I’m a Young Person

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Can I do archaeology too?

Phil Harding and Raksha Dave with a YAC member Are you under16 years old? Are you interested in archaeology? If so, the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is for you! YAC is a fantastic way to learn about archaeology while having fun. The YAC website has lots of tips and information, as well as details of how to join.

YAC UK

YAC consists of two elements, YAC UK and over 70 local YAC Branches. YAC UK is a magazine subscription package aimed at 8–16 year olds interested in archaeology (but you don’t have to be 8 years old to join!). Membership costs £15 a year for an individual child and benefits include:

  • Four copies a year of the fantastic Young Archaeologist magazine packed with quizzes, competitions and the latest archaeological news and stories.
  • YAC badge
  • Letter and certificate signed by our President, Time Team’s Tony Robinson!
  • YAC membership card
  • A YAC Pass giving free or discounted entry to some of the top historic attractions throughout the UK!

Visit the YAC website to find out more about the different categories of membership YAC UK offers and to join us.

Joining YAC UK does not mean that you will get automatic access to a YAC Branch if there is one near you.

YAC Branches

There are over 70 YAC Branches all over the UK. Most meet about once a month, on a Saturday, and they are a great way to learn more about archaeology in your area. YAC Branches are run by teams of volunteers and there is a strict limit on how many members can attend a Branch. Visit our branches section to find a Branch near you and to discover details of how to contact them. The Branch Leader will be able to tell you if there are any spaces available at the Branch and give you details about what they get up to.

If you are aged over 16 and would be interested in volunteering at a YAC Branch please contact the YAC Network and Events Officer.

Going on a dig

Excavating an archaeological feature If you are under 16 and would like go on an excavation (a ‘dig’), this can sometimes be difficult for practical and insurance reasons. However, there are various things you could try. Many local archaeology societies and groups welcome young people along and may have field projects which you can get involved in. Visit our archaeology online section for a list of local groups and societies.

Some archaeological companies have open days and special events throughout the year where you can get involved in what they are doing. The archaeology online section also has a list of commercial archaeological companies or ‘units’ – it would be worth contacting some in your local area and keeping an eye on their websites to see if they have events coming up. The CBA’s Briefing service also contains lots of events, digs and open days, so keep checking this page to see what may be coming up near you.

The Festival of British Archaeology (formerly National Archaeology Week) involves many hundreds of different excavation open days, guided walks, specialist talks, hands-on activities, family fun days, finds identification days and much more every summer. To see if there is an open day or dig going on in your area, visit the Festival website.