Jorvik Viking Centre

They came, they saw, they brutally conquered. Around 1,000 year ago, the Vikings arrived on the bank of the River Ouse, established one of their most important settlements in Europe and named it Jorvik.
Substantial parts of their fantastic settlement were then unearthed in the late 1970’s when digging the foundations of the rather dull Coppergate Shopping Centre and one of York's most popular and dynamic attractions was born. Great for all ages, a high-tech reception area offers a brief introduction to these feared Scandinavian invaders, followed by a full sensory ‘flying’ capsule journey through the recreated settlement streets and homes. Once back on foot, the costumed staff make sure there’s plenty more to engage as they describe and demonstrate various aspects of life for the everyday Viking in York. Recently improved, there’s now even a place to check your Viking lineage.