Digging Exeter Family Fun!

A Dig Through Time: Part of Our 50th Year Celebrations at Guildhall Shopping Exeter

What an incredible day it was as we continued our 50th anniversary celebrations here at Guildhall Shopping Exeter with a truly unique, hands on archaeological experience in Market Square, delivered in collaboration with RAMM, whose expertise brought the event to life.

Families joined us from across the city on Saturday 18th April, and it’s safe to say the event was a huge success. Led by the fantastic team at RAMM, our giant excavation pits were a big hit, with children eagerly rolling up their sleeves, grabbing trowels, and uncovering a fascinating mix of buried artefacts. From pot sherds and statues to dinner plates, turkey bones and even leather boots, every discovery sparked curiosity and excitement.

It was especially rewarding to see just how engaged and intrigued the children were, not only by what they found, but by the stories behind each object and why these pieces of history had been discovered right here in Exeter. Thanks to RAMM’s knowledgeable archaeologists, the experience brought the city’s rich past to life in a way that was both educational and genuinely fun.

Alongside the dig pits, visitors explored handling tables, puzzles, and interactive displays, all thoughtfully curated with support from RAMM’s collection. Their team was on hand throughout the day to share insights, answer questions, and inspire young budding historians, highlighting what a brilliant city wide collaboration this event truly was.

As part of the celebrations, we were also delighted to give away over 100 goodie bags to children attending the event, each filled with special gifts branded for our 50th birthday, a small thank you for helping us mark this milestone year.

From Roman roots and medieval trade to more modern stories, the event perfectly captured the spirit of discovery that lies beneath Exeter’s streets. Working in partnership with RAMM made this celebration even more special, showcasing the power of collaboration in bringing Exeter’s heritage to life for our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to RAMM for helping us deliver such a memorable day. We loved seeing so many curious minds digging into Exeter’s story… quite literally!