Visit JORVIK Viking Centre York — travel back 1,000 years to explore Viking streets, sights, and smells through immersive rides and real archaeological finds.

Visit JORVIK Viking Centre York

Journey back over a thousand years at JORVIK Viking Centre, where the sights, sounds, and even smells of Viking-age York are brought vividly to life. Located in the city centre, this world-famous attraction offers a unique window into Norse Britain, blending archaeology, storytelling, and technology like nowhere else.

Perfect for history lovers, families, and curious minds, it’s one of the most immersive heritage experiences in the UK.

Unearthing the Viking City

The story of JORVIK began in 1976, when archaeologists from the York Archaeological Trust uncovered remarkably preserved Viking remains during excavations on Coppergate. Beneath the modern city lay the streets, workshops, and homes of 10th-century Jorvik — the Viking name for York.

Over 40,000 artefacts were found, including tools, jewellery, textiles, and even preserved timber buildings. These discoveries became the foundation for JORVIK Viking Centre, which opened in 1984 to share this extraordinary chapter of history with the public.

The JORVIK Experience
The Time Ride

Step into a time capsule and journey through a recreated Viking settlement. Board a moving capsule that glides through realistic scenes filled with life-size figures, authentic sounds, and even scents of a bustling 10th-century town.

The experience is designed using archaeological evidence — every building, tool, and piece of clothing is based on real finds from the Coppergate dig.

Meet the Vikings

After your ride, meet costumed interpreters and explore exhibitions featuring original artefacts, from weapons and coins to everyday household items. Discover what life was really like for traders, craftspeople, and families living in Viking York.

Archaeology and Innovation

JORVIK isn’t just a museum — it’s a working archaeological story. Using 3D scanning, reconstruction, and VR technology, the centre brings ancient discoveries into the modern age.

Interactive displays let visitors explore how experts identified Viking homes, uncovered trade networks, and even analysed ancient DNA to learn about the people of Jorvik.

It’s where cutting-edge science meets the ancient world — making history exciting and accessible for all.

Family Fun and Learning

The centre’s interactive approach makes it ideal for families and school groups. Children can handle replica artefacts, chat with Viking re-enactors, and join special themed events during holidays, including:

Viking festivals and markets.

Storytelling sessions with Norse myths.

Hands-on archaeology workshops.

Every visit sparks curiosity — whether you’re 7 or 70.

Things to Do Nearby

JORVIK is at the heart of historic York, surrounded by medieval streets and major attractions. Combine your visit with:

The Shambles – York’s famous medieval shopping street.

York Minster – The city’s stunning Gothic cathedral.

Clifford’s Tower – Norman fortress with panoramic views.

York Castle Museum – Life through the centuries, from Victorians to modern times.

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – A timber-framed medieval guildhall.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: York Archaeological Trust

Entry: Paid admission (advance booking recommended).

Location: 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT.

Transport: 10-minute walk from York Station; near city centre bus routes.

Opening Hours: Daily, typically 10am–5pm (check website for seasonal hours).

Facilities: Shop, restrooms, accessible routes, and nearby cafés.

For more information, please visit Official JORVIK Viking Centre website

Why Visit JORVIK Viking Centre?

The JORVIK Viking Centre York experience brings the Viking age to life like nowhere else. Using real archaeology, lifelike reconstructions, and engaging storytelling, it turns history into a multi-sensory adventure.

It’s not just about what the Vikings left behind — it’s about understanding how they lived, worked, and shaped the city we know today.

Step into the world of the Norse — and discover the Viking heart of York at JORVIK Viking Centre.