JORVIK Viking Centre has transformed its period recreation of Coppergate to how it would be seen in the coldest months and named it 'A Winter Adventure', running until February 2025.
The change from the centre’s usual Springtime scenes has been in part inspired by one of the items found in the area.
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![The street scenes in 10th century Coppergate are recreated to show JORVIK in the winter months]()
The street scenes in 10th century Coppergate are recreated to show JORVIK in the winter months (Image: Charlotte Graham) Chief operations officer Dr Howard Jones said: “Since we first opened in 1984, we’ve presented our recreation as a moment frozen in time in the Spring, but this year we’ve taken inspiration from one of the archaeological finds – ice skates made of bone – to show what the city might have looked like in mid-winter.
“Snow has fallen in 10th century York, and the residents are wrapped up in their winter woollens and furs to keep warm as the temperatures plummet.”
![The Coppergate dig which turned York 'Viking']()
The Coppergate dig which turned York 'Viking' (Image: Newsquest) Before the 15 minute ride through the frosty Jorvik streetscape, guests are introduced to the archaeology of the Coppergate site, and hear how it might provide clues as to how York's Viking residents cared for their livestock, fed themselves and kept warm during the colder winter months.
![The tour of Coppergate shows how the Vikings adapted to life in the winter months]()
The tour of Coppergate describes how the Vikings adapted to life in the winter months (Image: Kevin Glenton) Jorvik’s trading links with kingdoms across the globe are uncovered, with vivid descriptions of everyday items like combs, cups and bowls - and even a Viking board game – shown, described or displayed on screens as the guests pass through the streetscape.
In the galleries, the traditions of fireside storytelling are recreated, with JORVIK’s very own Vikings becoming skalds (Viking poets and storytellers) for winter-themed tales of gods and monsters, as well as discussion of the kit needed to make it through a Viking winter.
![A Winter Adventure at JORVIK runs to February 22, 2025]()
A Winter Adventure at JORVIK runs to February 22, 2025 (Image: Charlotte Graham) Dr Chris Tuckley, head of interpretation and learning at York Archaeological Trust, said: “The centre has always been a smash hit since it first opened and surpassed everybody’s expectations, going back to when members of the public went to see the Coppergate dig.
![Dr Chris Tuckley, head of interpretation and learning at York Archaeological Trust]()
Dr Chris Tuckley, head of interpretation and learning at York Archaeological Trust (Image: Kevin Glenton) “Over the years, the site has benefitted from the fact that the Vikings are an attractive brand, and the idea of a Viking also can draw them to York in the first place.
“Vikings have always belonged to the public as well as to academics.”
A Winter Adventure at JORVIK Viking Centre runs to February 23, 2025. Prebooking is essential as no tickets are available on the door. For more information visit www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.
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