Dean Court Hotel
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
A stone’s throw from York Minster, this trio of 19th-century townhouses has the best location in town, close to all of the city’s main attractions.
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Jorvik was the Viking name for York, and the city was an important centre for the Vikings after they started raiding northern Britain from the 8th century onwards.
The Jorvik Viking Centre came about after an archaeological dig in the 1970s unearthed vast amounts of artefacts. Today the centre celebrates all things Viking, and is one of the most visited attractions in the city – as the lengthy queues outside at busy times attest.
The wait is worth it, though; where else can you tour round an authentically recreated Viking street in your own buggy, with the added joy of wafts from a Viking toilet!
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Destination Guide >Located in the Coppergate Shopping Centre, at the southern end of Coppergate walk, the Jorvik Viking Centre is five minutes’ walk from the Minster, and easily walkable from most hotels and the train station.
It’s advisable to pre-book tickets online, as there can be long queues at the ticket office and there are only a certain number of standby tickets available each day. Each ticket gives free access to the museum for a year. You can download an audio guide (multiple languages) upon arrival.
This attraction is popular year-round, but gets especially busy in school holidays – you are strongly advised to book a timed entry online in advance. It’s all undercover so it’s not affected by Yorkshire’s fickle weather.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
A stone’s throw from York Minster, this trio of 19th-century townhouses has the best location in town, close to all of the city’s main attractions.
Official star rating:
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
The Grand lives up to its name, with a chic cocktail bar, one of the city’s best restaurants and a sleek, subterranean spa.
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York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
A city centre hotel with a top-notch restaurant in an elegant 11th-century building, tucked away down a cobbled lane at the back of York Minster.
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York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
A former 18th-century grocery store, this is a cosy, charming inn set next to one of the city’s medieval gateways.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
York’s dramatic past – from Roman settlements to Viking invasions – has created one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, home to the world-famous York Minster and the most complete medieval walls in the country.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
Walking York’s ancient city walls – the best-preserved in Britain – offers glimpses of the city’s rich history, with fortified towers, Roman gateways and a wonderful view of the medieval rooftops.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2 houra
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
York Minster is northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral, taking 250 years to build, and famous for its vividly beautiful stained glass.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Europe’s premier railway museum boasts every type of train from steam locomotives to the only bullet train outside Japan – a wet-weather winner for kids of all ages.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
An alternative way to explore York’s history using actors to tell local tales. It’s a fun activity for rainy days, but not really suitable for under eights or easily-scared adults.
Best for ages: 13+ | £18
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
York’s most famous and well-preserved medieval street. Harry Potter fans love it for its resemblance to Diagon Alley, although author JK Rowling says that’s pure coincidence.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
Built by William the Conqueror, this is one of York’s most iconic landmarks – in its time, it has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. Head up to the roof deck for the best city views.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
With 2,000 years of history, it’s easy to believe the claims that York is Europe’s most haunted city. Find out for yourself on one of several nightly ghost walks.
Best for ages: 13+ | £8 | 1-2 hours