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BOOK

About

Us

We’re Catherine and Bethyn, the two women behind The Dig.

The idea started with a fairly simple question: why should the kids get all the fun?

Between us, family life with four children means we know exactly what it’s like trying to find places that genuinely work for everyone — somewhere that feels exciting for children, but where the grown-ups don’t just end up sitting on the sidelines counting down to home time.

We wanted to create somewhere families could genuinely enjoy together. Not a traditional soft play, and not somewhere the children disappear off while the adults wait. We wanted real machines, proper hands-on experiences, dinosaurs, great coffee and an environment that feels exciting from the moment you walk through the door.

Bethyn has spent years working in live events and experiential attractions, creating family activations, seasonal installations and immersive experiences across the UK. Her experience has also included being part of the wider team involved in creating The Flight Before Christmas. That background taught us that the activity itself is only part of what makes an experience memorable. The environment, the theming, the detail and all the little moments around it matter too.

So The Dig was never going to be a few remote-control machines dropped into a sandpit. We wanted to build a whole experience around them — a construction site where you can take control of excavators, dump trucks and machinery, move sand, load vehicles and actually get to work.

Then came the dinosaurs. Because if you’re going to dig, why not uncover something prehistoric while you’re at it? Our Dino Dig gives explorers the chance to swap controllers for excavation tools, slow things down and uncover fossils hidden beneath the sand.

And every decent adventure needs somewhere to refuel, so the café became an equally important part of The Dig. We’re trying to keep things as local to Cirencester and the surrounding area as possible, from coffee roasted here in town by Fire & Flow to apple juice made using apples from our own garden, picked with plenty of help from the kids and pressed locally in Malmesbury.

Because we’re building this as parents as well as founders, The Dig has been designed around how families actually spend time together. Accompanying adults don’t have to buy a ticket simply to come inside. You can sit with a coffee and watch, join in yourself, meet friends in the café or turn your visit into a full afternoon of machines, dinosaurs and cake. And there’s no maximum age for any of it. If you’ve quietly wanted to operate an excavator since you were six, you’re in very good company.

The Dig is independent, female-founded and very much hands-on. What started as a slightly wild idea is becoming a real place filled with machinery, fossils, coffee and an enormous amount of sand — and we genuinely can’t wait to welcome you in.

Catherine & Bethyn
DRIVE • DIG • DISCOVER

FAQS

Accessibility At The Dig

Everyone should get to have a go.

We want The Dig to be an experience that as many people as possible can enjoy.

Our RC construction pits are designed so that operators control the machines from around the outside of the site, meaning you don't need to physically enter the construction pit to take part.

♿ Accessible operating position

We'll have a lowered section of the operator counter designed to provide comfortable access for wheelchair users and anyone who finds our standard-height operating positions unsuitable.

Our RC controllers are handheld, so they can be used from a seated or standing position.

If you need a little extra time getting comfortable with the controls, just let our team know. We're here to help you get digging.

What age is the dig suitable for?

There’s no strict minimum age for The Dig. Our RC construction machines do require a little coordination, so we recommend them for children from around 4–5 years+, but every child is different.

Younger drivers are welcome to share the controls with their accompanying grown-up, and our Dig Crew will be on hand to help everyone get started.

And there’s definitely no maximum age. Grown-ups are very welcome to get behind the controls too!

Our Dino Dig is suitable for younger explorers, making it a great option for little ones who aren't quite ready to take control of the machines.

Where is The Dig Café?

We're right in the centre of Cirencester, so we're easy to combine with a trip into town.

Where should i park?

There are several public car parks within a short walk of The Dig in Cirencester town centre.

We recommend allowing a little extra time to park, particularly at weekends and during school holidays.

The closest car park is The Forum, if there is no space here then The Waterloo is also a good option

Do you serve food?

Absolutely. ☕

The Dig isn't just about the digging. Our café serves proper coffee, teas, cold drinks, cakes and bakes.

You don't need to be taking part in an experience to use the café either.

When Should i arrive?

Please aim to arrive around 10–15 minutes before your booked session.

This gives you time to check in, get settled and be ready for your introduction before your Dig begins.

Our sessions run to set times, so unfortunately arriving late may mean you miss part of your experience..

can i just come and watch and have a coffee?

Yes!

You don't need to book an experience to visit The Dig Café. You're very welcome to come in, grab a coffee, meet friends or watch the action.

Only those operating the RC machinery or taking part in a bookable experience need an experience ticket.

Can I just book one of the experiences?

Yes. You don't have to do everything on every visit.

You can book the RC Construction experience on its own, choose the Dino Dig, or combine the two for the full Dig experience.

It's also a great excuse to come back and try something different next time.

do you sell the machinery?

We do! 🚜

If operating one for half an hour isn't enough, selected RC construction machines will be available to buy from The Dig.

We'll have a range of machines and accessories available, subject to stock.

So yes, there is a genuine risk of coming in for a coffee and leaving with an excavator.

do you offer vouchers?

Yes!

The Dig gift vouchers will be available to purchase for birthdays, Christmas or simply for someone who would rather drive an excavator than receive another pair of socks.

Vouchers can be redeemed against eligible experiences at The Dig, subject to our voucher terms and availability.

Do accompanying adults need a ticket?

No. If you're accompanying someone taking part in an experience, you don't need to buy a ticket just to come into The Dig or sit in the café.

You only need an experience ticket if you're taking part yourself. Although once you've watched the excavators for five minutes, we make no promises that you won't want a go. 🚜