The JORVIK Viking Centre in York is an immersive, interactive museum that transports visitors back to 10th-century Viking-age York. The experience is built around real archaeological discoveries made at the Coppergate dig site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Viking life.
What Happens at the JORVIK Viking Centre?
1. Enter the Coppergate Excavation Site
- Visitors begin their journey by stepping onto a glass floor that showcases the original archaeological site where thousands of Viking artifacts were discovered in the 1970s.
- Interactive exhibits explain the significance of these finds and what they reveal about everyday Viking life.
2. Ride Through a Recreated Viking Village
- One of the highlights of JORVIK is the moving ride experience, where visitors sit in a capsule and glide through a lifelike recreation of 10th-century York (Jorvik).
- This fully immersive experience includes:
- Realistic animatronic Vikings performing daily tasks like blacksmithing, fishing, and trading.
- Authentic sounds and scents—you’ll hear Viking chatter, smell wood smoke, and even the less pleasant scents of a medieval city!
- Historical narration (available in multiple languages) explaining the sights and sounds.
3. Explore Viking Artifacts and Exhibits
- After the ride, visitors enter the museum’s gallery of Viking artifacts, all excavated from York’s Coppergate dig. Highlights include:
- Weapons and armor used by Viking warriors.
- Coins and jewelry that showcase Viking craftsmanship and trade.
- Skeletons and human remains, which tell stories of Viking health and life expectancy.
- Interactive displays where visitors can handle replica artifacts and learn from costumed Viking guides.
4. Meet the Vikings
- The centre features costumed historians who bring history to life, answering questions about Viking society, customs, and beliefs.
- Special events throughout the year include Viking combat demonstrations, craft workshops, and storytelling sessions.
Additional Information:
- Duration: A visit typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Gift Shop: The museum has a shop selling Viking-themed souvenirs, books, and replica artifacts.
- Accessibility: The centre is fully accessible, with wheelchair-friendly pathways and multi-language audio guides.
Why Visit JORVIK Viking Centre?
The JORVIK Viking Centre offers a fun, educational, and immersive experience for history lovers, families, and school groups. It’s one of the best places in the UK to learn about the real Vikings—not just as warriors but as settlers, traders, and craftspeople who shaped York’s history.