Visiting York Dig
We had been thinking of visiting York Dig for a while but obviously the past year with a pandemic has got in the way of visiting York. We have enjoyed visiting York Railway museum and York Castle Museum previously, so now post lockdown 3 we decided to look into returning and supporting local attractions. First on our list was York Dig. This review is not a paid or gifted review, we pre-booked tickets online as recommended.
I found booking the tickets online very easy. Make sure you check the discounted rates page as we had 2 children who have Blue Peter badges so they were free and my husband and I got Blue Light discount due to his employment. These discounts made a great difference to our entry fee and also means we can return free in the next 12 months as well.
I would advise arriving on time at York Dig (St Saviour’s Church) for your allocated time slot. They run an efficient system and your group is taken through the museum at that allocated time. On arrival they give you a brief on what to expect and what you will be doing. We found the staff to be friendly, helpful and efficient.
The Dig
Starting the experience off, 4 groups at a time are taken into the dig room. Here is where you all get to experience a bit of what life would have been like in the Viking, Roman, Medieval and Victorian times. They run this part very efficiently. The kids are each given a digging trowel and a kneeling mat. Each group/family is given a site to dig and then you’re directed and rotated around the room until you have completed each dig site.
The dig material is made from rubberised soil which is sanitised regularly. Our kids loved discovering the old bones, combs, pottery, a Victorian doll and even a toilet! The staff give helpful pointers on what to look out for and why certain artefacts are typical to that period of time.
Our 3 children ranging from 4 to 12 years old all enjoyed this part of the museum. Our 12 year old enjoyed reading to her siblings about each of the Dig sites, the 7 year old loved finding bones and asking questions and the youngest just enjoyed digging up the rubber!
After being archaeologists all groups sit down and discuss what they’ve found. The staff then share a few more interesting artefacts and facts with a quick Q&A session. Then you’re free to wander around some of the displays and make your way out through the small gift shop to the exit.
I found the gift shop to be reasonably stocked and well priced for pocket money spends. Outside of the museum there are tables for picnics and a small garden area which has been well tended too. I enjoyed seeing they have made areas for wildlife and bees amongst the churchyard.
We probably spent around an hour and a half at the museum of which is more than enough for the ages of our children. After visiting York Dig we headed around the corner into the Shambles to enjoy some more of York’s history.
Information and Tips for Visiting York Dig
- Check out their discounted entries such as Blue Peter badge holders
- Get there on time for your pre-booked slot
- We parked in nearby Sainsbury’s Foss Island carpark as their parking charges are reasonable. Alternatively park and ride is also handy for York City travel.
- You can take drinks and snacks etc to eat outside weather permitting.
- The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs .
- Toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The under 5’s play area currently closed
Do let us know how you get on visiting York Dig in the comments below.
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