JORVIK Viking Festival 2023
The Vikings are back in York for JORVIK Viking Festival 2023
JORVIK Viking Festival is York’s annual celebration of all things Norse. For nine days in York City Centre, you can discover saga-telling and combat displays, join in crafting fun and witness the might of the Vikings. There are nine days of Norse activities for the whole family to get stuck into, with tickets to the highlight events expected to sell out. Dine like a Viking at Jolablot Feast – enjoy three courses of delicious fare and raise your glass to the gods, in a dining experience not to be missed – and gather to hear the tale of Ibn Fadlan, brought to life with a cast of legendary Norsemen.
JORVIK Viking Centre
Don’t forget to visit JORVIK Viking Centre at this year’s Festival.
Based on the discoveries of the ground-breaking Coppergate Dig – which revealed the expansive trade routes of the Vikings – JORVIK Viking Centre explores the everyday lives of the traders, raiders and settlers in York. You can even see (and unfortunately smell) one Viking on the toilet and overhear a couple arguing about what to have for tea!
As part of this unique experience, you can also meet the Vikings who would have lived in 10th Century Jorvik.
See the Silverdale Hoard up close! One of the largest hoards ever found in the UK, comprised of over 200 pieces of silver rings, hacksilver and coins of Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Arabic origin, has arrived at JORVIK.
Plenty more history to discover with JORVIK Group attractions
Explore Barley Hall – a hidden medieval gem. Tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York, Barley Hall is a picturesque townhouse, restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. Plus, you can relax with a coffee and slice of cake in the new Barley Hall Coffee Shop, once home to a Georgian Coffee House.
See a new Shakespeare exhibition at Barley Hall, featuring costumes worn by Al Paccino, Kate Winslet, Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett and more. Plus, this exhibition is given a special twist as part of JORVIK Viking Festival! Explore how Harald Hardrada, Earl Tostig, Eric Bloodaxe and other stars of the Viking Age have been portrayed in Viking-themed drama in York stretching back more than 100 years.
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
Take the kids to DIG! Children can grab a trowel and get stuck into replica pits, exploring finds from 2000 years of York’s history. Adults can enjoy some archaeological fun too! The last tour of every day in term time is reserved for an adult-only tour – giving you the chance to chat with archaeologists and dig deeper into the stories of York’s archaeology.
Explore Ancient Dust Busters, a new exhibition delving into the research method of dental calculus. Discover what the residents of Roman York, Italy and Tunisia ate – and what they were doing in their spare time – by what they had stuck in their teeth!
City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar
City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar is reopening its doors for the season. From 11th February, you can explore this historic gateway into the city and discover their 2,000-year stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction.
Save money with Pastport tickets
Planning to visit more than one JORVIK Group attraction during your visit? Book online at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/save for multi-attraction tickets. Your family could save over £40 and you can get a discount on any hot drink in the Barley Hall Coffee Shop.
