Why go

Between 1976 and 1981, archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust dug beneath Coppergate in the centre of York and uncovered the houses, workshops and backyards of Jorvik, the Viking-age city as it stood nearly 1,000 years ago. JORVIK Viking Centre was built directly above the excavation to share what they found. It is one of York’s best-known attractions, and its ride through a reconstructed Viking street has been drawing visitors for decades. It works well for families and for anyone who wants York’s Viking story told in a vivid, physical way rather than through glass cases alone.

What to see

JORVIK splits the visit into three parts.

  • Discover Coppergate. The first gallery uses projections and displays to bring the original excavation to life, so you understand what the archaeologists found before you see it rebuilt.
  • Experience Coppergate. The ride. You travel through a reconstruction of the Viking-age city, with its sights, sounds and smells. JORVIK says every detail, from the clothing to the animals in the backyards, is based on real archaeological evidence.
  • Explore Coppergate. A gallery of real finds from the dig, including three Viking-age skeletons and what their bones reveal about where they came from, how they lived and the challenges they faced.

Plan your visit

Opening times: JORVIK is closed for maintenance from 2 to 8 November 2026. From 9 November to 18 December it opens 10am to 5pm, and from 19 December to 3 January 9am to 5pm, closing for Christmas from 24 to 26 December. It closes again for maintenance from 4 to 10 January 2027, then opens 10am to 4pm. JORVIK notes that last admission is 15 minutes before the times shown and the attraction closes one hour after the final admission.

Tickets: booking ahead online is cheaper. Advance prices are £17.50 for adults, £12 for children aged 5 to 16, £14 for students and £49 for a family of four (up to two adults), against standard prices of £18.50, £12.50, £15 and £52. A family of five is £56 in advance. Under 5s and carers go free. Every ticket includes free return visits for 12 months for the people on the original booking, so bring the ticket and ID if you come back. Children up to and including 16 must be with an adult.

Booking: JORVIK says pre-booking is essential. Everyone needs a time slot, which you can book online or by phone on 01904 615505. Arrive 10 minutes before your slot so you do not miss the start.

Getting there: JORVIK is inside the Coppergate Shopping Centre, the last unit on the right before St Mary’s Church when you approach from Coppergate. It is about a 20-minute walk from York railway station. Buses stop on Piccadilly, a short walk away, and Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum are a few minutes further on.

Accessibility: if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter, JORVIK asks you to call 01904 615505 or email groups@yorkat.co.uk before booking so it can arrange your visit.

Viking Festival

Each February York hosts the JORVIK Viking Festival. The 2027 festival runs from 8 to 14 February, and JORVIK keeps longer hours that week.