York
Jorvik Viking Centre
Built on the archaeological site where York's Viking settlement was excavated, this museum recreates 1,000-year-old streets with authentic smells, sounds and artifacts. Visitors ride through reconstructed Viking-age houses built exactly where they were discovered, with real 10th-century timbers and everyday objects. The exhibition displays human skeletons, leather shoes and wooden bowls preserved in York's unique soil conditions. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to York, especially paired with nearby Castle Museum. Tickets cost £15 adult, £11 child, family tickets £46 and 1-2 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.
Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1-2 hours Best for: experience authentic archaeological remains where Skip if: You're sensitive to strong odors - the authentic recreated smells are realistic but potent Cost: £15 adult, £11 child, family tickets £46
What It Is
You sit in slow-moving pods that carry you through dimly lit reconstructions of Viking homes, with the sounds of ancient Norse conversations and authentic odors of cooking food and animals filling the air. Glass cases display 1,000-year-old combs, coins and cooking pots exactly where archaeologists found them.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with special transfer arrangements for the ride experience
Why Visit
Experience authentic archaeological remains where Vikings actually lived and worked 1,000 years ago. It is not the first thing you should see in York, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Castle Museum and York Minster - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.
Skip if: You're sensitive to strong odors - the authentic recreated smells are realistic but potent
Practical Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Daily 10:00-17:00, last entry 16:00 |
| Price | £15 adult, £11 child, family tickets £46 |
| Time Needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | Early opening or after 3pm to avoid school groups |
| Address | 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT |
Tips
- Book timed entry online to avoid queues.
- The ride has authentic Viking smells that some find strong.
- Audio guides included in ticket price.
Insider tip: The cafe upstairs offers good views over the excavation site and serves mead for those wanting the full Viking experience
Photography
Photography allowed in exhibition areas but not during the ride, best shots are of displayed artifacts
Our tips
What we'd tell a friend visiting
- Book timed entry online to avoid queues
- The ride has authentic Viking smells that some find strong
- Audio guides included in ticket price
Nearby attractions
More places to visit in York
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Jorvik Viking Centre
Plan 60-90 minutes for the exhibition. The experience includes a ride-through of a Viking settlement, displays explaining Viking archaeology, and hands-on activities. Audio guides add 15 minutes. The museum shop takes an extra 20 minutes for browsing. Peak queues (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) can add 30 minutes to visit time. Book online to skip queues.
Adult entry is £12.50, concessions £10.50, and children aged 5-15 are £8.25. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) cost £37. Combined tickets with other York attractions save 15-20 percent. Under-5s are free. Annual passes cost £34. Online booking costs £1 less. Opening hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily except December 24-26.
It's worth visiting if you're interested in Viking-era history and archaeology. The ride-through experience is family-friendly, and the collection includes genuine artifacts from the 1980s excavation. However, the experience is 40 percent video screens. History enthusiasts might find the York Museum's Viking collection (in the same building) more substantial. Allow 60 minutes total.
Tours & tickets for Jorvik Viking Centre
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