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Jorvik, York

 

To the British people of the eighth and ninth centuries the idea of a visitors centre dedicated to the Vikings, would in present day terms be like a visitors centre dedicated to Al Qaeda. The Vikings attacked Britain's holiest of places in ways guaranteed to cause maximum outrage. Now in York, or Jorvik as it was in the original Norse, there is a visitors centre. It seems everyone is brought home in the end; but in visiting Jorvik, it's worth remembering the terror that came before the assimilation.

Jorvik was created in York by the York Archeological Trust in 1984 on the site of explorations carried out between 1976 and 1981. Items were found in a remarkable state of preservation due to the presence of an oxygen poor soil. Even some perishable items made of wood or leather survived. There is a reconstruction of Viking-age streets from 975AD, when Jorvik was Britain's most important Viking settlement. Visitors move around on a ride, with commentary and contemporary background noise from speakers in the head rests. Hundreds of items discovered during excavations are on display, and everything seen in the Viking town reconstruction is based on findings at the site. There is a regular calendar of special events, giving people the chance to have a go at Viking crafts or cookery, or to try some archeology for themselves. There are also guest speakers on specialist subjects, re-enactments and drill sessions for children wanting to have a go at being a Viking. Schools can book activities, which all have the National Curriculum in mind.

Jorvik has commentaries available in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish and Japanese.

 

 

Opening Times: The centre is open all year, April to October 10am to 5 pm and November to March 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

Opening times vary during the school Christmas holidays. The centre is closed 24th-26th December. Opening hours for 31st December are 10am -2pm, and January 1st 11am- 4pm.

Address: Jorvik Viking Centre, 15 - 17 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9WT

Directions: Jorvik is situated in the Coppergate shopping area close to the centre of York. The centre of York is pedestrian friendly, so if you are driving in, it is best to stop at the Park and Rides situated on the main roads leading into the city. There is a Park and Ride on the A64 which brings traffic in from both north, south and west. There are similar facilities on the A19, A1079 and the A166. Alternatively go to the Inner Ring Road, and park in one of the pay and display car parks around it. Jorvik is a fifteen minute walk from York railway station, and a ten minute walk from York's coach drop-off point. Click here for an interactive map centred on Jorvik.

Access: For disabled visitors there is a wheelchair-adapted lift, toilet facilities and time capsule. The time capsule has a hearing loop, and there is a Braille guide to the artifact gallery. As the attraction is underground only one wheelchair at a time can be accommodated due to fire regulations. Ring to pre arrange a time.

Contact:

telephone enquiries: 01904 543400

to pre-book tickets: 01904 615505

fax: 01904 627097

e-mail: jorvik@yorkat.co.uk

web: http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/

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