Travel around 10th century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. Listen to a Norse couple arguing over what to have for dinner, take in smells from fish to woodsmoke and spot the famous Bogar (man on the toilet). The sights, sounds and smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years.
Where else can you meet a Viking? Get the most out of your visit by chatting to friendly Viking hosts and discover even more about life on the street of the cupmakers (Coppergate).
This Summer, you can discover the Silverdale Hoard at JORVIK. Part of one of the largest hoards ever found in the UK has arrived at JORVIK. Discover over 200 pieces of silver rings, hacksilver and coins of Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Arabic origin.
After you’ve visited the Viking Age, become a real archaeologist for the day at DIG, explore life in a medieval townhouse at Barley Hall and experience the story of York’s City Walls at Micklegate Bar!
The JORVIK Group make a visit to York’s top attractions even more affordable with multi-site tickets. Explore four fantastic attractions – and 2000 years of York’s history – for one great price with a Pastport ticket. Includes admission for JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG, Barley Hall and a brand-new attraction, City Walls Experience.
Find out more about Pastport tickets here
Mumbler Review:
We had a lovely day visiting Jorvik Viking Centre and Jorvik DIG in York at the weekend.
The Viking experience begins as soon as you walk through the door when you find yourself standing on a glass-floored gallery that has a recreation of the 1976 Coppergate excavation underneath it. You are greeted by members of staff in Viking dress who not only set the scene but are very friendly and approachable and available to answer any questions that you might have. Mini Mumbler is only 5 but she was really interested in looking at this and she did ask the Viking staff questions about some of the things she could see under the glass floor. On the walls in this area there were photographs and videos of the excavation itself and some touch screen displays which Mini Mumbler spent quite a long time exploring.
Next was the Viking ride experience which was definitely our favourite part of the visit. As you travel around 10th century York you can experience what it was like to live in the city during Viking times. You visit the houses, workshops and backyards of the Viking people and can hear them speaking in Old Norse. Even the smells of the Viking era are recreated! The ride was a really interesting way for Mini Mumbler to learn about the lives of people who lived over 1,000 years ago and it definitely brought the Viking period to life for her.
After the ride we had a look at the huge collection of Viking artefacts that the museum holds which included human skeletons, musical instruments, clothing and utensils. There was a member of staff telling Viking stories here and another making Viking coins which were being sold as souvenirs for £2 each.
After lunch we headed to Jorvik DIG (which was a 5-10 minute walk away from the Viking Centre). DIG is a hands-on archeological adventure giving children the chance to become trainee ‘diggers’ and it’s recommended for ages 5- 12. There is also a small under 5s play area there which we spent some time in whilst we were waiting for our tour to begin.
During the first half an hour of our tour we learned more about historical times by listening to an archaeologist, answering questions and handling artefacts such as animal skulls. During the second half of the tour Mini Mumbler got to dig in four indoor excavation pits and discover replica Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian artefacts. After she had discovered something the archeologist would talk to her about the artefact she’d uncovered and what it would have been used for in history. Again this was a really interesting way for her to learn about the past and historical artefacts. She really loved the digging and didn’t want to leave until she’d been assured that she’d found everything there was to find!
Jorvik Viking Centre and Jorvik DIG gives you a brilliant glimpse into Viking times and really brings historical learning to life for young children. An added bonus is that if you purchase a day ticket for either of these attractions you can visit as many times as you like for the whole year for FREE!
To find out more information or book visit Jorvik Viking Centre
Advertorial blog by Jorvik Viking Centre.