star2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise DIG for its highly engaging and interactive archaeological experience, especially for children. The knowledgeable and entertaining guides are a major highlight, bringing history to life. While some older children might find it a bit young, the hands-on digging and artifact handling make it a memorable and fun outing for families, particularly on a rainy day.
"What a fantastic spot! Located inside an old church, which adds to the charm. We had a tour with one other family, which let our kids have a lot of hands on time. Our guide was very knowledgeable (didn’t get his name…older gentleman with a mustache/beard. Very lively guy!). He really made archeology come alive for the kids. I have a feeling he has some kind of background because his passion and information was far beyond what you would expect. The first half of the tour is learning time with some artifacts being passed on. The second half is digging time! The kids went nuts. They had a blast. Our guide was bouncing back and forth telling them about what they were finding and what it meant. Super fun. Great activity and especially great if you have a rainy day."
Ashley Ciandella
"Good visit. Very interactive talk that engaged kids before we started digging. Bit disappointed it was all artifical digging, my kids were hoping to dig treasure (pot, bones etc) they could then take home but no opportunity for that here. Displays were interesting.
Staff were very knowledgeable and entertaining.
1 hour was almost too long, we could have left after 30mins.
Might be a better activity for younger children, my 11yr old was too old and 8yr old was borderline."
Liv Clarkson
"We really enjoyed our visit to Dig, which was free with a Max card. It was a well led, and suitable for children in primary school and upwards of- the guy leading our tour was enthusiastic, funny, and knowledgable.
The dig area was a really good idea, well laid out and a great intro to archeology."
Oliver I
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
DIG is centrally located in York, making it easily accessible. It's situated within an old church, adding to its unique atmosphere. Many visitors find it a short walk from other major attractions like Jorvik Viking Centre. Check local bus routes if you're not walking from your accommodation. :bus:
Parking in central York can be challenging and expensive. The nearest car parks are generally the Coppergate Shopping Centre or Picadilly. Consider using public transport or walking if possible to avoid parking hassles. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but it's often considered a good value for the interactive experience. Look out for family tickets or passes that might include other York attractions. Some visitors mention using a Max Card for free entry, so check eligibility if you have one. :moneybag:
Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during school holidays or weekends. This ensures you get your preferred time slot and avoids disappointment. :calendar:
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official DIG website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour availability. :clock1:
Yes, some reviews indicate that the Max Card can be used for free entry to DIG, making it a great option for families. Always confirm current policies with the attraction. :card_index:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The core experience involves an interactive talk about archaeology followed by a hands-on digging session in simulated excavation pits where you can unearth replica artifacts. :shovel:
Most visitors find the experience lasts around an hour. The digging portion is usually about 30 minutes, with the rest of the time dedicated to the engaging introductory talk and artifact handling. :timer:
DIG is generally best suited for children in primary school. While toddlers might enjoy the digging, the talk might be less engaging for them. Older children, around 11, might also find it a bit young. :stroller:
Unfortunately, you cannot take home the artifacts you unearth. The digging is a simulated experience to learn about archaeology, and the finds are part of the museum's educational setup. :gift_closed:
The atmosphere is lively and engaging, especially during the interactive talk and digging sessions. The guides are known for being enthusiastic and making the experience fun for both kids and adults. :tada:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside DIG, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and the ongoing activities. Focus on capturing the fun your kids are having during the digging and learning sessions. :camera:
The excavation pits themselves offer great photo opportunities as kids are actively digging. Also, capture moments during the interactive talks when guides are engaging with the children. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Key tips for families: Book your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot. Be aware that while the digging is exciting, the finds are replicas and cannot be taken home. The entire experience lasts about an hour, which is usually perfect for keeping young attention spans focused.
☔ Rainy Day Explorers
This is a great option for a spontaneous visit or a planned outing when outdoor activities are off the table. The engaging content and hands-on digging provide a welcome distraction from the gloom, making it a perfect rainy day activity for families visiting York.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The DIG Experience: More Than Just Digging
The second part of the visit is the simulated archaeological dig. Children are given tools and tasked with carefully excavating replica finds from a sand-filled pit. This hands-on activity is designed to mimic real archaeological fieldwork, teaching them about careful excavation and discovery. While some visitors expressed a slight disappointment that the finds were artificial and couldn't be taken home, the educational value and sheer fun of the digging process are widely celebrated.
Overall, DIG provides a memorable and educational outing, particularly for families with children in primary school. The intimate setting within an old church adds to the charm, and the passionate guides ensure that the experience is both informative and incredibly fun, making it a standout activity in York.
Navigating DIG with Different Age Groups
For younger toddlers, the experience might be a bit long, and the educational content may go over their heads, though they will likely enjoy the tactile experience of digging. Conversely, older children, particularly those around 11 years old, might find the activities a little too simplistic. Some reviewers noted that their older children were borderline too old for the experience, suggesting that the sweet spot for maximum enjoyment is indeed in the primary school years.
It's worth noting that the duration of the visit, typically around an hour, is often considered perfect for the attention spans of the target age group. The balance between learning and active participation ensures that children remain engaged throughout the visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit