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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Will Hide

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!

Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 5+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

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.

Official star rating:

The Grand

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. 

Official star rating:

Grays Court Hotel

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. 

Official star rating:

The Fat Badger

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.  

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

York

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.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Walk York’s Roman city walls

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 Minster

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

National Railway Museum

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..

Man posing on execution block with a mannequin holding an axe above him
Experience

York Dungeon

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

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view of a narrow street with people in it
Experience

The Shambles

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

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Hill-top fortified tower on a sunny day with stairs leading up to it
Experience

Clifford’s Tower

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

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Sign advertising the start of a ghost walk visitor tourist attraction
Experience

Ghost Walk in York

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

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