Every Summer we head over to York; we love the attractions there and one of our favourite places to visit is JORVIK. My daughter has done the Vikings topic at school recently so was keen to visit. This time we met another family there so the children could do the visit together. The ages of our children were 8, 9, 10 and 12 and all found it really interesting and learned a lot (as did the grown-ups!).
On arrival you explore a room with a glass floor, looking down on where settlements were found. There are people dressed up as Vikings to talk to who have an amazing knowledge, we leaned loads from the staff who are really passionate about history and told us some fantastic facts.
Then it is off on the main tour, which you go round in a car, much to the kids delight.
The tour really does take you back to Viking times. You see a huge range of dwellings, settings and history, all narrated on the screens in the car. You can really imagine what it was like living back in those times, with the sights and smells of Viking Britain.
After the tour you can see the displays with original artefacts and more information on what life was like, and you can have a Viking coin made! The whole thing took us an hour and the kids were chatting for ages afterwards about all the things they had learned. It’s a fun and educational day out, I think the ages of our children were just right to get the most out of it but any Primary and Secondary age children would find it interesting.
Find out more about JORVIK and the other archeological attractions in York……
You can also save on a visit to all these city-centre attractions with the cost-cutting Pastport ticket, available to buy on their website or over the phone on 01904 615505
Meet a Viking at JORVIK Viking Centre
Where else can you chat to a Viking, get up close a remarkably well-preserved Viking poo and take in the smells of a 10th-century market place (including rotting fish & cabbages)?
A visit to JORVIK is one for the whole family to remember! As you hop aboard the time capsule to 10th-century York you will find out more about 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. The Vikings of Coppergate have a wealth of knowledge about the Viking Age – make sure you ask them all your burning questions about all things Norse!
This Summer, you can also see the Silverdale Hoard, one of the largest hoards ever found in the UK, on display. How many pieces of silver can you count?
Explore a medieval townhouse – Barley Hall
Visit Barley Hall this Summer. Kids (and adults!) can have fun dressing up in medieval costumes and playing games in the Tudor Schoolroom, have a go at shadow puppet theatre and explore the Great Hall ready for a medieval feast.
Don’t miss The Bard at Barley Hall exhibition, featuring costumes worn by celebrities such as Kate Winslet, and interactive smell boxes – see if you can guess the Shakespearean play from the smell & items in the box!
Check out a new event at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure this Summer
Ever wondered what happens with archaeological finds outside of the trench? Visit Archaeology Beyond the Trench at DIG this Summer. Take a look at the floatation process, use microscopes to see the smallest of objects, and see if you can figure out what these tiny objects are!
This event will run every Tuesday from 25th July until the 29th August, 11am-3pm. Tickets are included in entry to DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, where kids can grab a trowel and become trainee ‘diggers’ and chat to friendly archaeologists about life in the trenches.
Discover Micklegate Bar
Explore three floors of Micklegate Bar, an important gateway to the city of York. As you climb your way to the top floor, you can discover more about the historic walls surrounding the city of York, watch videos and view artefacts – there’s even some fun activities for kids!
Micklegate Bar is located on the city walls a short walk from York train station.
Find out more about all of these attractions and book your tickets HERE
NB This is an Advertorial Feature for JORVIK Viking Centre
