Looking for a fun, educational day out for the whole family in York this May half term? JORVIK Viking Centre offers an immersive Viking adventure where you can finally answer the big question in everyone’s house: do you all like Torgils and his dog or Asgeroa best? Or is this just our house?!

Step back in time (you don’t even need to leave York)

The highlight of a visit is the famous underground ride, which recreates everyday life in Viking-Age York. When you arrive our costumed Vikings will be on hand to tell you what life was like in their city of Jorvik. If this feels like a far away place, don’t be fooled, it’s actually the same ground you’ll be standing on. 

Whilst storytelling is a big part of their culture, these Vikings can also show you around their settlement and even into their home. Telling you tales of their neighbours and showing you valuable possessions to paint a picture of their life.

Meet the Vikings your family won’t stop talking about

Once the scene has been set it’s time for you to see, hear and even smell the streets of Jorvik for yourself. 

During your trip on our time cars your family will meet residents such as Torgils the Hunter and his Dog,  Eymund and Karl the Fishermen and Asgerða the Loom Weaver. Each has their own story about what life is like, but, who will be your family’s favourite? Who surprised them the most? And, how would you fare if transported back 1,000 years?

Can you find the famous Viking objects?

There are artefacts in our gallery that JORVIK is famous for but can you find them? There’s hints on the ride, where some are hidden in plain sight, and some are hinted at, not so subtly (looking at you Bogar!). 

Here you’ll find more Vikings on hand to answer questions and tell you more about the life of the Jorvik residents. Don’t miss your chance to get your very own Viking coin struck, the perfect souvenir.

By the end of your visit, don’t be surprised if your children are debating whether they’d be a fisherman, a hunter or a woodturner – and asking when they can come back, of course. 

What to expect

You’ll be inside for your visit so if the Great British weather does its thing you won’t need to worry. We do have spare brollies for while you’re queuing though, so just ask!

JORVIK Viking Centre is actually underground, so we have a lift in reception and we have buggy storage if you need it. 

We have costumed Vikings on-hand to help bring the experience to life for you and the family, and if you need anything else, just ask. 

JORVIK Viking Centre is a multi-sensory experience, including a range of smells on the ride. If this might prove a challenge for anyone we have sensory packs as well as a smell map so they know what’s coming and when their environment might change. 

The experience includes an area with a glass floor and big screen, our ride, which has a wheelchair compatible pod if you need it (please let us know in advance) and our artefact gallery. It’s a brilliant way to bring topics from the Key Stage 1 and 2 history curriculum to life. 

There’s plenty more information, including any accessibility requirements that might be helpful, on our website. 

Booking your ticket to the past is easy (and essential) this May half term

JORVIK Viking Centre is pre-book only and tickets often sell out during school holidays, so visit our website and secure yours. We offer family tickets, under 5’s go free and we have a selection of discounts available. And, did you know your ticket is valid for 12 months?

So, if you’re looking for things to in York with the kids, look no further: book your trip to Viking-age York today.

📍 JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
📅 Open daily
🔗 Book online at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at York Archaeology