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Harrowells York
Harrowells York
Harrowells York

13 things to do at Jorvik Viking Festival that are fun for all the family

Monday 16 May, 2022 @ 8.06 am Things to do Rachel Rogers
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It’s nearly time for Norsemen and women to take over York’s streets as the rescheduled Jorvik Viking Festival begins at the end of the month.

Visitors to the annual festival – which was rescheduled from February – can expect epic battles, impressive beards and perhaps the largest parade of Viking warriors in Europe.

The Jorvik Viking Festival will take place from Saturday 28 May to Wednesday 1 June.

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“There’s something about the Vikings that fascinates children and sparks their interest in history and archaeology,” said events manager, Gareth Henry.

“As the largest Viking festival of its kind in Europe, we work with some of the most skilled historic interpreters and experts in the world to put together a packed programme of family-friendly activities that will have children of all ages hooked for life!”

Take a look below to find out what young Viking fans can look out for when York is taken over by Norse invaders…

For the full programme of events and booking information visit the Jorvik Viking Festival website.

Photo by Charlotte Graham

1. Viking Encampment

A chance to meet the Vikings who have gathered in the heart of York – learn about their trades, see their crafts in action and get a selfie or two! 

  • Parliament Street, York
  • Sat 28 May – Wed 1 June
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Free

2. City Centre Stage

Three saga-themed storytelling sessions plus have-a-go sword-fighting workshops all day.

  • Parliament Street, York
  • Sat 28 May – Wed 1 June
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Free
Who will be crowned champion?

3. Annual Strongest Viking Competition

With hammer-holding, leg-wrestling, hand-to-hand combat and more, cheer on your favourite Viking champion at this family-friendly contest.

  • Parliament Street, York
  • Sat 28 May
  • 11am
  • Free

4. March to Coppergate

See and hear hundreds of Viking warriors as they muster in their fearsome armies next to York Minster before marching through the city to Coppergate, their war cries echoing around the streets.

  • Dean’s Park, York
  • Sat 28 May
  • 1:30-2pm
  • Free

5. Best Beard

This fun competition has become something of a cult highlight, drawing huge crowds and some very competitive participants! Young or old, male or female – all are encouraged to enter and try to win the highly prized beard trophies. Homemade beards are permitted!

  • Parliament Street, York
  • Sat 28 May
  • 3pm
  • Free

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Vikings assemble!

6. The Jorvik Games

A brand new event for 2022! Who has what it takes to be crowned Jorvik Champion 2022? Four teams of intrepid warriors nominate their champions to complete challenges of skill, strength, nerve and wit – and occasionally, treachery.

  • The Eye of York, York
  • Sat 28 May
  • 6:45pm
  • Tickets from £11, pre-booking essential

7. 10th Century Traders

Meet 10th century traders from all over the Viking world, soak up the atmosphere and explore stalls selling Viking goods, from hand-crafted weapons to authentic jewellery and much more!  

  • The Guildhall and St Sampson’s Square, York
  • Sat 28 – Mon 30 May
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Tickets from £2

8. Meet the Vikings

This year the JORVIK Learning Team has teamed up with Viking interpreters from other world-class museums outside the UK. Join Vikings from York, Dublin, Stavanger and Copenhagen for a drop-in afternoon of activities, storytelling and crafting demonstrations.

  • 29/31 Coney Street, York
  • Sun 29 May
  • 1-5pm
  • Free
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Make your own Viking beard

9. Viking Crafting for Kids

Try your hand at various Viking crafts – pottery, wool-braiding, beard making, coin pouch making and flag painting.

  • Parliament Street, York
  • Tue 31 May – Wed 1 Jun
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Free

10. Poo Day

It’s smelly, it’s squelchy – but it tells us lots about the past! Bring the kids to find out why archaeologists love poo and get hands on making your own replica poo fossil.

  • DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, York
  • Wed 1 Jun
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Included in admission to DIG

11. JORVIK Viking Centre

Explore York’s Viking heritage in this world-famous attraction, built on the site of York Archaeological Trust’s original Viking dig in the 1970s, and see Coppergate as it would have looked in the 10th century with a stunning recreation of part of the Viking city of Jorvik.

  • JORVIK Viking Centre, York
  • Open daily
  • 10am – 5pm
  • Tickets from £9.50
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12. Magic & Mystery: Seafaring, Sagas & Spells

In this special addition to Barley Hall’s Magic & Mystery exhibition, only for JORVIK Viking Festival, find out how Vikings sought protection from the elements on voyages and told tales of encounters with sorcerers, shapeshifters and sea monsters. 

  • Barley Hall, York
  • Sat 28 May – Wed 1 Jun
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Included in admission to Barley Hall

13. Tiny Diggers

These sensory play sessions using textures found in archaeology are designed exclusively for babies and toddlers. 

  • DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, York
  • Tue 30 May and Fri 3 Jun
  • 9-10am
  • £6.50

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