The big dig

Experience archaeology first hand and uncover London’s hidden past. Dig down through the centuries in your own trench and unearth real objects made and used centuries ago. Work together to discover what they are as well as what the site had once been.

What will you reveal? The foundations of a Tudor home? Or even evidence of life in London long before the city existed?

Book your tickets online in advance for the lowest price. Families In this hour-long session, families will: - learn what archaeology is and what archaeologists do - excavate specially-built trenches based on a real archaeological site in London - uncover and handle genuine artefacts from London’s past - discuss finds to learn what they were and how they were used. All equipment is provided – including your hard hat, high-vis vest, trowel, activity sheets and brushes.

Complete the dig and earn a special sticker to mark your archaeological adventure! This activity takes place at London Museum Docklands. Visitors will be digging in reconstructed trenches based on a real archaeological site in Gresham Street.

The museum is open every day 10am – 5pm. If you have time, why not also visit our free galleries and get more in-depth with Docklands history? Please let us know if we can make additional accommodations to make sure as many people as possible can enjoy the activity – please email us on [email protected] for more information.

Our building is accessible and we have lifts on every floor. If you need any help, please ask our friendly Hosts at the Information Desk when you arrive. You’ll find everything you need to know on our access page.

Our family-friendly cafe is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a bite or tea break. We have lunch boxes for kids, sandwiches, pastries, snacks and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. You’ll also find our shop with a curated range of gifts and souvenirs, including posters, prints, toys, books and jewellery.

More about shopping, eating & drinking. Prams and buggies are welcome in the museum and our gallery spaces. Buggy parks are located on the ground floor, behind the lifts, and just in front of the lifts in the basement.

Due to space restrictions in the big dig, we kindly request that buggies and prams are left in one of these buggy parks.