Visits from groups are welcomed with prior notice.
About this Event
Join us for the next Uncovering Roman Carlisle community excavation season.
This mini dig will focus on two key areas - a trench in the north eastern area of the site, to finally unravel the layers upon layers of pebble lasagne we previously uncovered during excavations in 2025. We will also open a treach to the eastern edge of the known site, in the southern area of the site, wherne we had a big pit last season, and a cobbled surface - is it another roadway? Let's see if we can find out!
These sessions are about learning together. You’ll work alongside professional archaeologists and a wider community of volunteers, with support and guidance throughout the day. No previous archaeological experience is needed for most roles - just curiosity, care, and a willingness to take part.
Please read before booking
We know how exciting it can be when dig tickets go live, and it’s very tempting to book quickly. We’d really encourage you to take a few minutes to read through the information below before choosing your tickets.
Each role on site has different physical demands and expectations, and spaces are limited. Booking thoughtfully helps make sure places go to people who are best suited to each role and reduces last-minute cancellations, which can be disappointing for others hoping to take part.
Before booking, please check the physical requirements and expectations for each role and choose the one that best fits what you’re able to do.
Accessibility and inclusion
We’re committed to making Uncovering Roman Carlisle as welcoming and inclusive as possible, while also being honest about the realities of working on an active archaeological site.
Different roles on site have different physical, social, and environmental demands, and we’ve described these clearly so people can make informed choices about what will work best for them. This clarity isn’t about excluding people - it’s about helping everyone feel supported, safe, and able to contribute in a way that suits them.
Parking is immediately adjacent to the excavation area. Much of the indoor work takes place in the Jimmy Little Pavilion, which is generally accessible, although there is a small step at the entrance. Toilet facilities are available on site, including a spacious ladies’ toilet and a good gents’ toilet. While these aren’t formally disabled-access toilets, they are well suited to muddy site use. Tea and coffee are available to everyone throughout the day.
If you have a disability, health condition, or access need and aren’t sure which role would suit you, we’d really encourage you to get in touch before booking. We’re very happy to talk things through and explore what might work best. Accessibility on site is about flexibility, communication, and mutual care.
The one thing we can’t control is the Cumbrian weather, so all roles require suitable clothing and layers!
Roles available on site
Digger
Hands-on excavation at the heart of the dig, involving digging, spotting finds and features, and sharing the physical work of buckets and wheelbarrows as part of a team.
Finds Care & Recording
Cleaning, sorting, and recording finds to help interpret the objects uncovered.
Visitor Welcome & Tours
Welcoming visitors and volunteers, offering tours, and helping people feel included and informed.
Metal Detectorist (Own Equipment Required)
Using your own metal detecting equipment under archaeological supervision to locate and record metal finds.
Shopkeeper
Help us set up and run our on-site merchandise shop, selling Uncovering Roman Carlisle goodies and handling payments. This is an outdoor role. We’re looking for someone who is confident dealing with the public, comfortable handling sales and payments, and happy to take responsibility for keeping the shop running smoothly during the day.
Booking considerately
Our excavation spaces are always in high demand. If you can no longer attend a session, please cancel your place via Eventbrite as soon as you can, even a day or two’s notice really helps.
We also ask that people avoid booking every available space, so others have the opportunity to take part.
How this excavation is being made possible
This season’s excavation is possible thanks to community fundraising. -yes, all those t-shirts and books are paying off!
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
COMPULSORY Site Briefing: Health & safety and archaeology update (ALL ROLES)
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Morning tea break
Info: You will be asked to leave site to enable the professional archaeologists to take a break!
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunchtime
Info: We break for lunch together, effectively closing the site for 45 minutes to all get a rest and chance to chat.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Afternoon tea break
Info: You will be asked to leave site to enable the professional archaeologists to take a break!
Event venue & nearby stays
Carlisle Cricket Club, Carlisle Cricket Club, Carlisle, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.