Discover JORVIK Viking Centre | A Visitor's Introduction to JORVIK

Why Visit JORVIK Viking Centre?

The JORVIK Viking Centre offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich Viking history of York, one of the most important Viking settlements in England. What sets JORVIK apart is its immersive approach to history: it doesn’t just display artifacts but actively recreates the sights, sounds, and smells of a Viking settlement, providing a multi-sensory experience that brings the past to life. Visitors can explore the daily life of the Vikings, learn about their trade, crafts, and culture, and see the actual items uncovered during the excavations beneath the centre. Whether you’re a Viking history buff or simply looking for a fun and educational family outing, JORVIK has something for everyone.

JORVIK Viking Centre Highlights

1. The Coppergate Excavation and Artifacts: At the heart of JORVIK is the story of the Coppergate excavation, one of the most significant Viking archaeological digs in the UK. The excavation unearthed thousands of Viking artifacts, including tools, weapons, pottery, jewelry, and even organic remains such as wood, leather, and textiles. These finds provide a unique insight into Viking life and are displayed throughout the centre. Visitors can view some of the best-preserved objects from the dig, such as Viking combs, coins, and shoes, which reveal the everyday lives of Jorvik’s Viking inhabitants.

2. The Viking Village Ride: One of the centre's most popular features is its immersive Viking village ride. This ride takes visitors on a journey through a meticulously reconstructed 10th-century Viking settlement, complete with realistic mannequins, authentic buildings, and period-appropriate details. The ride moves slowly through the village, where visitors can see blacksmiths at work, families cooking, and traders selling their wares. Audio guides narrate the experience, explaining different aspects of Viking life, including trade, food, clothing, and the social hierarchy. The reconstruction is incredibly detailed, right down to the sights, sounds, and even smells of the time.

3. Interactive Displays and Technology: The JORVIK Viking Centre uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the visitor experience. Interactive touchscreens and augmented reality displays allow visitors to explore the excavation site and learn about the artifacts in greater detail. These exhibits provide context for the archaeological discoveries and explain the techniques used to uncover and preserve the items. Visitors can also explore digital reconstructions of Viking-era York, showing how the city evolved under Viking rule.

4. The Viking Traders and Craftsmen: As part of the immersive village experience, visitors encounter scenes of Viking craftsmen and traders at work. These realistic depictions show the various trades that would have been central to life in Jorvik, such as blacksmithing, weaving, and leatherworking. Visitors can learn about the importance of trade routes, including the goods Vikings imported and exported across their vast network of settlements. The craftsmen scenes highlight how York became a thriving centre for trade in the Viking world.

5. Viking Warriors and Weapons: JORVIK provides an insight into the Viking warrior culture, showcasing the weapons and armour used by Viking soldiers. The centre displays swords, axes, and shields found in the Coppergate excavation and explains how these warriors fought and defended their lands. Visitors can also see examples of Viking burial customs and hear stories of battles fought by the Vikings in and around York.

6. The Archaeological Dig Display: At JORVIK, visitors can walk over a glass floor that reveals the remains of the original Viking streets unearthed during the Coppergate dig. This unique feature allows you to see exactly where the artifacts were found and provides a direct connection to the Viking past of York. The display includes digital reconstructions of the excavation, showing how archaeologists uncovered the Viking remains layer by layer.

7. Special Exhibitions and Events: The JORVIK Viking Centre regularly hosts special exhibitions and events that focus on different aspects of Viking history. These can include temporary displays of rare artifacts, talks by historians and archaeologists, and hands-on workshops where visitors can try Viking crafts or learn about Viking combat techniques. During the annual JORVIK Viking Festival, one of the largest Viking festivals in Europe, the centre becomes the hub of celebrations, featuring reenactments, markets, and demonstrations of Viking life.

8. Meet the Vikings: As part of the interactive experience, costumed interpreters representing Viking characters roam the centre and interact with visitors. These actors share insights into Viking daily life, culture, and beliefs, answering questions and offering demonstrations of Viking skills, such as weaving, carving, and metalworking. This engaging interaction brings a personal element to the experience, making history feel more tangible and accessible, particularly for younger visitors.

JORVIK Viking Centre Facilities

Gift Shop: The on-site gift shop offers a wide range of Viking-themed merchandise, including replica artifacts, books on Viking history, toys, and souvenirs related to the JORVIK Viking Centre. Visitors can take home a memento of their Viking adventure.
  
Accessibility: The centre is fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues. The Viking village ride and all exhibit areas are wheelchair-friendly, with lifts and ramps available throughout the site.

Toilets: Restroom facilities, including accessible toilets, are available on-site.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The JORVIK Viking Centre is open year-round, typically from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, though opening hours may vary depending on the season and public holidays. It is recommended to check the official website for up-to-date information on opening times.

Admission: Admission to the JORVIK Viking Centre is ticketed, with discounts available for children, students, and families. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but booking in advance is advised, particularly during school holidays and weekends when the centre can be busy.

Getting There: JORVIK Viking Centre is located in the centre of York, within easy walking distance of York Minster and other historic sites. York is well-connected by rail, with frequent services from London, Leeds, and Edinburgh. There are several car parks nearby for those arriving by car.

Nearby Attractions

York is a city steeped in history, and there are several nearby attractions that complement a visit to the JORVIK Viking Centre:

York Minster: Just a short walk from JORVIK, York Minster is one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Visitors can explore the stunning interior, climb the central tower for panoramic views, or learn about its history in the Undercroft Museum.

The York Castle Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look at York’s social history, including exhibits on Victorian life, WWI, and crime and punishment in the city's old prison.

Clifford’s Tower: Located close to JORVIK, Clifford’s Tower is a surviving part of York Castle, offering impressive views over the city and a glimpse into York’s medieval past.

The Shambles: A visit to York wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down the Shambles, one of the city’s most famous streets. This narrow, cobbled lane lined with timber-framed buildings is a reminder of medieval York and is now home to shops, cafés, and other attractions.