The Jorvik Viking Centre is a museum and visitor attraction in York, England, containing lifelike mannequins and life-size dioramas depicting Viking life in the city. Visitors are taken through the dioramas in small carriages equipped with speakers. It was created by the York Archaeological Trust in 1984. Its name is derived from Jórvík, the Old Norse name for the city of York.
In the 1850s confectioner Thomas Craven acquired a site in Coppergate. When he died in 1862 his widow Mary Ann Craven continued the business and a century later, in 1966, Cravens relocated to a new factory on the outskirts of the city. Between 1976 and 1981, after the old factory was demolished, and prior to the building of the Coppergate Shopping Centre (an open-air pedestrian shopping centre which now occupies the enlarged site), the York Archaeological Trust, a charity founded in 1972 by Peter Addyman, conducted extensive excavations in the area. Well-preserved remains of some of the timber buildings of the Viking city of Jorvík were discovered, along with workshops, fences, animal pens, privies, pits and wells, together with durable materials and artefacts of the time, such as pottery, metalwork and bones. Unusually, wood, leather, textiles, and plant and animal remains from the period around 900 AD, were also discovered to be preserved in oxygen-deprived wet clay. In all, over 40,000 objects were recovered.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Agnes Belle | Jan 6, 2018
Went there beginning of Jan 2018, got tickets on fast track with not much of a wait. Staff very helpful at the door. Lift down perfect for pram. Cloak room to park it and leave our coats. Glass floor room was interesting, kids liked it (age 7,5 and 3). Went on the ride then, that was great! Kids couldn't hear much due to the height of speakers but I don't think they were bothered. Quite happy to just look around and ask questions as we approached different scenes. The slave girl left an impact and also the smell from the pooing man's toilet! 😂😂😂 the next room with artifacts was interesting, kids were playing with touch screen choosing different ancient instruments to listen to. the older two went around the ride two more times, whereas little one was not impressed with the smells and just wanted to leave 😂 had a fab photo with a "real viking" (guy with long red hair and beard) and will probably visit again in the future 🗡🛡🏹🗝
Mr Pickle | Feb 17, 2018
Fast track tickets helped avoid a very long queue, so well worth pre-booking. The ride through Viking-era York is superb, although we spent less time here than I expected which was under an hour. A must-see attraction and worth the entrance fee.
Anna Malinowska | Jan 11, 2018
We absolutely loved it (2 adults). There is a lift to get down. Staff is friendly and helpful. Great fun on the ride. We found out so many things about history and how life back then looked like. It looks so realistic too. It will be great fun for family on a rainy day.
Cristina Chaplin | Feb 21, 2018
Superb day out and very entertaining. We came during the viking festival and it was really nice to see the people performing in costumes as well as the animations inside the center. Very busy as one would expect but the queuing was efficiently managed, the children were kept amused by the craft activities offered while u waited and the jesters...plenty to see and do.
David Brunger | Jan 16, 2018
This attraction was ground breaking when it opened but has not aged well. Despite our best efforts to explain it, the kids didn't really "get it." What stands out though is the exhibition at the end of the ride. We listened to two really good talks about textiles and carving that were informative for us adults (we both have archaeology A-levels) and entertaining for our two kids (7 and 10).
Haled Salam | Mar 6, 2018
Today was my fourth ever visit and it has been different every time. Recently reopened after flooding. Blimey it is even more fantastic. The 'ride' completely immerses you in the sights sounds and smells of the Jorvik vikings. See their life as if you were there. Also a huge shout out for the amazing models that look so completely life like. I understand people say there isn't much to do. However unlike with most free or cheap museums you get the one sense tour (seeing) here you get to see, hear and smell. It is highly immersive and worth the money. Perhaps they will add feeling and tasting one day!
Mr C | Apr 6, 2018
My partner and I went their April 2018. She had seen it advertised and had been many years ago. The queue was quite long so I would advise anyone wishing to attend to book in advance and use the fast lane. The main attraction of the event takes you on a 15 minute ride through a recreation of Jorvik town, with audio commentary. There is a small museum part before and after the ride. At £11 an adult (and a ticket that lasts for a year) this is definitely worth it! Only negative part was that there was not so much of the original village under glass as we had expected from the event.
Carmen Castillo | May 7, 2018
I recommend to visit this interactive museum. You have the opportynity of taking a journey back to the Viking Era with interactive and lively robotic characters. Maybe the staff should improve their performance to complete a perfect experience.
Kristian Wolseley-Charles | Apr 12, 2018
Great experience, but did queue for 2 hours in Easter holidays. The actual visit was quicker than the queue. If the queue is shorter, I'd definately recommend it. The fast track option might be better.
Alexander South | May 3, 2018
Went here several years ago. Was very impressed with what was on show. The queue was long but it was to be expected. Definetly worth a visit
marta Butrym | Apr 22, 2018
Very interesting place to see! With pre-paid tickets no waiting. Clever concept and very realistic finishing of the Vikings village. Good value for money.
Gareth R | May 26, 2018
Just brilliant! I hadn't been here since I was a child. Back then it left a lasting memory on me - especially the smell ... it was brilliant! Since then there has been a significant investment. There are csble cars taking you back to experience Viking York; it hasn't lost its charm. What makes this even better are the incredible staff. They are knowledgeable and passionate about the Viking period and bringing the experience to life. A definite must for any visitor in York.
Micheala Gough Radonich | May 29, 2018
If you love Vikings, you’ll LOVE JORVIK VIKING CENTRE! We enjoyed every moment here. From the story telling, to the unexpected ride, to looking through all of the old history and preserved Viking bones. It was amazing and we’ll be going back. I’d recommend to families, couples, old and young! Do it.
Helen Connell | Jun 14, 2018
A wonderful tourist attraction. The ride around the viking era has been updated and is very interesting. The best bit is that although the tickets are a bit expensive they do last for a year. Will definitely go back again and again.
Trevor Harvey | Jun 2, 2018
A great place to see. Best to book in advance. Go online and get a Fast Track tickets. Without tickets your more likely to queue up to a hour.
Ghosts Of Redditch | Jun 9, 2018
Great place, very interesting. Staff are really clued up on Viking history and go out of there way to talk and explain things. The ride around museum is just amazing.
Jamie Knowles | Jul 4, 2018
So much more here than I could have hoped for. The ride is fantastic and very well done. The kids loved trying to work out the real people from the models. Excellent knowledgeable staff talking and happy to answer any questions from everyone. Worth the money so go visit now!
Family Travel Explore | Jul 4, 2018
It's worth the money if you are a big Vikings fan, like me, or a historian. The highlight is the 10 minute ride through an awesome exhibit of what Viking life was like in that exact same area. It is built on the spot of a real Viking area. If you're into this sort of thing you'll find it interesting. My 2yr old cried all through the ride and, in hindsight, I wish I'd not taken her as I missed a lot. If you're not a fan, you'll be disappointed with how little there is to do for the money spent. A visit to the Castle Museum a short walk away will be a better option in that case.
richard law | Jul 1, 2018
What a wonderful experience. We did not know what to expect, from the entrance to the final exit the detail and planning is a joy. The staff were very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Highly recommend to all ages.
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