Uncovering Roman Carlisle: Spring Dig 2026

This dig will take place behind the current Jimmy Little Pavilion, in an area that we are still learning a great deal about. By continuing to excavate here, we’re building a clearer picture of how this part of Roman Carlisle developed and how it fitted into the wider settlement.

The area lies south of the Roman road and south of a large Roman building uncovered in earlier seasons. Further excavation will help us answer new questions about how this space was used. The building itself is still being investigated and could even turn out to have been a temple or religious building.

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.

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.

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!

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.

A highly physical support role focused on moving soil, equipment, and keeping the site running smoothly.

A lighter-touch excavation role for people who are unable to take on the full physical demands of regular digging.

Cleaning, sorting, and recording finds to help interpret the objects uncovered.

Carefully washing and sieving soil to recover tiny finds. This season we’ve doubled the number of places available.

Welcoming visitors and volunteers, offering tours, and helping people feel included and informed.

Using your own metal detecting equipment under archaeological supervision to locate and record metal finds.

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.

This season’s excavation is possible thanks to partnership working, grant funding, and community fundraising.

A group of participants from Ancient Odysseys have booked to dig with us as part of their organised programme. Their participation plays a vital role in covering the costs of running the excavation. Without this partnership, we would not be able to run an excavation this year.

The excavation is also supported by a generous grant from the Berry Trust and remaining funds raised through our Gladiator Challenge.

We are fundraising to hopefully offer a fifth week of excavation.

Info: You will be asked to leave site to enable the professional archaeologists to take a break!

Info: We break for lunch together, effectively closing the site for 45 minutes to all get a rest and chance to chat.

Info: You will be asked to leave site to enable the professional archaeologists to take a break!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Chloe Brownlee-Chapman