Jorvik Viking Centre

Things to do

You and your little time-travelling archaeologists are invited to explore the 10th century Viking-Age City complete with all its sights, sounds and smells. Uncover what daily life was like for the average Viking... or your average Anglo-Norse individual. 

This memorable experience offers families the chance to view a variety of items and real artefacts from the Viking period that were discovered on this site, in the state-of-the-art galleries. Visitors can also journey through the reconstructed Viking Age streets and experience life as it would have been in 10th-century York.

You’ll see some of the world’s rarest Viking artefacts - from delicate earrings and socks to frying pans, and even a fossilised Viking poo; it doesn’t get any more real than that! There's something really magical in coming face to face with actual items of famous historic periods (excluding the poo!). 

You can discover the best of modern archaeology, starting with a fully immersive display taking you back to the dig in the 1970s. It’s going to be a fun and wonderful experience for the whole family!

Whether you are on a staycation in York or you are a local family looking for an attraction to visit during the school holidays, the JORVIK Viking Centre should be at the top of your list!

Accessibility 

If you are a wheelchair user, a carer or you have low mobility you'll be delighted to know that the Jorvik Centre is an extremely accessible attraction. Check out the accessibility page for more information. Carers go FREE!

Food & Drink

There is no cafe on-site but there are plenty of options close by for food and drinks.

Travelling & Parking for Visitors 

By bus: Several bus services connect through York, making stops in the city centre. Visit the iTravelYork website for more information. York’s six Park & Ride services allow you to travel to York by car, park for free in secure car parks and complete your journey into the city centre by bus. The nearest bus stop is situated on Tower Street, a two-minute walk away. For timetables and more information, visit the website.

By car: The nearest car park is the Castle car park, just a five-minute walk away (for Sat Nav Users, Castle Car Park Postcode: YO1 9SA).

By train: York is on the East Coast main line between London and Scotland. It takes less than two hours to get to York from London. Trains run every half an hour, with at least 25 direct trains each weekday.

Direct rail services also run to York from many of the UK’s main regional centres. York can be reached easily from all the following stations: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Liverpool.

There are direct trains to and from Manchester International Airport and trains run every hour during the day.

Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Check out nearby events on our Christmas Events 2024 page!