The Big Dig at London Museum Docklands

Name: The Big Dig
Brand: London Museum

London Museum Docklands

Become an archaeologist for the day!

Now until – 31 Aug 2026

Suitable for 5+ years

Best Bits

Become an archaeologist for the day and piece together stories of London’s history in a family adventure like no other!

Join the London Museum team of archaeologists and help us uncover some of London’s oldest treasures. Dig down through the centuries in your own trench and unearth real objects made and used centuries ago. What will you reveal?

In this hour-long session, you 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 and activity sheets.

“The use of real artefacts and the interactivity of the session – fantastic!”

— Visitor

“It was amazing, honestly. Probably the best dig I've ever done”

— Visitor, aged 9

LittleBird Top Tip

Book your tickets online in advance for the lowest price!

Dates and Prices

Dates:

Running on various dates and times until the 31st of August 2026 inclusive. Click "buy now" to be taken to the partner site to select your preferred date and time.

Prices:

Adult incl. £2 donation - £8.50

Child incl. £2 donation - £8.50

Carer incl. £2 donation - £2.00

Family of 6 incl. £2 donation (You will have access to a full trench) - £45.50

Need to Know

The museum is open every day 10am – 5pm.

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 sessions are split into trenches, with a maximum of 6 people per trench. Depending on the size of your group, you may have to share a trench with another family. To ensure a private trench, please select the full trench option. Some walk up tickets may be available on the day.

Recommended age of 5+

Nearest tube and DLR: Canary Wharf or West India Quay.

If you have time, why not also visit their free galleries and get more in-depth with Docklands history?

Please let them know if they can make additional accommodations to make sure as many people as possible can enjoy the activity – please email them on docklandsdutymanager@londonmuseum.org.uk for more information.

Their building is accessible and they have lifts on every floor. If you need any help, please ask their friendly Hosts at the Information Desk when you arrive.

You'll find everything you need to know on their access page.

Their family-friendly café is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a bite or tea break. They have lunch boxes for kids, sandwiches, pastries, snacks and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.

You’ll also find their 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 their 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, they kindly request that buggies and prams are left in one of these buggy parks.

Plan your Visit

Address and Contact Info

London Museum Docklands
No.1 Warehouse
West India Quay
London
E14 4AL

Nearest Station: Canary Wharf

Nearest Park: Westferry Circus

from £6.50 per person

Buy Now

from £6.50 per person

Buy Now

Best
Bits

Become an archaeologist for the day and piece together stories of London’s history in a family adventure like no other!

In this hour-long session, you 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 and activity sheets.

“The use of real artefacts and the interactivity of the session – fantastic!”

— Visitor

“It was amazing, honestly. Probably the best dig I've ever done”

— Visitor, aged 9

LittleBird Top Tip

Book your tickets online in advance for the lowest price!

Dates and
Prices

Dates:

Running on various dates and times until the 31st of August 2026 inclusive. Click "buy now" to be taken to the partner site to select your preferred date and time.

Prices:

Adult incl. £2 donation - £8.50

Child incl. £2 donation - £8.50

Carer incl. £2 donation - £2.00

Family of 6 incl. £2 donation (You will have access to a full trench) - £45.50

Need
to Know

The museum is open every day 10am – 5pm.

This activity takes place at London Museum Docklands. Visitors will be digging in reconstructed trenches based on a real archaeological site in Gresham Street.

Recommended age of 5+

Nearest tube and DLR: Canary Wharf or West India Quay.

If you have time, why not also visit their free galleries and get more in-depth with Docklands history?

Their building is accessible and they have lifts on every floor. If you need any help, please ask their friendly Hosts at the Information Desk when you arrive.

You'll find everything you need to know on their access page.

You’ll also find their 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 their 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, they kindly request that buggies and prams are left in one of these buggy parks.

Plan your
Visit

Address and Contact Info

London Museum Docklands
No.1 Warehouse
West India Quay
London
E14 4AL

Nearest Station: Canary Wharf

Nearest Park: Westferry Circus

The Big Dig at London Museum Docklands

LittleBird Top Tip

Address and Contact Info

LittleBird Top Tip

Address and Contact Info

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