UNCOVERING ROMAN CARLISLE

2026 SPRING EXCAVATION SEASON

Our aim with URC is for a unique, free to access, urban excavation that can engage new audiences with heritage, enhance participants wellbeing and skills, and improves Carlisle for residents and visitors.

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Join us for the next Uncovering Roman Carlisle community excavation season.

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.

  • 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.

Roles on site

Where are We?

In the heart of Carlisle, the Great Border City!

The site is located at Carlisle Cricket Club, only a few minutes walk to Carlisle City Centre, near the Hadrian’s Cycleway and next to the main road (A7) from Stanwix.

There is parking at the site on grass, and also at the nearby Sands Centre.

 

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Nope! Whether you’re a seasoned trowel-wielder or this is your very first time in a trench, you’re welcome. We'll show you the ropes and guide you every step of the way.

  • Young people aged 16–18 are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by a responsible adult who is also booked on. Children under 16 unfortunately can’t join the dig.

  • Start: 9:00 AM sharp (sign-in and safety briefing first thing!) Make sure you arrive early enough to get ready before the briefing. End: 4:30 PM

  • Layers are key! You’ll need: Clothes that can get muddy, Waterproofs (jacket essential, trousers if it's raining), Sturdy shoes or boots (with grip), Sun hat + sunscreen if sunny, Warm hat + gloves if cold. Ideally, no skirts (they just don’t work well for digging) but please get in touch!

  • The site is usually muddy and very uneven in places. Some areas may be challenging for those with limited mobility. We recommend getting in touch with us in advance so we can figure out how to support you in the best way.

  • Archaeology can be tough on the knees, back, and shoulders – expect bending, lifting, kneeling, and standing. That said, there are a variety of tasks (like finds washing or recording) that are less strenuous, and we’ll do our best to match you to the right one.