Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre
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Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.

The JORVIK Viking Centre makes use of dioramas and lifelike models to show how the city was in the time of these Scandinavian peoples. The center first opened in the 1980s, after excavations revealed the hidden history of the Vikings’ presence in York. Follow in the footsteps of the archaeologists by digging for genuine artifacts in the DIG pits.

Study the array of trinkets and tools belonging to the Vikings in the Artefact Gallery. You’ll find old shoes, hair combs and kitchen utensils among the many surviving items. Learn about the origin of the Vikings, whose network stretched from Dublin to Istanbul between the 9th and 11th centuries.

Hear how they sailed overseas from Scandinavia and raided trading centers and religious hubs for their agricultural produce, textiles and other valuable possessions. Monasteries and churches were the most lucrative targets.

Attend some of the events taking place in the museum, such as expert lectures and temporary exhibits. Inspect the array of items on display in the JORVIK Shop, which has all manner of Viking-related souvenirs and books. Visit the attraction during the annual JORVIG Viking Festival in February. The festival celebrates Norse culture, with talks, combat re-enactments and history tours.

Note that the name Jorvik is the old Norse word for York. Book 6 weeks in advance online to ensure you get a time slot in the complex, which opens daily from morning until late afternoon year round. Tickets last for a period of 12 months and there are discounts for children and families.

The JORVIK Viking Centre stands between the River Ouse and the River Foss in the heart of York. Ride a bus to one of the Piccadilly stops on the northeastern side of the museum. See some of the nearby sights, such as Fairfax House, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Clifford’s Tower.

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Reviews of Jorvik Viking Centre

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
197
" "5 - Excellent 58.98203592814371%
4 - Good
109
" "4 - Good 32.634730538922156%
3 - Okay
18
" "3 - Okay 5.389221556886228%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7964071856287425%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 1.1976047904191616%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
31 Jan 2020

Don’t pay the £12.50 per person to go on a 15 minute ride. Google the history and save yourself the money

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Nov 2019

Fabulous, so well done and well worth a visit

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
26 Sep 2019

£27 for two to basically go on a Disney style ride through a Viking village. Complete was of money and spent about 40 minutes there in total and that included time in the shop

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
24 Aug 2019

Queue early or be prepared to wait

4/5 - Good

Nick
9 Aug 2019

Book ahead- queues are long. Great for kids mainly. real life explanations of finds was the best bit IMO, but it was very well thought out.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Aug 2019

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC FOR THE KIDS

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