The Big Dig
THIS EXPERIENCE IS NOW CLOSED.
Calling all wannabe Indiana Joneses! London’s long and turbulent past is right under your feet and this summer Museum of London Docklands will be showing you how to dig it up as we celebrate a whole summer of archaeology!
If you’re a family of wannabe Indiana Joneses then there are archaeological adventures to be had in our specially designed hands-on indoor experience for children.
Get kitted up with trowel and hard hat and search for artefacts in your very own replica trench, just like a real archaeologist. Our experts will show you how to observe,record, analyse, identify and interpret your finds which will form vital pieces of a bigger puzzle. Then, when you’ve stowed your discoveries safely away for sorting, you’ll down tools to help us put together the evidence of the world of early Londoners.
Along the way you’ll learn what archaeology tells us about the lives of Londoners, where finds go once they’ve been uncovered and how we know how old objects are, plus you’ll receive a certificate to take home as proof of your new found archaeological skills and knowledge!
Prices
Standard ticket |
£5 |
Standard ticket + annual unlimited Museum entry |
£7.50 |
Family ticket (2 adults and 2-3 children) |
£18 |
Existing Museum ticket holders |
£3.50 |
Groups of 10 or more (price per person) |
£4 |
Booking
Book your tickets in advance online or by calling 020 7001 9844.
Please note: Tickets are for timed entry and a booking fee applies. As this is a family experience, adults can only enter The Big Dig when accompanied by a child. Under 4s enter free, however this activity is aimed at children aged 4 and upwards. Children must be supervised by their carers at all times.
Tickets for The Big Dig include same day free admission to the Museum, making your day out fantastic value for money. With your all access pass you can spend the rest of the day making a splash in Mudlarks, our interactive children’s gallery which brings the history of London’s docks to life. Or you can head upstairs to see displays of real finds unearthed in London, from Roman jars to World War II bombs!
Play The Big Dig game and get 20% off tickets!
Are you a top digger? Why not see if you can beat the experts by digging for treasure and avoiding the moles, worms and rising water. Then get 20% off tickets to dig for real when you forward the game to 3 or more friends!
Play the game
Access and facilities
The Big Dig has one trench available which can be raised from ground level for any persons requiring this. Bookings for this trench are only available through the Museum’s bookings team on 020 7001 9844.
The Museum itself is fully accessible to pushchairs and wheelchair users; pushchairs can be left in our cloakroom free of charge. Baby-changing facilities are available throughout the Museum. Please call 020 7001 9844 or visit our website to find out about the services and facilities we provide that may help you during your visit.
Discover more...
Thames Treasures: London’s River Revealed
18 Jul - 2 Aug
As well as discovering the layers of London’s history in The Big Dig you can also uncover secrets from the deep in Thames Treasures: London’s River Revealed, an exciting series of events running as part of the Festival of British Archaeology. From Iron Age storytelling to paper boat making, the river runs through activities for all ages. Our experts have fishy tales and foreshore finds aplenty, featuring all manner of weird and wonderful watery treats including coracles, mudlarks, elephant gods and whale-bones.
Find out more about our exciting programme of events