DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

About the museum

DIG is housed in St Saviour's Church on St Saviourgate, a Grade II* listed building. The first recorded name of the church was St Saviour in the Marsh, as it overlooked marshland at the edge of the River Foss. The oldest surviving parts are ten carved corbels inside the tower; the church was rebuilt in the 15th century and again in 1844 to 1845, and it became redundant in 1954 when its parish merged with another.

York Archaeology began its link with the building in 1975, when it acquired it to store archaeological finds. In 1990 the church reopened as the Archaeological Resource Centre, an interactive companion to the JORVIK Viking Centre, and it was relaunched as DIG in 2006.

Today visitors, mainly children aged 5 to 12, join a timed tour led by an archaeologist. The visit is split into three zones called Learn, Uncover and Explore. In four indoor excavation pits, each based on a real dig in York, visitors search for replica finds from Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian times, and they can handle real archaeological discoveries. Adults can join the Dig Deeper tour, which is the last tour of the day outside school holidays.

Highlights

• Four indoor dig pits based on real York excavations (Roman, Viking, medieval, Victorian)
• Tours led by real archaeologists, with handling of real finds
• Dig Deeper tour for adults at the end of the day
• Tickets valid for unlimited return visits for 12 months
• Housed in a medieval church with a quiet garden

Permanent exhibition

• DIG archaeological experience – A guided visit with the zones Learn, Uncover and Explore, including four recreated dig pits from Blake Street (Roman), Coppergate (Viking), Fishergate (medieval) and Hungate (Victorian).

Founded

1990

Operated by

York Archaeology

Admission & discounts

Tickets include free return visits for 12 months for everyone in the original party (original ticket and ID required). NHS, emergency services, armed forces and Blue Light Card holders receive 20% off single-attraction tickets, and York Card holders 20% off. Max Card holders get free entry for up to two adults and two children, Blue Peter badge holders under 16 enter free, and the York Pass is accepted. Gift Aid can be added to individual and family tickets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Level access to the entrance and throughout the building, with a lift to the first floor and an accessible toilet. Glass doors have contrast markings. Interpretation is available in level 1 Braille and large print, and visual stories are at the front desk. Carers and personal assistants are admitted free. A folding wheelchair, folding chairs, ear defenders and sensory packs can be borrowed free of charge, and there is a quiet space and a garden. Service, assistance and emotional support dogs are welcome. The building can be very loud; afternoons after 3pm in term time and most weekends are quieter.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 5+

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The attraction is aimed at children aged 5 to 12. There is a Little Diggers area, where a rocking chair is available for breastfeeding parents, and pushchairs should be emptied of bags before entry.

Getting there & parking

DIG lies on National Cycle Route 658, close to the Shambles.

Amenities & dining

Bags may be searched on entry; the maximum bag size is 38cm by 30cm and aerosols are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Private hire and corporate bookings are handled by the York Archaeology hospitality team (groups@yorkat.co.uk).

Plan your visit