Jorvik Viking Centre

16th July 2013

Following the goosebumps and frights available at the York Dungeon, York’s Jorvik Viking Centre feels like a somewhat calmer affair in retrospect.

Providing my brain soaked up the interactive history lesson correctly ‘Jorvik’ was the Viking’s term for what we now know as York.

The first step is on a ‘time capsule’ to the very street you’re standing on, Coppergate at 5:30pm on 25th October 965 AD to tour a reconstructed Viking settlement which includes voices speaking in Old Norse, as well as aromas and life-like animated figures, made by laser technology from skeletons found on the site.

Speaking of things found on the site, beyond the tour is an extensive museum area which you’re free to roam at your own leisure including Viking helmets, weapons and even err a genuine Viking turd.

Not to mention interactive displays and the skeleton of a York local dubbed ‘Bob.’ The staff in traditional Viking dress are only too happy to explain the puzzle that is Bob’s death on the battlefield. It really is quite thrilling to hear how the jigsaw came together to create a timeline of Viking Bob’s final hours.

Oh and for a mere £2 you can finish the tour with a traditional Viking coin made before your eyes. 

Posted by Sun FM at 5:04pm