York
Hands-on York archaeology

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Explore York's past through hands-on excavations and interactive archaeological sessions.

HistoryLocal heritageScience

Located in St Saviour's Church, this hands-on attraction invites visitors to become archaeologists. Explorers of all ages can dig in specialized pits to uncover real archaeological discoveries and explore two thousand years of history through themed interactive zones.

A hands-on archaeological attraction in York featuring indoor excavation pits, real historical discoveries, and interactive learning zones for all ages.

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
About DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Located in St Saviour's Church in York, DIG: An Archaeological Adventure offers a hands-on introduction to excavation. Visitors explore three interactive zones—Learn, Uncover, and Explore—where they dig in simulated pits based on real local excavations. The venue features authentic materials spanning two thousand years of history, alongside specialized afternoon tours for adult visitors.

Stone church exterior with a tall square tower featuring battlements, a clock face, and tall Gothic arched windows, with a colorful banner at the base and a street in the foreground.
Tickets for DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Visitors planning a trip to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York can expect a paid admission structure. Adult tickets start at £10.50, and booking online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and save time. While general free entry and child-free options are not available, the venue does offer group tickets. Separate concession tickets for students or seniors are not offered.

Adult Ticket

£10.50

Starting price. Online booking is recommended to save time and guarantee entry.

Visitor amenities at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure provides a range of practical facilities designed to support a comfortable and engaging visit for families. The venue features interactive, child-friendly exhibits and guided archaeological experiences, while also accommodating visitors with pushchairs. These amenities ensure that guests can explore the site's hands-on history with ease and convenience.

Hands-on archaeological adventure

Available

Guides and team help

Available

Pre-book online

Limited

Tickets and Prices

Available
Extra charge
Accessing DIG: An Archaeological Adventure with Museum Passes

Visitors exploring the hands-on archaeology centre of DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York have the option to use valid city museum passes to facilitate their entry. The specific access and conditions available depend on the type of pass held, allowing for a flexible visitor experience when discovering local historical artefacts and excavation techniques.

Location of DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure is situated inside St Saviour's Church on St Saviourgate in the historic city of York, England. This central setting provides an ideal starting point for families and history enthusiasts exploring the city's rich heritage. Visitors can find the venue easily on the map before discovering the hands-on excavation pits inside.

Planning Your Visit to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Planning your visit to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York is straightforward, but advance preparation is key. Reserving your tickets ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your entry, especially since the experience features guided sessions. Booking your slot in advance ensures a smooth arrival and guarantees your opportunity to enjoy the hands-on excavation pits and exhibitions.

Planning Your Visit to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

The Hands-On Archaeology Experience at DIG

Located inside St Saviour's Church in York, DIG: An Archaeological Adventure offers a hands-on visitor experience focused on how local history is uncovered. This interactive museum guides guests through three distinct zones—Learn, Uncover, and Explore—where simulated pits replicate real excavation sites. Armed with specialized tools, visitors can unearth historical discoveries spanning nearly two thousand years of regional heritage. Beyond family activities, the attraction hosts themed exhibitions and afternoon tours designed to give adults a deeper look at the past.

Stone church building with a tall square tower and Gothic arched windows, with red DIG banners and signage at the entrance

History of DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

The home of DIG: An Archaeological Adventure is a *Grade II\* listed building* in York, built in the 15th century as St Saviour's Church. After the church was declared redundant in 1954, the York Archaeological Trust acquired it in the 1970s to store local finds. In the early 1990s, the trust transformed the structure into an interactive resource centre. Following a major redesign, the site reopened in 2006 as a hands-on learning facility.

  • St Saviour's Church architecture

    1400-1499Architecture

    The current building housing the center is a 15th-century structure featuring Gothic architectural elements. Notable features of the historic edifice include large pointed arch windows, decorative carved stonework, and original wooden roof trusses.

  • Designated as Grade II* listed building

    Heritage status

    The site is officially recognized for its architectural and historical importance as a Grade II* listed building. This status protects the structural integrity of the former St Saviour's Church building.

  • Closure of St Saviour's Church

    1954Milestone

    The church building, which served as a local parish for centuries in the historic center of York, was officially declared redundant in 1954.

  • Acquisition by York Archaeological Trust

    1970-1979Ownership

    The York Archaeological Trust, an educational charity founded in 1972, acquired the decommissioned church building in the 1970s. Initially, the site served as a repository for various archaeological finds discovered in the local area.

  • Opening of Archaeological Resource Centre

    1990-1994Opening

    In the early 1990s, the York Archaeological Trust repurposed the church building as the Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC). This facility was established to provide a pioneering, interactive environment for hands-on archaeology, complementing passive displays at other sites.

  • Rebranding as DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

    2006Milestone

    Following the closure of the Archaeological Resource Centre in July 2005, the facility underwent a transformation and officially reopened in March 2006 as DIG: An Archaeological Adventure.

FAQs & Curious Questions for DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Planning to unearth secrets at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York? While we cannot promise you will find buried treasure, we do suggest booking tickets in advance. Also, feel free to bring a pushchair, just remember to empty it of bags before embarking on your historic dig!

Is there parking at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure?

Information regarding parking availability and parking fees at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure is currently not specified.

How to get to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure by public transport?

Public transport directions and routing options to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure are not currently provided.

Do you need a reservation for DIG: An Archaeological Adventure?

Yes, booking a reservation in advance is recommended for visiting DIG: An Archaeological Adventure.

What is the recommended visit duration for DIG: An Archaeological Adventure?

The suggested visitor duration for exploring DIG: An Archaeological Adventure is currently not specified.

Tips for Visiting DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

When planning your visit to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and guarantee entry. The experience features guided learning sessions where guides assist visitors through the process of exploring recreated dig pits and handling real historical artefacts. The hands-on activities are specifically designed for young explorers and are recommended for children aged 5 to 12. While pushchairs are permitted inside the venue, visitors are kindly asked to empty them of all bags and accessories before entry.

Who is DIG: An Archaeological Adventure Suited For?

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure in York is designed primarily for families, school groups, and young explorers aged five to twelve who are interested in hands-on history and science. Through interactive simulated dig pits based on real local excavations, visitors can use tools to uncover and analyze historical materials. While the core exhibition zones are geared toward children, the attraction also accommodates older audiences with dedicated afternoon tours that provide a deeper look at regional heritage. The venue is stroller-friendly under specific security guidelines, making it a practical option for those traveling with younger children.

Visual Preview of DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Images of DIG: An Archaeological Adventure offer a preview of this hands-on attraction housed in York's historic St Saviour's Church. The visual gallery captures the building's distinctive Gothic architecture, complete with its stone tower and red banners. Visitors can also preview the simulated indoor excavation zones where young explorers search for real historical discoveries.

Stone church building with a tall square tower and Gothic arched windows, with red DIG banners and signage at the entrance
Stone church exterior with a tall square tower featuring battlements, a clock face, and tall Gothic arched windows, with a colorful banner at the base and a street in the foreground.
York

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