JORVIK Viking Centre: Immersive Journey into Viking-Age York
Step into 10th-century Viking York with immersive rides, authentic artefacts, and vivid sensory experiences at JORVIK Viking Centre.
Located at 19 Coppergate in York, the JORVIK Viking Centre offers a captivating experience that transports visitors back to 10th-century Viking-Age York. Featuring a world-famous ride through reconstructed Viking streets, authentic artefacts unearthed on-site, and interactive exhibits, this museum brings the Viking era vividly to life with sights, sounds, and even smells. Pre-booking is essential for this popular attraction, which is family-friendly and accessible.
A brief summary to JORVIK Viking Centre
- 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT, GB
- +441904615505
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Pre-book your tickets online well in advance to secure your preferred time slot, as the centre operates timed entry and often sells out.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit to fully enjoy the ride, galleries, and interactive exhibits.
- Wear comfortable footwear and prepare for some standing and walking within the centre.
- Use nearby public car parks such as Coppergate Shopping Centre car park, as there is no dedicated parking at the centre.
- Engage with the costumed interpreters for fascinating stories and demonstrations that bring Viking history to life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From York Train Station, it is approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk to the JORVIK Viking Centre, located within the Coppergate Shopping Centre. The walk is along mostly flat, paved city streets suitable for all abilities.
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Bus
Several local bus routes serve York city centre with stops near Coppergate. Bus travel times vary depending on your starting point but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes. Check local timetables for current routes and schedules.
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Car and Parking
There is no dedicated parking at JORVIK Viking Centre. Visitors can use nearby public car parks such as the Coppergate Shopping Centre car park or the Fossgate car park. Parking fees typically range from £2 to £5 per hour. Walking from car parks to the centre takes 5 to 10 minutes.
JORVIK Viking Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about JORVIK Viking Centre
Stepping Back in Time to Viking York
At the heart of York’s historic Coppergate area, the JORVIK Viking Centre sits atop one of the most significant archaeological sites revealing Viking life in 10th-century England. The centre’s immersive time portal transports visitors directly into the bustling Viking settlement of Jorvik, where you can explore reconstructed streets, homes, and marketplaces. This unique experience combines archaeology with cutting-edge technology to recreate the sights, sounds, and even smells of the Viking Age, offering a sensory-rich journey through history.The Famous Viking Ride Experience
The centre’s signature attraction is a 20-minute ride aboard time sleighs that glide through a meticulously recreated Viking village. As you travel, you witness daily life unfold around you—Viking residents going about their trades and routines amid snow-dusted rooftops and busy quaysides. This ride is enhanced by detailed audio narration and atmospheric effects, making it a vivid and engaging way to understand the era’s culture and environment.Authentic Artefacts and Galleries
Beyond the ride, JORVIK houses an extensive collection of genuine Viking artefacts discovered during excavations beneath the site. These items include tools, jewellery, household objects, and weapons that provide tangible insights into the lives, trades, and beliefs of the Viking settlers. The state-of-the-art galleries display these treasures alongside informative exhibits that contextualize their significance within Viking and Anglo-Scandinavian history.Engaging Interpretation and Accessibility
Knowledgeable staff dressed in period costume enliven the centre with stories, demonstrations, and interactive talks, deepening visitors’ understanding of Viking culture. The centre is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, offering facilities such as wheelchair access (pre-booking required), hearing assistance, and baby-changing areas. Pre-booking tickets is mandatory, with timed entry slots to manage visitor flow and ensure a quality experience.Location and Visitor Amenities
Situated within the Coppergate Shopping Centre, the centre is easily reachable on foot from York city centre and York Train Station. While there is no dedicated parking, nearby public car parks serve visitors. The centre provides restrooms and seating areas but does not allow food or drink inside. Nearby cafes and restaurants in York’s vibrant city centre offer ample dining options.Continuing the Viking Legacy
Since opening in 1984, JORVIK Viking Centre has welcomed millions of visitors, revolutionizing heritage attractions by blending archaeology with immersive storytelling. It remains a must-visit for those interested in Viking history, archaeology, and cultural heritage, offering an educational and memorable experience that connects the past with the present in a uniquely engaging way.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Parliament St
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York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
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Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
Ouse Bridge
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Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
The York Ghost Merchants
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Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ghost Hunt of York
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Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The Stonebow
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A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
Barley Hall
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Discover the rich history of York at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse showcasing life in the 15th century.
Walmgate
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Explore Walmgate, a historic street in York, blending medieval charm with vibrant shops and delightful eateries in the heart of England.
Baile Hill
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Experience the history and beauty of York at Baile Hill, where stunning views and rich heritage come together in a serene setting.
Bedern Hall
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Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
Roman Column
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A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
The Norman House
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Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
St Anthonys Garden
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Explore St Anthony's Garden in York, a serene retreat filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Fishergate Bar
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Step through Fishergate Bar, a medieval gateway guarding York’s southern entrance, steeped in history and tales of rebellion.
Sundial Column
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An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ghost keeper - Meeting point
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Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
St Mary's Church
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Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
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Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
Coppergate Shopping Centre
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Historic York’s vibrant open-air shopping centre blending culture, retail, and dining in the city’s ancient heart.
Fairfax House
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Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement
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Discover York’s historic All Saints, Pavement—home to a medieval lantern tower beacon and centuries of rich heritage in the city’s heart.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
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Step into York’s medieval past at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a stunning timber-framed guildhall alive with history, commerce, and community spirit.
The York Dungeon
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The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
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Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
York Army Museum
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Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
The Spurriergate Centre
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A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
Clifford's Tower, York
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Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
28 Shambles
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Discover the historical allure and vibrant atmosphere of 28 Shambles, York's iconic medieval street filled with charming shops and local delicacies.
Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
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Experience the magic of York with the Wizard Walk, an award-winning tour that blends history, folklore, and captivating storytelling in a charming setting.
York Gift Center
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Discover authentic York souvenirs and local crafts in a charming historic gift shop nestled in the heart of the city.
Essential places to dine
Rustique Restaurant
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Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
Pavement Vaults
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31 Castlegate Restaurant
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Ate O'Clock
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Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
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The Blue Barbakan
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Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
Corner Grill House
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Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Cosy Club
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Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Marzano Italian & Grill
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
The Olive Tree
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Wine Stories
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Il Paradiso Del Cibo
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A lively, cash-only Italian gem on Walmgate, serving authentic Sardinian-style pizzas, pastas, and hearty meat dishes in a bustling, family-run setting.
Valhalla York
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The Cut & Craft York
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D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Dog & Bone Vintage
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Fenwick York
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Give The Dog A Bone
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Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
York Souvenir's
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Expressions
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Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Gift Gallery
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Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
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Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
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Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Take One Gifts
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Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
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Greybear
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Cello by Collectables
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Sterling Souvenirs
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The Medieval Scribe
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Three Tuns
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Social 8 Lounge
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The Stone Roses Bar
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Golden Fleece York
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Plonkers
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The Fossgate Social
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The Blue Bell
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York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
The Hop York
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Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
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Pivní York
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Tank & Paddle York
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Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Pitcher & Piano York
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Vudu Lounge
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York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Victor J's
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Dusk
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A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Educational
- Interactive
- Historic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
