How to Train Your Dragon School Exhibition at DIG York

About

Visit DIG: Opening Hours and Location

Opening Times: DIG is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Location: St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN

Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School: A New Interactive Experience at DIG York

This summer, DIG in York invites families to experience a brand-new interactive exhibition inspired by Cressida Cowell’s latest series, How to Train Your Dragon School. This immersive activity for children brings the world of Vikings and dragons to life through hands-on discovery, storytelling, and original artwork from the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon.

What Is How to Train Your Dragon School?

The new book series follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and his dragons, Toothless and Windwalker, as they attend the Viking and Dragon Training School on the Isle of Berk. DIG’s exhibition reimagines this setting in the heart of York, inviting young visitors to find out if they have what it takes to become true dragon trainers.

What to Expect at the Exhibition

Visitors will journey through DIG’s three exciting zones – Learn, Uncover, and Explore – now transformed with a Viking twist. The experience includes:

• Exploring Hiccup’s hut and examining his treasured Dragon Manual
• Engaging in hands-on activities in a dragon-themed DIG pit filled with hidden treasures
• Following a dragon trail filled with sights, smells, and sounds from the Isle of Berk
• Trying Viking-style fortune-telling and testing their senses
• Meeting beloved characters such as Hiccup, Gobber the Belch, Old Wrinkly, Camicazi, and the giant dragon Windwalker

Exclusive videos from Cressida Cowell offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her creative process, alongside original sketches, maps, and illustrations from her books. Visitors can also learn about the real Viking history that inspired the fantasy world of Berk.

This family-friendly exhibition is ideal for children aged 5 to 12 and fans of the books of all ages.

About Cressida Cowell

Cressida Cowell is a renowned children’s author and illustrator, best known for the How to Train Your Dragon series, which has sold over 16 million copies in 46 languages. She also created The Wizards of Once and Which Way Round the Galaxy.

A champion of children’s literacy, Cowell served as Children’s Laureate from 2019 to 2022 and supports several national literacy organisations. Her accolades include the Blue Peter Book Award and the Ruth Rendell Award for Championing Literacy. She is an honorary fellow of Keble College, Oxford, and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Brighton.

Raised in London and on a remote Scottish island, Cressida now lives in Hammersmith with her family and two dogs, Zero and Pigeon.

Tickets and Prices

*Children must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s go free.
**Family tickets include a maximum of two adults.

Accessibility: What DIG Looks Like

For visitors with visual impairments or those preparing for their visit, DIG is situated in the historic St Saviour’s Church on St Saviourgate in York. From the city centre, the tall stone tower with battlements and large arched windows is easy to spot.

The entrance is clearly marked with signage displaying the DIG logo and images of children enjoying archaeology-themed activities. Inside, the church retains its pale stone walls and stained glass windows, creating an atmospheric setting for this engaging exhibition. Staff are on hand to welcome and assist visitors on arrival.