Young archaeologists’ club in the North Pennines

An exciting opportunity for young people to uncover the heritage of the North Pennines is being launched, with a new Young Archaeologists’ Club. Based in Alston, Cumbria, the North Pennines Young Archaeologists’ Club is open to everyone aged 8–16 years and will usually meet on the second Saturday of each month, 10am to 1pm. The dates for 2025 are: 12 April, 10May, 14 June, 12 July, 13 September, 11 October, 8 November and 13 December.

The club has been formed by the North Pennines National Landscape team as part of the Land of Lead and Silver project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England. The project offers opportunities for people to get involved and discover unknown stories and features from the lead and silver mining history of the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only club for young people interested in archaeology. The network of local clubs across the UK offers 8 to 16 year olds the chance to get their hands mucky, participating in archaeology and discovering why it matters. The clubs explore all eras of human history, including the Romans, Vikings, Ancient Egyptians and Victorians, and members take part in all sorts of hands-on activities, such as investigating archaeological sites and historic places, taking part in excavations, and working with artefacts.

The clubs also run lots of craft-based activities based on archaeological periods and technology, with members trying out many traditional crafts. YAC is the place for young people who might want to become a professional archaeologist in the future, or just feel like taking up an amazing new hobby.

Young Archaeologist Club members have access to the YAC Pass, which gives free or discounted entry to hundreds of heritage sites across the UK, including those run by English Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and Cadw.

Each club is run by a team of adults, either volunteers or paid staff, who come from a range of backgrounds; some are professional archaeologists, others work in museums or schools. All have an interest in archaeology and volunteer with YAC to further their own knowledge and experience.

For more information, or if you’d like to get involved with North Pennines YAC, visit YAC events or email Rebecca.