Quick Facts
Jorvik Viking Centre stands on the actual archaeological site of "Jorvik" — the Viking-age name for York (866-954 AD). The ride and museum are built directly above the dig where Viking houses, streets and 40,000 artefacts were excavated 1976-1981.
- Address: 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
- Open: 10am-5pm daily
- Cost: £14 adult online
- Duration: 60-90 min
The Ride
The 5-minute "time car" ride passes through a recreated Viking street based on the actual archaeology. Wax animatronic Vikings, recreated houses, and authentic smells of livestock, fish and woodsmoke.
- 5 minutes long, slow gentle pace
- Each car holds 4-5 people
- Audio narration in 10 languages
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lights low — atmospheric
What to See
- The Ride — recreated Viking Coppergate street
- Artefact galleries — 800+ original Viking objects
- The "Coprolite Room" — yes, Viking-era poo (lots of dietary research)
- Costumed Viking interpreters — daily talks
- Viking burial finds — silver, weapons, coins
- Children's activity zone — dress up, dig site, replicas
Family Tips
- Best for ages 4-12
- Allow 90 min
- Buggy-friendly throughout
- Café in Coppergate Centre next door
- Free toilets (with baby change)
- Costumed photo opportunities
- Combined ticket with Barley Hall + Henry VII Experience: £25
Combine With
- The Shambles (5 min walk) — medieval street, free
- York Minster (10 min walk)
- Clifford's Tower (5 min walk, £8)
- Yorkshire Museum (15 min walk, £8) — Roman, Viking, medieval finds
- Barley Hall (5 min walk, £8) — restored medieval house
🪓 Viking Festival: Each February, Jorvik hosts York Viking Festival — re-enactments, longboat-burnings, market, parades. Most attended Viking event in Europe.