Following the launch of the second book in the How To Train Your Dragon School series by celebrated children’s author Cressida Cowell, top archaeological attraction DIG is expanding its exhibition based on the book series in York.
Located in St Saviourgate, DIG connects real archaeological science with the fictional Viking world of Hiccup and his dragons.
Building on the popular activities launched in 2025, this summer’s expansion introduces a brand-new, hands-on conservation laboratory alongside the attraction’s interactive dig pits. The lab uses real equipment to showcase the techniques conservators rely on to identify objects, spot damage, and prevent corrosion when exposing long-protected items to air.
Inside the lab, real historical samples are displayed alongside dragon-themed replicas: cleverly imagined items that demonstrate how objects from Hiccup’s world might look if discovered today, 1,000 years later.
Lisa Wood, Head of Communications and Marketing, said: “Visitors have loved the How To Train Your Dragon School activities that we launched in 2025, and we also received a resounding thumbs-up from Cressida herself when she visited, so we’re really excited to be extending the exhibition this summer.
“Our dig pits give visitors the opportunity to find artefacts; our new hands-on conservation laboratory will show them how we preserve fragile items when they are unearthed!”
The new exhibits sit alongside the Viking boat, inspired by The Hopeful Puffin, which takes centre stage in the nave of the former St Saviour’s Church housing DIG. Visitors can also scan QR codes positioned throughout the exhibition to reveal special films featuring author Cressida Cowell discussing the Viking-themed world she created.
DIG is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission prices are £10.50 for adults, £9.50 for children, and free for children under 5. Family tickets are priced at £32 for a family of four (two adults and two children) or £37 for a family of five (two adults and three children).
Pre-booking is recommended as timeslots fill up quickly. All standard tickets remain valid for unlimited return visits within 12 months. Visitors looking to explore further can also purchase York Archaeology’s Passport, which includes entry to DIG alongside visits to the JORVIK Viking Centre and Barley Hall.
