JORVIK Viking Festival 2027 – Visitor Guide & Accommodation
Your guide to York’s Viking Festival
The Vikings return to York from 8–14 February 2027 for one of the city’s most distinctive annual events.
JORVIK Viking Festival celebrates York’s Viking heritage with living history, demonstrations, workshops, traditional crafts, family activities, talks and spectacular combat performances.
For 2027, the festival is inspired by the Viking-led rebellion against William the Conqueror, with Vikings and Normans once again taking over parts of the city.
When is JORVIK Viking Festival 2027?
JORVIK Viking Festival runs from:
Monday 8 February – Sunday 14 February 2027
Events take place at locations throughout York.
What happens at JORVIK Viking Festival?
The festival combines historical entertainment with hands-on activities and educational events.
Visitors can expect events including:
- Living-history encampments
- Viking crafts
- Family activities
- Workshops
- Historical talks
- Tours
- Feasts
- Evening events
- Dramatic combat displays
Some events are free while others require tickets.
JORVIK Viking Encampment
One of the easiest ways to experience the festival is through the Viking encampment in Parliament Street.
Visitors can see Viking life recreated in the heart of modern York, with crafts, demonstrations and living-history displays.
It’s particularly good for families and visitors who might not have attended the festival before.
Viking crafts and workshops
The 2027 programme includes opportunities to learn more about traditional Viking crafts.
Activities announced include leatherworking, nalbinding and children’s craft sessions.
These smaller activities can be a great way to experience the festival away from the larger headline events.
Explore Viking York
York’s Viking history goes far beyond the festival itself.
During your stay, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover Coppergate as it would have appeared around 1,000 years ago.
You can also explore the wider historic city, where evidence of York’s Roman, Viking and medieval past sits alongside modern shops, cafés and restaurants.
Make it a half-term break
JORVIK Viking Festival falls during February, making it particularly suitable for a family city break.
Stay for two or three nights rather than visiting for the day and you’ll have enough time to experience festival events alongside York’s major attractions.
Where to stay for JORVIK Viking Festival
Railway House York offers eight self-catering apartments within easy reach of York city centre.
Families have the convenience of kitchens and living areas, while larger groups can book several apartments together.
Across Railway House, groups of up to 30 guests can be accommodated.
The property also has gated on-site parking, meaning you can leave your car behind and explore York once you’ve arrived.
It’s a comfortable base for experiencing the festival while giving you somewhere quieter to return to at the end of the day.
Railway House York — city break, countryside feeling.
JORVIK Viking Festival FAQs
When is JORVIK Viking Festival 2027?
The festival runs from 8–14 February 2027.
Is JORVIK Viking Festival suitable for families?
Yes. The programme includes family events, children’s activities, crafts and living-history experiences.
Do you need tickets for JORVIK Viking Festival?
Some events are free while others require advance tickets. Popular workshops and headline events should be booked in advance.
Where does JORVIK Viking Festival take place?
Events take place at multiple venues around York, including locations in the city centre and attractions associated with York Archaeological Trust.
