The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) branches are a network of local groups where 8-16-year-olds can get involved in hands-on activities on a regular basis. YAC is the only UK-wide club offering young people the opportunity to participate in real archaeology and discover why it matters.
The Council for British Archaeology is becoming Archaeology UK
In November 2026, the Council for British Archaeology will change its public-facing name to Archaeology UK.
We know you may have questions, so we’ve also put together some FAQs covering how we're funding the rebrand, to membership, the Festival, and the Young Archaeologists’ Club.
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is a UK wide educational charity that helps champion and promote participation in archaeology. We run the Young Archaeologists’ Clubs for young people aged 8-16 and the annual Festival of Archaeology to encourage the exploration of the places and spaces around us and their stories.
We were founded in 1944 as an independent champion for archaeology to combat the intense pressure on the historic environment from post-war redevelopment.Today, we aim to encourage public participation and to bring together community groups, commercial units, academics and heritage organisations to create and share opportunities to discover, take part and be inspired by archaeology.
15000
+
people discover archaeology for the first time through our Festival of Archaeology each year
2000
young people are exploring archaeology across the UK through the Young Archaeologists' Club
5500
Listed Buildings planning consent applications reviewed by our team each year
Our Membership
As a charity, we rely upon your membership and donations to help us continue our vital work championing archaeology across the UK. You can help support us by becoming a member.
The Council for British Archaeology work collaboratively with a range of groups and organisations across the archaeology and heritage sector. Find out more about our current projects and the groups that we are involved with below.
Attend special events featuring world leading archaeologists, receive exclusive access to member only content, benefit from discounts on high end archaeology clothing and equipment, and much more.
Together we can create more opportunities for people of all ages to participate in archaeology, and care and campaign for our historic environment. But we need your help.
Want to find out more about what we do, how you can get involved, and how you can support us?
Discover all this and more by signing up to our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox every month.
In this zoom session, we’ll be making simple finger pots and weaving baskets. Join us as we craft and chat about how people have used these objects and techniques across the ages. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients and everyday items you probably already have at home.
In this zoom session, we’ll be making simple finger pots and weaving baskets. Join us as we craft and chat about how people have used these objects and techniques across the ages. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients and everyday items you probably already have at home.