Roman and Viking York Tour

This guided tour traces York's ancient layers, beginning with Roman settlements and military infrastructure before moving to the Viking Age transformation of Jorvik. Participants see actual archaeological finds, visit excavation sites in the city centre, and explore how the Romans established the city as a fortress while Vikings later made it a major trading hub. The tour connects outdoor discoveries to artifacts in the Jorvik Viking Centre museum, providing a complete picture of York's pre-medieval foundations. Best for History buffs interested in ancient civilizations. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 1-25. You meet at Jorvik Viking Centre on Coppergate. Key highlights: In-situ Roman column on Coppergate, Excavation sites of Viking settlement, Artifacts from both Roman and Viking periods.

Price: £18

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 1-25

Best for: History buffs interested in ancient civilizations

Best time: September-November when tour crowds are smallest and soil is more stable for viewing dig sites; avoid winter when excavation areas may be waterlogged

Meeting point: Jorvik Viking Centre on Coppergate

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0:00-0:20 Meet at Jorvik and Roman history introduction - Guide discusses York as Eboracum, a Roman fortress founded around 71 AD, and points out remaining column and stonework in the streets.

0:20-0:50 Walk to dig sites and see archaeological evidence - Visit former excavation areas in central streets where Viking and Roman artifacts have been uncovered, with guide explaining stratification methods and dating techniques.

0:50-1:10 Explore Viking artefact sites and street layout - See how Viking settlement pattern (Coppergate area) differed from Roman military design, with houses and workshops arranged for trade.

1:10-1:30 Return to Jorvik Centre with artifact viewing - Tour concludes inside the museum with guide highlighting key finds and their historical significance in context of the outdoor walk.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Jorvik Viking Centre on Coppergate.

• In-situ Roman column on Coppergate
• Excavation sites of Viking settlement
• Artifacts from both Roman and Viking periods
• Explanation of archaeological dating and stratification
• Roman fortress layout and Viking trading hub comparison
• Accessibility: Easy terrain but includes some muddy or uneven sections during outdoor excavation viewing. No stairs required for museum section. Accessible for walkers with mobility aids on paved streets; some excavation site edges are low-barrier but uneven.

What is included: Professional guide for 1.5 hours, Access to outdoor excavation sites, Entry to Jorvik Viking Centre museum, Archaeological interpretation and commentary.

Not included: Rides on Viking Centre's reconstruction displays (separate cost), Souvenirs and gift shop items, Additional museum galleries beyond the main exhibition. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes for uneven ground, Waterproof jacket (outdoor walking in British weather), Interest in archaeology and ancient history, Camera for archaeological site photography, Notebook for taking notes on dates and facts. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: September-November when tour crowds are smallest and soil is more stable for viewing dig sites; avoid winter when excavation areas may be waterlogged.

Tip: Combined tickets with museum entry available

Tip: Tours run rain or shine

Accessibility: Easy terrain but includes some muddy or uneven sections during outdoor excavation viewing. No stairs required for museum section. Accessible for walkers with mobility aids on paved streets; some excavation site edges are low-barrier but uneven..

Operator: Jorvik Viking Centre | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1904 615505

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Jorvik Viking Centre (on tour walk)
• York Castle Museum (15 min walk)
• The Shambles (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Jorvik Viking Centre.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before tour; 50% refund 24-48 hours; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Easy terrain but includes some muddy or uneven sections during outdoor excavation viewing. No stairs required for museum section. Accessible for walkers with mobility aids on paved streets; some excavation site edges are low-barrier but uneven..

Best time to go: September-November when tour crowds are smallest and soil is more stable for viewing dig sites; avoid winter when excavation areas may be waterlogged.

What time period does the Roman and Viking York Tour cover?

The tour spans approximately 800 years, from the Roman fortress Eboracum (founded 71 AD) through the Viking settlement of Jorvik (9th-11th centuries). The guide explains how York transitioned from military stronghold to trading settlement, with archaeology showing both civilizations left physical traces still visible today.

Is the museum entry included in the tour price?

Yes, Jorvik Viking Centre museum entry is included in the £18 tour price. The guide leads you through key exhibitions after the outdoor walking portion. You can spend additional time in the museum after the tour ends if you wish to explore other galleries independently.

Can I visit the excavation sites on my own, or is a guide necessary?

Archaeological sites are located on public streets (Coppergate, Saville Row area) and viewable anytime. However, a guide explains stratification, artifact significance, and dating methods essential for understanding what you're seeing. Solo visitors often miss details without expert interpretation.