North Pennines Young Archaeologists’ Club

A new club for young people interested in archaeology and the heritage of the North Pennines starts on Saturday 12 April 2025.

Based in Alston, Cumbria, the North Pennines Young Archaeologists’ Club is open to anyone aged 8 to 16 years and will usually meet on the second Saturday of each month. The club offers the chance to take part in excavations, investigating archaeological sites and historic places, and working with artefacts. The schedule for 2025 is below:

12 April – Geology safari around Alston
10 May – Visit to Epiacum Roman fort
14 June – Dowsing
12 July – Recording sounds of historic sites
13 September – Colin Elder
11 October – Spooky folklore of the North Pennines
8 November – Potted history – making samianware
13 December – Christmas party

Find out more and sign-up here

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 also run craft-based activities based on archaeological periods and technology, including 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.

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.

Dr Jo Kirton, Delivery and Engagement Manager at the Council for British Archaeology, said: “The Young Archaeologists’ Club and parent organisation, Council for British Archaeology, are incredibly excited to welcome North Pennines YAC to our wider network. The YAC welcomes children from across the UK, providing them with hands-on educational experiences based on archaeological practice. The North Pennines are steeped in history from the Mesolithic to the recent industrial past. We can’t wait to see what our newest group gets up to and look forward to supporting their volunteers and members on their YAC journey.“

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.

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

The Land of Lead and Silver project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England.