JORVIK Viking Centre

Is it right for my child?

• Ages 5 and up get the most from it, which is what JORVIK itself recommends. Children love the Time Car ride past 22 lifelike Viking characters and the famous fossilised Viking poo.
• Under 5s go free and can enjoy the ride, but the history will mostly pass them by.
• Sensory notes: the ride includes the real sights, sounds and smells of Viking life. It is underground, some areas are dimly lit, it can feel a bit closed in when busy, and the entrance portal uses moving images that may affect visitors with photosensitive epilepsy or migraine.
• Good to know: the gallery shows three real Viking-age skeletons.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Book a timed slot in advance; you cannot just turn up and queue.
• Arrive 10 minutes early for bag checks. Late arrivals may not be admitted.
• Leave large bags at home: the maximum is 38cm by 30cm, and no aerosols are allowed.
• Plan to leave the pushchair in the pushchair storage area; buggies cannot go on the ride.
• One adult can supervise up to five children, and everyone 16 and under must be with an adult.
• Keep your ticket: it gives free return visits for 12 months.
• Download the visual story if your child likes to know what is coming.

Prices and tickets

• Booked online in advance: adult £17.50, child £12, student £14, family of four £49, family of five £56 (up to 2 adults per family ticket).
• Free: under 5s and carers.
• Discounts: 20% off with a York Card (cardholder only), 20% off for NHS, emergency services, armed forces and Blue Light Card holders, and free entry for children with a Blue Peter badge.
• Pastport: a combined ticket for JORVIK, DIG and Barley Hall (family of four £72).

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Pushchairs: the entrance is step-free and there is a lift down, but buggies are not allowed on the ride and are left in the pushchair storage area.
• Breastfeeding is welcome, and staff can find you a private space if you prefer.
• Toilets: there is an accessible toilet.

Food and drink

JORVIK is in the Coppergate Shopping Centre in the middle of York, so there are plenty of cafés and family-friendly places to eat within a few minutes’ walk.

Getting there and parking

• Address: 19 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9WT, inside the Coppergate Shopping Centre, near St Mary’s Church.
• Car: the nearest car parks are Castle car park (YO1 9SA) and Coppergate car park (YO1 9NX), both short stay. St George’s Field (YO10 4AB) is the nearest long stay.
• Park and Ride: free parking at York’s six Park and Ride sites; the nearest bus stop is on Tower Street, a two-minute walk.
• Train: about a 20-minute walk from York Station.

When to visit

The quietest times are in the winter months and on most days after 2pm. School holidays and the JORVIK Viking Festival in February are the busiest.

Additional needs and disability support

JORVIK offers strong support for children with additional needs and disabilities. Here is what is available.

Frequently asked questions

What age is JORVIK Viking Centre suitable for?

It is open to all ages, but JORVIK recommends it for children aged 5 and over. Under 5s go free.

Is JORVIK good for autistic children?

It can be. There are sensory packs, ear defenders, lanterns, visual stories, a Smell Map, traffic light stickers and autism-trained staff. It is underground with smells and dim lighting, so visit after 2pm or in winter for a calmer time.

Do you need to book JORVIK in advance?

Yes. Pre-booking a timed slot is essential, online or on 01904 615505.

Can you take a pushchair into JORVIK?

You can get a pushchair in by lift, but it cannot go on the ride, so it is left in the pushchair storage area.

How long does JORVIK take?

Around one hour, or up to two if your children love exploring the galleries.

Can you go back to JORVIK for free?

Yes. Your ticket gives free return visits for 12 months for everyone in your original party.

Checked on 11 November 2026 against the official tickets and prices, opening times, access and discounts pages. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.