Jorvik
I have been lucky enough to visit the Jorvik Viking Centre a number of times over the years, from shortly after it opened in 1984 to earlier this month. In early visits, the Time-Cars moved backwards through history until arriving in AD 948 where they turned a moved forwards through the streets and workshops of Coppergate with all the sights, sounds and smells! The man on the toilet was as popular a sight then as he is now! The ride has changed over the years until severe flooding in December 2015 led to a re-imagining of the whole experience.
Postcards from a previous visit.
On the 8th April, 2017, after a four million pound renovation, the Jorvik Viking Centre reopened to the public and is as popular, if not more so, than it ever was. The centre now has three areas: Discover Coppergate, Experience Coppergate, and Explore Coppergate. From the moment you arrive and find yourself in a queue outside (in the rain, but we were given umbrellas!), this wonderful experience begins with costumed staff entertaining and educating you as you wait. It might be on the pricey side, but it is worth every penny- and our English Heritage membership gave us a discount when we booked online!
An enthusiastic member of the Jorvik team, dressed in role, sets the historical context for visitors using a mixture of talk and photos/ video. Reconstruction techniques offer a visually accurate representation of the Coppergate site underneath the glass floor, allowing visitors a glimpse of the archaeologists’ experience.
Visitors then board the six-seater carriages and start their journey through the streets of Viking York. A commentary gives plenty of detail with a screen in front of each passenger showing objects in more detail as they are discussed. The attention to detail is incredible with smell as well as sight and sound adding to the experience.
Winter had come to Jorvik which added greatly to the atmosphere. This part of the experience had been greatly developed since we last visited with new scenes, new characters and new smells to enjoy! However, the poor man using the cess pit remains, still straining and groaning!
Having (reluctantly!) left the ride, there is one more gallery to enjoy. ‘Explore Coppergate’ houses a range of artefacts uncovered during the dig, a real treasure trove which offers a fascinating glimpse at both life in Viking York and the development of the Jorvik Centre itself.
The Jorvik Viking Centre is a unique, absorbing place to visit, well worth returning to and enjoying again and again!
Jorvik Viking Centre
19 Coppergate,
York
YO1 9WT