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JORVIK Viking Centre
At the world famous JORVIK Viking Centre you are standing on the site of one of the most famous and astounding discoveries of modern archaeology. Between the years 1976 to 1981 archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust, an independent educational charity, revealed the houses, workshops and backyards of the Viking Age city of Jorvik as it stood nearly 1,000 years ago.
These incredible discoveries enabled us to build JORVIK Viking Centre on the very site where the excavations had taken place, creating a groundbreaking visitor experience where you take a journey through the reconstruction of Viking Age streets and experience life as it would have been in 10th century York.
Discover Viking York
Explore what was found at the astonishing Coppergate dig
With an updated ride experience and state-of-the art galleries showcasing our unique collection of Viking artefacts visit the re-imagined JORVIK Viking Centre and discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy.
What’s New?
New Ride experience with the sights, sounds and of course, smells, of the Viking Age.
Discover the lives of the inhabitants of 10th-century York as you travel around the reconstruction of the city. All that you see during your visit is based on actual archaeological evidence found during the Coppergate excavation, with emphasis on recreating every detail of the experience; from the flora and fauna growing in the ground to the breeds of animals portrayed and even the splashes of natural dyes found in one of the backyards. This is truly an authentic Viking adventure.
Updated historical interpretation, showcasing the cultural ‘melting pot’ of 10th century York.
The people who lived and worked in Viking Age York came from far and wide. The city, a prosperous trading hub welcomed goods from all over the Viking world. With this wide-reaching trade came people, who brought their own customs, traditions and languages with them.
In the new JORVIK experience you will have the chance to discover more about this cultural ‘melting pot’ with the help of 22 new animatronics characters on our ride experience. With a strong emphasis on authenticity, everything from their clothing, facial features and speech has been meticulously researched to offer our visitors a real insight into the lives of people who lived over 1,000 years ago.
Listen out for the all the ancient languages spoken in Jorvik; from Old English and Old Norse and even Ancient Arabic, showing us that the city really was a multi-cultural hub.
The latest, cutting edge technology bringing the Viking period to life!
From our state-of-the-art animatronics to innovative touch screen displays enabling you to become an archaeological conservator there has never been a better time to visit JORVIK and discover the impact of the Vikings on York.
