About
DIG – An Archaeological Adventure is one of York's most distinctive and imaginative visitor experiences, housed in a converted medieval church in the heart of the city. Operated by the York Archaeological Trust — the organisation that also runs the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre — DIG invites visitors of all ages to step into the role of archaeologist and explore four replica excavation sites spanning more than 2,000 years of York's extraordinary history.
Set within the atmospheric former church of St Saviour on St Saviourgate, the experience begins with a theatrical briefing from costumed archaeologist characters before visitors don hard hats and pick up trowels to excavate through genuinely fascinating replica trenches. Each dig zone transports visitors to a different historical era: the Roman period when York was the mighty fortress city of Eboracum, the Viking age of Jorvik, the medieval period when York was one of England's wealthiest cities, and the Victorian era of rapid industrial expansion.
What sets DIG apart from conventional museum displays is its emphasis on active discovery. Participants sift through soil to uncover replica finds — pottery sherds, bones, coins and artefacts — then use field analysis guides to identify and record what they have found, experiencing the authentic process of real archaeological investigation. Trained guides and archaeology educators accompany visitors throughout, explaining how genuine discoveries are made and interpreted.
The experience is particularly celebrated for its work with school groups, offering curriculum-linked sessions for Key Stages 1 through 4 that align with history, science and geography programmes of study. Sessions can be tailored to specific historical periods, making DIG an exceptional educational destination for day trips and curriculum visits.
Founded in 2006, DIG continues York Archaeological Trust's mission of bringing archaeology to life for public audiences. It sits in the cultural heart of York, surrounded by Roman walls, the Shambles and York Minster, making it an ideal stop on a wider city exploration. With guided group bookings, birthday party packages and holiday programming, DIG offers a genuinely distinctive alternative to traditional museum visits.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Book online in advance — sessions fill quickly during school holidays and at weekends
- Allow at least 90 minutes for the full experience, especially with children
- Children aged 4+ get the most from the excavation activities; under-4s can still participate with adult support
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty — the excavation experience involves handling soil and artefacts
- Combine DIG with a visit to JORVIK Viking Centre nearby for a full day of York Archaeological Trust experiences
- Pick up the free York city walking map in reception to plan the rest of your day around the medieval streets
- School groups should arrive promptly as timed sessions run to schedule — late arrivals may miss the briefing
- York Archaeological Trust membership gives discounted entry to both DIG and JORVIK — worth considering for frequent visitors
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
DIG does not hold a permanent collections display in the conventional museum sense. The experience centres on replica excavation sites and finds designed to reflect genuine York Archaeological Trust discoveries. Real artefacts are exhibited at the Yorkshire Museum and JORVIK Viking Centre.
Roman Dig Zone
Excavate a replica Roman trench revealing life in Eboracum, York's Roman incarnation as a major legionary fortress and colonia. Discover Roman pottery, coins, building materials and personal objects.
Viking Dig Zone
Unearth evidence from Viking-age Jorvik, one of the most extensively excavated Viking settlements in the world. Find replica Norse artefacts including combs, metalwork and everyday domestic objects.
Medieval Dig Zone
Excavate through layers of medieval York, one of England's most prosperous cities in the Middle Ages. Discover glazed pottery, medieval coins, architectural fragments and evidence of daily urban life.
Victorian Dig Zone
Explore York's Victorian industrial and domestic past through replica finds from the era of rapid expansion, railway building and urban development that transformed the city in the 19th century.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.