JORVIK Viking Centre, York (must see)

The Vikings captured York in 866 AD and settled the area until William the Conqueror invaded in 1066. In 1972, an excavation revealed evidence of the Viking settlement. The dig showed up to nine meters (29 feet) of layers. The layers protected delicate historical items such as clothing, timber, leather shoes, seeds, and insects. The dig continued, and over the next five years, archeologists found over 40,000 items.

The dig found Roman and medieval roof tiles re-used by Vikings, the timber used for buildings, metal slag, and pottery. The discoveries enabled scientists to envision how the Vikings lived, the layouts of buildings, what the Jorvik people ate, and how they spent their time.

To show visitors what life in Jorvik was like, the center has created an immersive experience. Visitors travel through the re-created Viking city in a time capsule ride. As visitors travel 1,000 years in the past, they will meet different animatronic Vikings, traders, Anglo-Saxons, and settlers from Ireland.

Visitors can then leave the ride and see 1,000-year-old artifacts up close. For example, visitors can admire ancient earrings, padlocks, and socks.

Tip:
It is worth booking in advance – for a little extra you jump the queue. Tickets are also valid for a year's worth of visits.
Once inside, ask the staff about what to look out for and they will point out some interesting things about the place you would never have realized.