DIG: An Archaeological Adventure

Is it right for my child?

• Ages 5 to 12 are who DIG recommends it for. Each pit is based on a real York excavation: a Roman barracks, the Viking dig at Coppergate, a medieval priory and Victorian Hungate.
• How a tour works: about 30 minutes of talk on benches in the Learn area, then about 30 minutes digging in the Uncover area.
• Book fans: on 12 November 2026, DIG’s ticket shop said all tickets include Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School exhibition. It has hands-on activities, characters from the books and a dragon-inspired dig pit.
• Under 5s go free, and there is a Little Diggers playroom for them.
• Something to know: a Roman gallery near the entrance displays a real human skeleton. You can skip that room if your child would find it upsetting.
• Noise: the old church has hard surfaces, so it can get very loud when school groups are in or in the school holidays.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Book a timed tour in advance, online or on 01904 615505, and arrive 10 minutes before it starts.
• Tours start every 30 minutes from 10am. The booking calendar showed a last tour of 3.30pm on dates we checked in November and early December 2026.
• It is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December 2026, and the last tour on 31 December 2026 is at 2pm.
• In term time, the last tour of the day is for adults only, so book an earlier slot with children.
• Keep bags small (maximum 38cm by 30cm) and leave aerosols at home. Bags may be searched on entry.
• Keep your ticket and bring ID for free return visits within 12 months.

Prices and tickets

• General admission: adult £10.50, child (5 to 16) £9.50, student with valid ID £9.65. Children must be with an adult.
• Family tickets: two adults and two children £32, or two adults and three children £37.
• Free: under 5s, and carers alongside a full-paying visitor.
• Return visits: free for 12 months for everyone in your original party. Bring your original ticket and ID.
• Pastport: one ticket for DIG, JORVIK Viking Centre and Barley Hall. Adult £25, child £19, family of four £72, family of five £84. You still book a JORVIK time slot. If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair, call 01904 615505 instead of booking online.
• Discounts: 20% off for groups such as Blue Light, NHS and York Card holders. English Heritage members also pay less. Proof is checked on arrival.
• Refunds: tickets are non-refundable, but DIG can rebook you into another slot.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Step-free: level access from the street and across the ground floor, with a platform lift to the first floor.
• Toilets: ladies, gents and one accessible toilet. Ask at the admissions desk for the RADAR key to the accessible toilet.
• Nappies: the accessible toilet has a nappy waste bin. The access guide does not mention baby changing.
• Little ones: the Little Diggers playroom has a soft playmat and cushions for under 5s.

Food and drink

The access guide does not mention a café at DIG. The garden has four picnic tables, and you are welcome to bring your own food. Watch your step, as the old gravestones in the garden can be very slippery when wet. DIG is on St Saviourgate in the city centre, near the Shambles.

Getting there and parking

• Address: St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN.
• On foot: about 20 minutes from York Station, and not far from the Shambles.
• Car: there is no parking at DIG. The access guide names Foss Bank car park, about a seven-minute walk away.
• Park and Ride: York has six Park and Ride sites where parking is free.
• Taxi: the nearest drop-off point is right outside on St Saviourgate.

When to visit

DIG says its quietest times are Sunday mornings and most weekday afternoons after 3pm. In term time the last tour is adults only, so families may find a Sunday morning easier. You can also ask the reservations team on 01904 615505 to suggest a quieter slot. Book ahead in the school holidays, when it gets busy. DIG is closed from 24 to 26 December 2026. The calendar showed a 4pm last tour on 19, 23 and 27 December, and 2pm on 31 December.

Additional needs and disability support

DIG warmly welcomes disabled visitors and describes itself as a very adaptable, tactile place to learn. Here is what is available.

Frequently asked questions

What age is DIG York for?

DIG recommends it for ages 5 to 12. Under 5s go free, and in term time the last tour of the day is for adults only.

How long does DIG take?

The guided tour lasts about an hour. You can also look round the exhibitions at your own pace.

Is DIG open over Christmas?

Yes, apart from 24, 25 and 26 December 2026, when it is closed. On 31 December 2026 the last tour is at 2pm.

Is DIG good for autistic children?

It can be, with planning. There are ear defenders, sensory boxes, quiet spaces and a garden, and staff are autism-aware. It can be loud, so ask for a quieter time when you book.

Is DIG wheelchair friendly?

Yes. There is step-free access from the street, a platform lift to the first floor and an accessible toilet. Wheelchair places per tour may be limited, so book ahead. DIG says its accessible toilet is smaller than the full standard.

Can you use one ticket for DIG and JORVIK?

Yes. The Pastport covers DIG, JORVIK Viking Centre and Barley Hall, but you still need to book a JORVIK time slot.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official DIG tickets and booking calendar, opening times, accessibility and access guide pages. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.