YORK'S much loved Jorvik Viking Centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland as it gets a Narnia-style makeover to mark its 40th anniversary.

Friday, 18 October 2024 14:19

By Maxine Gordon

The popular attraction - which first opened in April 1984 - will get a snowy refit for the first time in its history.

Visitors will be able to see what 10th-century York was like in winter and how the Vikings survived during the cold winter months.

The new Winter Adventure at Jorvik Viking Centre will open on November 11 and run through to the Viking Festival in February. Pre-booking for tickets is essential because they will not be available to buy on the door.

Dr Howard Jones,chief operations officer at Jorvik, said: "Since we first opened in 1984, we’ve presented our recreation of Viking-age Coppergate 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."

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