Jorvik Viking Centre

Explore York’s Viking history on the very site where archaeologists uncovered remains of the Viking-age city of Jorvik and discover the truth about the people who lived there. Everything within the JORVIK Viking Centre is based on archaeological finds from the Coppergate Dig. Walk on the glass floor directly above a replica of the excavation site, experience the recreated sights, sounds and smells of the Viking city onboard the ride and find out the story of Jorvik through interactive displays and artefacts in the museum galleries.
Onboard the state-of-the-art capsules, the ride experience guides you through a recreation of life in the Viking city. Along the reconstructed streets, you will get face-to-face with Vikings in the form of lifelike mannequins who are based on real people. These Vikings come from all different walks of life, painting an accurate picture of the colourful and vibrant historic city, as you look inside their houses and backyards. The sights, sounds and smells are carefully re-created to immerse you in the experience. Visitors will hear Vikings speaking in different languages as we now know that Jorvik was a multi-cultural and dynamic city with international trading links.
The museum galleries feature engaging interactive displays and precious 1,000 year old artefacts that are interpreted by the Centre’s real life Vikings. The finds displayed have been carefully picked from the 40,000 individual artefacts excavated in the Coppergate Dig and range from musical instruments to human remains. You will be amazed by the number of exciting facts the costumed Vikings can provide about life in the Viking city, bringing Jorvik to life in the heart of modern day York.
Throughout the year York Archaeological Trust stages a programme of original and innovative events at all five of its York attractions (JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG, Barley Hall and Richard III & Henry VII). Covering 2,000 years of history, including talks, guided walks, themed evening visits to our attractions, drama, re-enactments and arts and craft activities, there are activities for groups of all ages and backgrounds.